Steer Clear of These 12 Frequent HVAC Concerns This Summer
During the heart of summer, you count on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the worst of the heat. But even then, your home’s AC unit may run into issues as day-to-day use rises as the thermometer does. Get the details on these 12 typical HVAC issues in the summer months to help you prevent or address them as needed.
1. Poorly Adjusted Thermostat
Incorrect thermostat settings can result in comfort problems and a spike in energy costs. If you encounter these or similar problems, check your thermostat. If a family member keeps cranking the settings up or down, it’s more difficult to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Excessive Humidity
Excessive indoor humidity makes the air feel muggy and encourages mold or mildew. An air conditioner lowers the temperature of and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this may not always be enough in especially humid climates. Adding a dehumidifier should solve the problem unless the AC system has a small but growing issue that can encourage humidity levels to go up.
3. Clogged Condensate Drain
The condensate drain eliminates condensation produced by the cooling process. A blockage in these drain lines can cause water damage or mold growth. It helps to regularly inspect and clear out this drain if needed to avoid water damage.
4. Low Airflow
Airflow may get weaker if you have a clogged air filter, faulty ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Routine maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, keeping all air registers clear and cutting back vegetation from around the outdoor unit will help enhance airflow. Ongoing problems might mean there are severe problems like ductwork problems or a faulty compressor, which all demand professional attention.
5. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is the main element in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant decreases the system’s total supply and decreases cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder and longer even when the temperature control plummets. Refrigerant problems are more frequent in old units but could show up in any system under much higher usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include warm air blowing from your vents, sizzling or bubbling sounds, and surprisingly high utility costs. Only HVAC professionals can address the problem as working with refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Frozen Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often is caused by low airflow or a leak in the coolant supply, either of which may prevent your HVAC system from correctly transferring hot and cold air. A frozen coil gets in the way of the cooling process and might also cause permanent damage. Regular maintenance is crucial if you want to prevent freezing and ensure efficient performance.
7. Excessive Cooling Cycles
Short cycling is when your air conditioner switches off and on more frequently than usual. This is pointing to an oversized air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical damage. A malfunction like short cycling hurts efficiency and can even cut your unit’s life span, so instead trust a technician to diagnose the cause and find a solution.
8. No Power to the Air Conditioning
If an AC will not start, check for a triggered breaker or blown fuse at first. If this isn’t the reason for the problem, there could be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are responsible for starting the unit. Call a professional to schedule a repair appointment.
9. Regularly Tripping Breakers
Staying on the subject of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to repeatedly reset them. The HVAC system is supposed to be on a dedicated circuit designed to work with this high-power equipment. Frequent circuit breaker resets can be a safety hazard, as it’s an electrical issue that needs prompt attention.
10. Clogged Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are always left to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Insects, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris start to cover the unit, reducing its ability to expel heat and raising daily wear and tear. Clean these coils every now and then with a gentler spray from your home’s garden hose to help maintain system efficiency.
11. Odd Noises
Odd noises coming from the air conditioning is a common sign that something isn’t right. Screeching could point to a belt that needs replacement, while clanking or thumping sounds could point to loose or broken components. Don’t try and ignore these kinds of noises, as they could leave you with more significant problems, constant repairs or complete system failure if not fixed immediately.
12. Unusual Smells
If you notice weird smells coming from somewhere in your AC unit, investigate further to determine where they’re coming from. A burning smell might indicate electrical fires or a component overheating, while a musty odor means mold growth somewhere. Unusual smells often do best with quick attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues.
We Are Dedicated to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing is more important to us than your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians strive for quick, but long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy with things, we’ll make it right. So, if your AC unit starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
