Annual AC maintenance is something you ignore at your own risk. Skipping your yearly AC tune-up can lead to breakdowns, inefficient performance, and uncomfortable living conditions, especially during a California heatwave. Keeping your AC system in good working order is one of the best ways to stay cool when temperatures soar.
Ensuring Effective Cooling in Extreme Heat
Over time, AC systems can develop issues like dust buildup on the evaporator or condenser coils and gradual refrigerant loss. While these problems affect performance in any season, they can cause serious complications during extreme heat.
When temperatures rise, your system works harder and cools less efficiently. That’s because it’s more difficult for the system to release the heat it has removed from your home. As a result, refrigerant may not cool down fully before cycling back, which weakens the system’s ability to provide consistent cooling.
Under normal conditions, your AC should cool the home approximately 1-2 degrees every 15-20 minutes. During a heatwave, the same system, especially if the home heats up quickly may cool at a slower rate, see California ISO notes how heatwaves strain the grid and amplify cooling challenges for households. If your system is dirty, low on refrigerant, or experiencing airflow problems, it may not cool at all, even if it runs continuously.
In more serious cases, restricted airflow or refrigerant issues can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. A frozen coil means no cooling at all until the system is turned off and the ice fully thaws. That process can take several hours, during which your home could heat up dramatically. In this situation, your AC might not catch up until well into the night, if at all.
Preventing Unnecessarily High Energy Bills
A poorly maintained system uses more energy to cool your home. During a heatwave, your AC may run around the clock, leading to significantly higher electricity bills.
Keeping the coils clean is one of the most important maintenance tasks for energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty condenser coil can reduce AC efficiency by up to 30 percent. When you add in other system issues, your utility bill can easily double compared to a system running in peak condition.
Regular maintenance may come at a cost, but it can pay for itself by lowering your monthly energy use and avoiding repairs.
Reducing the Risk of a Breakdown
High temperatures place extra stress on your AC system. If it already has worn parts or minor issues, that added pressure could cause a complete system failure.
During routine maintenance, our technicians perform a detailed inspection to spot worn-out components, electrical hazards, or airflow restrictions. We test parts like capacitors, inspect wiring, and check for signs of overheating or strain.
If your outdoor condenser coil is dirty, the compressor may have to work too hard and start to overheat. Problems like a damaged fan or debris buildup around the outdoor unit can also lead to overheating.
Most compressors have a thermal overload switch that shuts the system down when it gets too hot. While this prevents major electrical damage, it can still lead to issues. The system won’t restart until the compressor cools to a safe temperature, and short-cycling (rapid on-off cycles) may follow. This behavior wears out components faster and increases the chance of a breakdown.
Protecting and Extending the Life of Your AC System
Maintaining your air conditioner is similar to taking care of a car or going in for a health checkup. Preventive care helps your system last longer and run more reliably.
Extreme heat always adds wear and tear. In California, a well-maintained AC system can last 12 to 15 years according to California Title 24 standards for residential AC systems. Without routine maintenance, it may need replacement in under 10. Annual tune-ups from a professional AC service help you get the most life out of your system while minimizing the risk of emergency repairs. If you find yourself in a dangerously hot home, check out California Department of Public Health advice on staying safe during extreme heat events.
The Huft Home Services Difference
At Huft Home Services, we take AC maintenance seriously. Our Hero Creed is built on honesty, integrity, and transparency. We educate homeowners about how regular maintenance improves comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term savings.
Our technicians don’t just identify issues—we give you clear options so you can decide what’s best for your home and your budget. If your system needs repairs, we’ll walk you through them. If it’s time for a replacement, we offer professional AC installation as well.
To schedule annual maintenance or any HVAC service in the Sacramento area, contact Huft Home Services today.
