Avoid These 12 Typical HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the heart of summer, you depend on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the heat. At the same time, the AC unit may run into issues as usage rises as the temperature does. Here are 12 frequent HVAC issues in the summer to help you prevent or address them as needed.
1. Poorly Configured Thermostat
Wonky thermostat settings can lead to comfort problems and more expensive energy bills. If you have these issues, start with your thermostat. If a family member keeps adjusting the settings higher or lower, it’s harder to balance convenience and energy efficiency.
2. High Humidity
At a certain point, high indoor moisture levels makes the air feel thick and fosters mold spores. An air conditioner chills and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this may not be sufficient in especially warmer climates. Setting up a dehumidifier should solve the problem unless your air conditioner has an underlying issue that can encourage humidity levels to get worse.
3. Clogged Condensate Drain
The condensate drain gets rid of condensation generated by the cooling process. A piece of debris lodged in this drain can lead to water damage or mold gaining a foothold. Try to keep a regular schedule when you check and clean this drain if needed to prevent water damage.
4. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may drop if you have a clogged air filter, faulty ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Regularly scheduled maintenance such as changing the air filter, leaving all air registers open and cutting back any weeds from around the outdoor unit should enhance airflow. A constant stream of problems might mean there are major problems such as ductwork damage or a failing compressor, which all demand professional service.
5. Coolant Leak
The refrigerant supply is the essential component in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant lowers the system’s useable supply and reduces cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder and longer even as the cooling effectiveness falls away. Refrigerant problems are more frequent in aging units but can occur in any system strained by higher usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include hot air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and surprisingly high cooling bills. Only a professional can handle the problem because working with refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Ice and Freezing Problems with Your Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often results from low airflow or leaking refrigerant, both of which could stop your HVAC system from properly exchanging hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil disrupts the cooling process and could even cause permanent damage. Regular maintenance is smart if you want to prevent freezing and ensure efficient cooling.
7. Excessive Cooling Cycles
Short cycling is when the air conditioning switches off and on too many times. This is usually pointing to an oversized air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical issues. A malfunction like short cycling weakens efficiency and can even reduce your unit’s life span, so consult a technician to determine the cause and find a solution.
8. No Power to the Air Conditioning
If your AC won’t turn on, check for a flipped breaker or blown fuse before anything else. If this isn’t the reason for the problem, it may be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Reach out to a professional to arrange a repair appointment.
9. Constantly Tripped Breakers
Continuing with circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit designed to work with this type of equipment. Regular circuit breaker tripping can be a safety risk, indicating an electrical malfunction that needs immediate attention.
10. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor cabinet are constantly left to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Insects, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other built-up debris cover up the unit, reducing its ability to release heat and increasing daily wear and tear. Clean these coils occasionally with a soft spray from your garden hose to help preserve system efficiency.
11. Odd Noises
Strange noises coming from your heating and cooling often means something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt in need of replacing, while clanking or knocking sounds could point to unsecure components. Don’t try and ignore these sounds, as they could be signs of widespread problems, costly repairs or total system failure if not resolved quickly.
12. Strange Smells
If you notice weird smells coming from somewhere in the HVAC system, look into things further to figure out where the smell is coming from. A burning smell can come from electrical issues or the motor overheating, while a stale smell usually points back to mold growth somewhere in the system. These kinds of smells often do best with quick attention to avoid any health problems and performance issues.
We Are Devoted to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, nothing comes before your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians offer prompt, yet long-lasting solutions to whatever comfort problem you’re facing, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our work, we’ll make it right. So, if your air conditioning system starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
