Avoid These 12 Frequent HVAC Concerns This Summer
During the hottest part of summer, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the worst of the heat. That being said, your home’s AC unit may encounter problems as demand rises as the heat does. Here are 12 common HVAC headaches in the summer to help you avoid or repair them as needed.
1. Poorly Set Thermostat
Wonky thermostat settings can result in performance issues and higher energy costs. If you run into these or similar problems, check your thermostat. If a family member keeps cranking the settings back and forth, it’s harder to balance convenient comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Excessive Humidity
High indoor humidity makes the air feel muggy and promotes mold spores. Your AC system chills and dehumidifies the air together, but this may not always be adequate in the South or other warm climates. Setting up a dehumidifier will often help fix the problem unless the AC system has a hidden issue causing humidity levels to go up.
3. Blocked Condensate Drain
The condensate drain gets rid of condensed moisture produced by your AC system’s cooling cycles. A blockage in these drain lines can lead to water damage or mold growth. It helps to regularly inspect and clear out this drain if you need to prevent problems like clogs or water damage.
4. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may get worse if you have a clog in your system’s air filter, damaged ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Routine maintenance such as changing the air filter, keeping all air registers free from obstruction and trimming back plants from around the outdoor unit should improve airflow. Persistent problems might mean there are severe problems like ductwork obstructions or a failing compressor, which will all do best with professional servicing.
5. Coolant Leak
The refrigerant supply is the main element in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant decreases the system’s total supply and decreases cooling efficiency, causing your unit to work much more vigorously even when the cooling effectiveness plummets. Refrigerant problems are more common in older units but can occur in any system strained by much higher usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include hot air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and surprisingly high utility costs. Only HVAC professionals can fix the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Frozen Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often results from bad airflow or a refrigerant leak, both of which could prevent your HVAC system from effectively exchanging hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil messes with the cooling process and might also cause extended damage. Regular maintenance is smart if you want to prevent freezing and guarantee efficient cooling.
7. The Cooling Cycle Starts and Stops Too Often
Short cycling is when the air conditioning starts and stops too many times. This can be a sign of an improperly sized air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical issues. Short cycling hurts efficiency and can reduce your unit’s life span, so consult local professionals to troubleshoot the cause and recommend a solution.
8. No Power Is Making It to the Air Conditioning
If the AC doesn’t turn on, inspect for a flipped breaker or blown fuse at first. If this isn’t the reason for the problem, it may be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Reach out to a professional to arrange a repair visit.
9. Regularly Tripping Breakers
Continuing with circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to constantly reset them. The HVAC system is supposed to be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to work with this high-power equipment. Regular circuit breaker resets can be a safety hazard, indicating an electrical issue that needs urgent attention.
10. Clogged Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are constantly left to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris start to cover the unit, hurting its ability to release heat and raising daily wear and tear. Wash these coils every now and then with a gentle spray from your garden hose to help ensure system efficiency.
11. Strange Noises
Odd noises coming from your HVAC system is a telltale sign something isn’t right. Screeching could point to a belt in need of replacing, while clanging or banging sounds could point to loose or broken components. Don’t try and ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they could be signs of more significant problems, constant repairs or total system failure if not resolved immediately.
12. Odd Smells
If you can’t stand the strange smells coming from somewhere in the HVAC system, examine further to find out where the smell is coming from. A burning smell might indicate electrical damage or an overheating motor, while a stale smell usually points back to mold growth within the system. Unusual smells often do best with prompt attention to prevent health problems and performance issues.
We Are Committed to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing comes before your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver prompt, but long-lasting solutions to whatever comfort problem you’re facing, supported 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.
