Prevent These 12 Common HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the hottest days of the summer, you depend on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the heat. But even then, the AC unit may run into problems as your cooling need rises as the heat does. Here are 12 frequent HVAC issues in the summer months to help you prevent or address them as needed.
1. Improperly Configured Thermostat
Having the wrong thermostat settings can lead to performance issues and more expensive energy costs. If you encounter these or similar problems, go check on your thermostat. If someone else at home keeps cranking the settings back and forth, it’s more difficult to balance convenience and energy efficiency.
2. High Humidity
Excessive indoor moisture levels makes the air feel clammy and promotes mold growth. An air conditioner chills and dehumidifies the air together, but this may not always be adequate in especially warmer climates. Installing a dehumidifier can solve the problem unless your air conditioner has an underlying issue causing humidity levels to rise.
3. Blocked Condensate Drain
The condensate drain removes condensation created by the cooling process. An obstruction in the drain lines can result in water damage or mold problems. Try to keep a regular schedule when you inspect and unclog this drain if necessary to prevent water damage.
4. Weak Airflow
Airflow may drop if you have a clogged air filter, damaged ductwork or a blocked condensing unit. Regularly scheduled maintenance such as replacing the air filter, leaving all air registers clear and clearing plants from around the outdoor unit should restore proper airflow. Ongoing problems might mean there are significant issues like ductwork damage or a malfunctioning compressor, all of which demand professional attention.
5. Coolant Leak
The refrigerant supply is the essential component in air conditioning. A leak decreases the system’s useable supply and decreases cooling efficiency, making making your unit work harder and harder even as the cooling effectiveness falls away. Refrigerant leaks are more common in aging units but could show up in any system strained by much higher usage. The signs of a leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and surprisingly high cooling bills. Only professional technicians can handle the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. A Freezing Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often comes from low airflow or leaking refrigerant, both of which can prevent your HVAC system from properly transferring hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil messes with the cooling process and could even cause permanent damage. Regular maintenance is smart if you want to stop freezing and protect efficient operation.
7. Excessive Cooling Cycles
Short cycling is when the air conditioning cycles through its cooling process much more often than it should. This can be a sign of an overpowered air conditioner, a clog in the air filter or electrical damage. A malfunction like short cycling lowers efficiency and could also shorten your unit’s life span, so consult trusted local technicians to determine the cause and suggest a solution.
8. No Power Is Making It to the AC Unit
If the AC will not start, inspect for a triggered breaker or blown fuse at first. If this is not the issue, there might be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Contact a professional to set up a repair visit.
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 work with this type of equipment. Regular circuit breaker resets can be a safety hazard, as it’s an electrical malfunction that needs prompt attention.
10. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are constantly left to the elements, so they could get dirty over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris start to cover the unit, restricting its ability to get rid of heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Clean these coils regularly with a gentler spray from your home’s garden hose to help protect system efficiency.
11. Unusual Noises
Constant noises coming from your HVAC system often means something isn’t right. Screeching could point to a belt that needs replacement, while clanging or banging sounds may mean loose components. Don’t ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they could be signs of widespread problems, costly repairs or total system failure if not resolved soon.
12. Strange Smells
If you pick up strange smells coming out of your AC unit, look into things further to figure out where it might be coming from. A scorched smell can come from electrical fires or an overheating motor, while a stale smell suggests mold growth somewhere. These kinds of smells often do best with professional attention to avoid any health problems and performance issues.
We Are Committed to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing comes before your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians provide prompt, yet long-lasting solutions to whatever comfort problem you’re facing, with service backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy with the results, we’ll make it right. So, whenever your AC unit starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
