Avoid These 12 Frequent HVAC Concerns This Summer
During the heart of the 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 experience trouble as demand rises as the temperature does. Get the details on these 12 typical HVAC headaches in the summer months to help you avoid or repair them as needed.
1. Poorly Set Thermostat
Wonky thermostat settings can cause performance issues and a spike in energy costs. If you run into these or similar problems, start with your thermostat. If someone else at home keeps turning the settings higher or lower, it’s more difficult to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Excessive Humidity
Excessive indoor humidity makes the air feel damp and promotes mold growth. An air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air simultaneously, but this may not always be sufficient in especially humid climates. Installing a dehumidifier can resolve the problem unless your air conditioner has a hidden issue that encourages humidity levels to get worse.
3. Clogged Condensate Drain
The condensate drain eliminates condensed moisture created by your AC system’s cooling cycles. A piece of debris lodged in the drain lines can cause water damage or mold growth. It helps to regularly review and clean this drain if necessary to prevent water damage.
4. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may drop if you have a clog in the air filter, leaky ductwork or a blocked condensing unit. Regular maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, keeping all air registers open and clearing plants from around the outdoor unit should boost airflow. Ongoing problems might mean there are significant issues like ductwork obstructions or a failing compressor, which will all require professional servicing.
5. Refrigerant Leak
The supply of refrigerant is the key ingredient in air conditioning. Leaking reduces the system’s available supply and decreases cooling efficiency, causing your unit to work harder and harder even as the comfort level falls away. Refrigerant leaks are more likely in older units but could show up in any system strained by much higher usage. The signs of a leak include hot air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and unexpectedly high energy costs. Only HVAC professionals can resolve the problem since handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Ice and Freezing Problems with Your Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often comes from low airflow or leaking refrigerant, both of which could prevent the unit from efficiently transferring hot and cold air. A frozen coil disrupts the cooling process and might also cause permanent damage. Regular maintenance is essential to stop freezing and protect efficient operation.
7. The Cooling Cycle Starts and Stops Too Often
Short cycling is when the AC unit switches off and on too many times. This can be a sign of an overpowered air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical malfunctions. Sudden short cycling reduces efficiency and can even cut your unit’s life span, so hire a technician to identify the cause and find a solution.
8. No Electricity to the AC Unit
If the AC doesn’t turn on, look for a triggered breaker or blown fuse at first. If this is not the issue, there could be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Reach out to a professional to set up a repair appointment.
9. Constantly Tripping Breakers
Another issue with the circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to repeatedly reset them. The HVAC system should be on a dedicated circuit sized to handle this type of equipment. Repeated circuit breaker tripping can be a safety hazard, as it’s an electrical malfunction that needs urgent attention.
10. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor cabinet are continuously exposed to the elements, so they could get dirty over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris cover up the unit, reducing its ability to safely exhaust heat and increasing daily wear and tear. Rinse these coils every now and then with a gentle spray from your garden hose to help protect system efficiency.
11. Unusual Noises
Odd noises coming from your heating and cooling is a common sign that something isn’t right. Screeching is associated with a belt in need of replacement, while clanging or thumping sounds may be coming from loose components. Don’t try and ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they could be signs of bigger problems, constant repairs or premature system failure if not addressed immediately.
12. Strange Smells
If you notice weird smells coming from the air conditioner, look into things further to determine where they’re coming from. A scorched smell can come from electrical fires or an overheating motor, while a stale smell means mold growth somewhere. These kinds of smells often do best with professional attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues.
We Are Committed to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing should be more important than your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians strive for fast, yet long-lasting solutions to any comfort concern, supported by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with things, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, if your AC unit starts short cycling or making funny noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
