Monsoon season in Maricopa can be hard on air conditioners, bringing together triple-digit heat, dust storms and sudden power fluctuations. According to InMaricopa, local HVAC technicians say the months from July through September often bring a large share of AC failures across the Valley.
Brewer’s AC, a Tempe-based company that services Maricopa and other Phoenix-area communities, said many post-storm service calls involve clogged condenser coils, tripped capacitors and dirty filters. The company said storms often do not cause the problem by themselves, but instead reveal issues that were already building up.
Dust from haboobs can coat the outdoor condenser coil and make it harder for the system to shed heat. Monsoon lightning and grid fluctuations can also affect electrical parts like capacitors and contactors, while higher humidity adds extra work because the system must remove moisture from the air as well as cool it.
To help protect a system, the article recommends rinsing the outdoor unit gently with a hose after turning off power, changing filters more often during monsoon season, and keeping a 2-foot clear area around the unit. It also suggests considering a surge protector and scheduling a professional tuneup if one has not already been done this year.
According to InMaricopa, homeowners should pay attention to warning signs such as warm air from the vents, short cycling or an unexplained jump in the electric bill. The article notes that repair schedules can fill quickly after major storms, so waiting can make problems harder to address.
