Prevent These 12 Common HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the heart of the summer, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the heat. But even then, the air conditioning may run into issues as usage increases as the heat does. Get the details on these 12 frequent HVAC headaches in the summer to help you avoid or address them as needed.
1. Poorly Adjusted Thermostat
Wonky thermostat settings can result in performance issues and a spike in energy bills. If you run into these issues, check your thermostat. If a family member keeps adjusting the settings up or down, it’s more of a hassle to balance convenience and energy efficiency.
2. Excessive Humidity
Having too much indoor moisture levels makes the air feel clammy and promotes mold or mildew. Air conditioning lowers the temperature of and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this may not be adequate in especially humid climates. Adding a dehumidifier should fix the problem unless your air conditioner has a hidden issue that encourages humidity levels to go up.
3. Clogged Condensate Drain
The condensate drain gets rid of moisture generated by the cooling process. A foreign object getting stuck in these drain lines can lead to water damage or mold gaining a foothold. Try to keep a regular schedule when you check and clean this drain if you need to prevent water damage.
4. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may get worse if you have a clogged air filter, leaky ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Routine maintenance such as changing the air filter, leaving all air registers open and trimming back vegetation from around the outdoor unit can really help restore proper airflow. Persistent problems may indicate more severe problems such as ductwork problems or a faulty compressor, all of which require professional service.
5. Leaking Coolant
Refrigerant is the main element in air conditioning. A leak reduces the system’s useable supply and reduces cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder and harder even as the cooling effectiveness plummets. Refrigerant problems are more common in old units but may pop up in any system strained by higher usage. The signs of a leak include hot air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and unexpectedly high utility bills. Only professionals can resolve the problem because working with refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Ice and Freezing Problems with Your Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often is caused by bad airflow or a refrigerant leak, both of which could stop your HVAC from efficiently transferring hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil interrupts the cooling process and may cause long-term damage. Regular maintenance is essential to avoid freezing and guarantee efficient operation.
7. Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the air conditioning turns on and off too many times. This can be pointing to an improperly sized air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical issues. Short cycling lowers efficiency and could also shorten your unit’s life span, so consult a technician to troubleshoot the cause and suggest a solution.
8. No Power to the Air Conditioner
If the AC struggles to start, inspect for a flipped breaker or blown fuse at first. If this is not the issue, there might be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are essential for starting the unit. Contact a professional to schedule a repair appointment.
9. Regularly Tripped Breakers
Staying on the subject of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to work with this kind of equipment. Frequent circuit breaker tripping can be a safety risk, as it’s an electrical malfunction that needs prompt attention.
10. Unclean Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit are constantly left to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris coat the unit, reducing its ability to expel heat and increasing daily wear and tear. Wash these coils occasionally with a gentler spray from your home’s garden hose to help maintain system efficiency.
11. Odd Noises
Constant noises coming from your HVAC system is a telltale sign something isn’t right. Screeching could point to a belt in need of replacement, while clanging or banging sounds could point to unsecure components. Don’t ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they could be signs of bigger problems, costly repairs or premature system failure if not addressed quickly.
12. Odd Smells
If you can’t stand the weird smells coming from the air conditioner, look into things further to figure out where the smell is coming from. A scorched smell points to electrical damage or a component overheating, while a moldy smell suggests mold growth within the system. Odd smells often need professional attention to avoid any health problems and performance issues.
We Are Devoted to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing comes before your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver fast, yet long-lasting solutions to whatever comfort problem you’re facing, supported by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our work, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, if your AC unit starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
