Avoid These 12 Common HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the heat of summer, you count on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the heat. At the same time, the air conditioner may encounter issues as demand rises as the temperature does. Review these 12 common HVAC problems in the summer to help you prevent or repair them as needed.
1. Improperly Set Thermostat
Incorrect thermostat settings can lead to comfort problems and higher energy bills. If you run into these issues, check your thermostat. If a family member keeps cranking the settings up or down, it’s harder to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
2. High Humidity
High indoor humidity makes the air feel muggy and promotes mold growth. An air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air simultaneously, but this isn’t always sufficient in especially humid climates. Installing a dehumidifier can solve the problem unless the air conditioning has an underlying issue causing humidity levels to rise.
3. Clogged Condensate Drain
The condensate drain removes condensation produced by the cooling process. A clog in the drain lines can lead to water damage or mold growth. It helps to regularly check and clean this drain if you need to prevent clogs.
4. Low Airflow
Airflow may get weaker if you have a clog in the air filter, leaky ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Regular maintenance such as replacing the air filter, keeping all air registers open and trimming back plants from around the outdoor unit will often improve airflow. Persistent problems might mean there are serious concerns such as ductwork damage or a failing compressor, which all require professional service.
5. Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant supply is the key ingredient in air conditioning. Leaking reduces the system’s available supply and decreases cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder and harder even when the comfort level plummets. Refrigerant problems are more likely in older units but may pop up in any system stressed by higher usage. Sigs you may have a leak include warm air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and higher-than-expected utility costs. Only professionals can handle the problem as working with refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Frozen Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often results from bad airflow or leaking refrigerant, either of which could prevent your HVAC system from correctly exchanging hot and cold air. A frozen coil gets in the way of the cooling process and could even cause long-term damage. Regular maintenance is crucial if you want to avoid freezing and ensure efficient cooling.
7. Short Cycling
Short cycling is when your air conditioner turns on and off too many times. This can be a sign of an oversized air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical damage. Short cycling reduces efficiency and could also shorten your unit’s life span, so hire local professionals to diagnose the cause and recommend a solution.
8. No Power to the Air Conditioner
If the AC won’t start, check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse at first. If this isn’t the case, it may be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Call a professional to schedule a repair visit.
9. Constantly Tripping Breakers
Continuing with circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system is supposed to be on a dedicated circuit designed to work with this kind of equipment. Frequent circuit breaker trips can be a safety risk, as it’s 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 dirt and debris may collect over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris cover up the unit, reducing its ability to expel heat and increasing daily wear and tear. Clean these coils regularly with a soft spray from the hose to help maintain system efficiency.
11. Unusual Noises
Unusual noises coming from the air conditioning is a common sign that something isn’t right. Screeching could point to a belt that needs replacing, while rattling or banging sounds may mean loose components. Don’t try and ignore these kinds of noises, as they could be signs of bigger problems, costly repairs or premature system failure if not fixed promptly.
12. Odd Smells
If you notice gross smells coming out of the air conditioner, investigate further to figure out where it might be coming from. A burning smell points to electrical damage or the motor overheating, while a musty smell means mold growth somewhere. Odd smells often do best with immediate attention to avoid any health problems and performance issues.
We Are Committed to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, nothing comes before your comfort and peace of mind. Our certified technicians deliver fast, but long-lasting solutions to any comfort concern, with service backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with the final product, 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.