Top 5 Causes of AC Breakdowns During Indiana Heatwaves

Indiana summers seem to only get hotter, and extreme temperatures during heatwaves can push your air conditioner to its limits. These high-demand cooling periods expose your system’s underlying performance problems, which can quickly lead to system failure during prolonged sweltering temperatures. Understanding what causes breakdowns during heatwaves helps you knowwhen to call an air conditioner repairman near you, giving you a better chance of catching problems early and staying cool when it matters most.

1. Clogged Air Filters: The Hidden Enemy During Heatwaves

Air filters trap dust, pollen, and other contaminants and debris as they enter your AC system to prevent them from clogging components or recirculating them throughout your home. Without periodic replacement, debris clogs the filter and restricts airflow, which makes your system work harder than it should to reach the set temperature.

During a heatwave, your AC needs maximum airflow to pull heat from your home efficiently. With poor airflow, the evaporator coil doesn’t absorb enough heat, becomes too cold, and freezes over. A frozen coil can’t cool the restricted air, and the AC blows warm air or no air at all. This often triggers a system shutdown to keep the compressor from overheating. When it melts, you may notice the AC leaking water inside your home.

2. Refrigerant Leaks and Low Levels

Refrigerant is a chemical compound inside your AC that moves in a closed loop between the evaporator coil and condenser coil to remove heat from the indoor air and carry it outside. When refrigerant levels drop, usually due to a leak, the system loses pressure and can’t transfer heat effectively.

In this case, your AC may blow warm air or run continuously without lowering the temperature. If your system has a refrigerant leak, you may also hear hissing or bubbling sounds near the line. Left unaddressed, low refrigerant levels accelerate system wear and may cause compressor failure.

As your AC works harder and longer during heatwaves, low refrigerant becomes a bigger problem. A qualified HVAC technician can locate and repair leaks, recharge refrigerant levels, and protect your system from further damage.

3. Overworked Compressors in Extreme Heat

The compressor functions as a pump that circulates and pressurizes refrigerant. This component is vital to your AC’s overall function, and it’s designed to operate within specific temperature and pressure limits. A heatwave can test these limits and subject the compressor to extreme loads, increasing the chance of overheating and permanent damage. In addition to severe temperatures, debris buildup on the outdoor unit, electrical problems, poor airflow, and other issues can exacerbate this problem.

In some cases, high pressure triggers safety mechanisms that shut the system down to prevent further harm, but the system has already experienced strain and performance loss since then. Restarting the system without addressing the cause can escalate compressor damage. Since compressor repairs are complex and costly, damage and failure often result in premature AC system replacement.

4. Electrical Failures and Blown Capacitors

Electrical issues become more common in high-heat conditions, especially when AC systems start and stop more frequently throughout the day. Capacitors, contactors, and relays control fan motors and the compressor. The start capacitor gives an initial energy surge to the compressor, and the run capacitor maintains a steady electrical current during operation.

Heatwaves, power surges, and physical wear degrade these electrical components. When a capacitor blows, your system may try to start but fail, or it may start and immediately shut off. You might hear clicking or buzzing, or the fan may run without the compressor. If your air conditioner suddenly stops working, runs inconsistently, or trips the breaker repeatedly, consult a licensed HVAC technician.

5. Poor AC Maintenance and Delayed Repairs

Regular AC maintenance is one of the most effective preventative measures against breakdowns, especially during severe conditions. Tune-ups address wear and inefficiencies that develop with aging and normal usage, and skipping seasonal maintenance can increase the risk of bigger problems when your AC is under maximum load. Without maintenance, system performance declines across various components and functions, including:

• Air balancing and filtering
• Heat exchange
• Drain line function
• Electrical contact integrity

These problems may not be as noticeable during normal conditions, but cooling demand during heatwaves may stress your system and escalate minor problems into immediate performance issues and seemingly sudden failures. Neglected repairs, such as refrigerant leaks or failing motors, likewise expose your system to increased breakdown risks.

Armor Air offers comprehensive maintenance plans tailored to Indiana homes. Regular service helps avoid emergency AC repairs, reduces energy consumption, and supports your AC’s longevity.

When to Call an AC Repairman Near You in Indiana

Knowing when to call for AC repair protects your system and household. It’s easy to ignore subtle signs your AC needs repair when it’s still running, but they often point to larger problems waiting to happen. During a heatwave, it’s especially important to act quickly — delaying repairs risks your comfort, safety, and the integrity of your AC system.

Call a professional HVAC technician if your AC shows these symptoms:

• The AC isn’t cooling properly despite running constantly.
• Unusual or loud sounds, such as grinding or clicking.
• Ice buildup on components.
• Water is dripping from vents or near the unit.
• Frequent cycling, where the system turns on in short, successive bursts.
• Burning smells or musty odors.
• Breakers tripping regularly.
• Energy bill spikes.
• Unresponsive thermostat.

Schedule Fast and Reliable AC Repair With Armor Air

By understanding the top causes of AC breakdowns and responding early to signs of trouble, you can keep your system running at its best through Indiana’s worst heatwaves. Armor Air is here to help when your system needs attention.

From clogged filters and low refrigerant to electrical issues and compressor strain, our team approaches AC repair with precision and expertise. If your AC isn’t cooling properly or shows signs of failure, don’t sweat it — contact us at Armor Air for local and experienced service you can count on.