Avoid These 12 Frequent HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the heat of summer, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the heat. At the same time, your home’s air conditioner may run into issues as day-to-day use rises as the thermometer does. Review these 12 common HVAC problems in the summer months to help you avoid or repair them as needed.
1. Incorrectly Configured Thermostat
Wonky thermostat settings can lead to problems with comfort/system performance and a spike in energy costs. If you have trouble reaching the right temperature, go check on your thermostat. If a family member keeps adjusting the settings up or down, it’s more of a hassle to balance convenient comfort and energy efficiency.
2. High Humidity
Having too much indoor moisture levels makes the air feel damp and promotes mold growth. An air conditioner lowers the temperature of and dehumidifies the air simultaneously, but this may not always be enough in particularly humid climates. Adding a dehumidifier will often help fix the problem unless the AC system has a hidden issue that encourages humidity levels to get worse.
3. Obstructed Condensate Drain
The condensate drain gets rid of moisture created by your AC system’s cooling cycles. A clog in these drain lines can cause water damage or mold growth. It helps to regularly inspect and clear out this drain if you need to stop clogs.
4. Weak Airflow
Airflow may drop if you have a clog in the air filter, damaged ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Regularly scheduled maintenance such as changing the air filter, keeping all air registers open and clearing vegetation from around the outdoor unit should improve airflow. Persistent problems might mean there are severe issues like ductwork damage or a malfunctioning compressor, which all do best with professional attention.
5. Leaking Refrigerant
The supply of refrigerant is the main element in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant decreases the system’s available supply and diminishes cooling efficiency, making making your unit work harder and longer even as the temperature control falls away. Refrigerant leaks are more common in older units but may pop up in any system stressed by higher usage. Sigs you may have a leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, sizzling or bubbling sounds, and unexpectedly high energy bills. Only HVAC professionals can fix the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Ice and Freezing Problems with Your Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often results from little to no airflow or a refrigerant leak, both of which can prevent your HVAC from correctly circulating hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil interrupts the cooling process and may cause permanent damage. Routine maintenance is smart if you want to stop freezing and protect efficient operation.
7. Excessive Cooling Cycles
Short cycling is when your air conditioner switches off and on much more often than it should. This is pointing to an oversized air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical damage. Short cycling lowers efficiency and could also reduce your unit’s life span, so instead trust local professionals to identify the cause and find a solution.
8. No Power to the AC Unit
If your AC struggles to turn on, check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse before anything else. If this is not the issue, there could be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are essential for starting the unit. Contact a professional to set up a repair appointment.
9. Constantly Tripped Breakers
Speaking of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to repeatedly reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit designed to be compatible with this high-power equipment. Regular circuit breaker tripping can be a safety hazard, since it’s an electrical malfunction that needs immediate attention.
10. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are constantly left to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris cover up the unit, hurting its ability to get rid of heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Clean these coils regularly with a gentle spray from your garden hose to help maintain system efficiency.
11. Strange Noises
Loud noises coming from the air conditioning often means something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt in need of replacing, while clanking or knocking sounds may be coming from unsecure components. Don’t try and ignore these kinds of noises, as they can lead to widespread problems, constant repairs or total system failure if not addressed immediately.
12. Strange Smells
If you notice gross smells coming out of the HVAC system, investigate further to figure out where they’re coming from. A burnt smell often means electrical fires or a component overheating, while a moldy smell suggests mold growth within the system. Strange smells often need immediate attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues.
We Are Devoted to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing is more important to us than your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, yet long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy with our work, we’ll make it right. So, the next time your air conditioning system starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
