By October, most people are ready to be done with the AC. In Los Angeles, some of our hottest days can come in the fall. We’ve been doing this work in LA since 1981, and October is still AC season here.
Why is it still hot in LA in October?
Santa Ana winds are a big part of it. In the fall, air from the high desert flows down toward the coast. As it drops, it compresses and heats up, so it reaches LA hot and very dry. The Valley runs hotter than the coast to begin with, but during a Santa Ana, even beach neighborhoods can heat up.
When a Santa Ana comes through, your AC can be working as hard as it did in August.
What does a fall heat wave do to my AC?
A fall heat wave can push an AC system that’s already been working all summer even harder. By October, small problems have had months to get worse: a dirty filter, a weak capacitor, a slow refrigerant leak. A few days of hard running in the heat is often when those problems finally cause a breakdown.
The wind adds its own problem. Santa Anas blow leaves and debris into outdoor units, which can block airflow right when the system needs it most.
What can I check myself?
There are a few simple things you can check before calling for service:
- Filter. If it looks gray or clogged, change it. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make your system work harder.
- Outdoor unit. Clear away leaves and debris, and keep plants and stored items away from it. Don’t cover it — it needs open airflow to work.
- Thermostat. Make sure it’s set to cool and, if it uses batteries, that they’re still good.
- Breaker. If the AC won’t turn on, check the breaker. If it trips again after you reset it, leave it off and call us.
One more thing: setting the thermostat to 60 won’t cool the house faster. The system will just run nonstop trying to get there, which puts more wear on the system right when it’s already working hardest. Set it where you actually want it.
When should I call for AC repair?
Call us if you notice:
- Warm air coming from the vents
- Ice on the AC system or the lines running to it
- The AC turning on and off every few minutes
- Water pooling around the indoor unit
- Grinding, squealing, or banging noises
- A breaker that keeps tripping
If you see ice, turn the system off and let it thaw. Running it while it’s frozen can cause more damage.