Avoid These 12 Common HVAC Concerns This Summer
During the hottest days of the 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 run into trouble as demand goes up as the temperature does. Review these 12 common HVAC problems in the summer to help you prevent or fix them as needed.
1. Poorly Configured Thermostat
Having the wrong thermostat settings can lead to comfort problems and a spike in energy bills. If you run into these or similar problems, take a look at your thermostat. If someone else at home keeps cranking the settings up or down, it’s more of a hassle to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
2. High Humidity
Excessive indoor moisture levels makes the air feel muggy and encourages mold growth. Air conditioning chills and dehumidifies the air together, but this may not be adequate in particularly warm climates. Installing a dehumidifier will often help solve the problem unless the air conditioning has a small but growing issue that can encourage humidity levels to rise.
3. Clogged Condensate Drain
The condensate drain removes condensed moisture created by your air conditioner. A clog in the drain lines can lead to water damage or mold problems. Try to keep a regular schedule when you review and unclog this drain if you need to prevent water damage.
4. Low Airflow
Airflow may get weaker if you have a clogged air filter, leaky ductwork or a blocked condensing unit. Preventive maintenance such as replacing the air filter, keeping all air registers open and trimming back vegetation from around the outdoor unit should enhance airflow. Persistent problems might mean there are significant problems such as ductwork obstructions or a failure of the compressor, all of which demand professional servicing.
5. Leaking Coolant
The supply of refrigerant is the key ingredient in air conditioning. A leak decreases the system’s total supply and diminishes cooling efficiency, making making your unit work harder even as the cooling effectiveness plummets. Refrigerant leaks are more likely in older units but could show up in any system stressed by higher usage. The signs of a leak include warm air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and unexpectedly high energy costs. Only professionals can handle the problem as handling 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 stop your HVAC system from effectively transferring hot and cold air. A frozen coil interrupts the cooling process and might also cause permanent damage. Consistent maintenance is essential to stop freezing and preserve efficient operation.
7. Excessive Cooling Cycles
Short cycling is when your air conditioner switches off and on more frequently than usual. This is pointing to an improperly sized air conditioner, a clog in the air filter or electrical damage. A malfunction like short cycling weakens efficiency and could also reduce your unit’s life span, so call local professionals to diagnose the cause and recommend a solution.
8. No Power Is Making It to the Air Conditioner
If your AC won’t turn on, check for a flipped breaker or blown fuse first. If this is not the issue, there could be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are needed to start up the unit. Reach out to a professional to arrange a repair visit.
9. Regularly Tripped Breakers
Another issue with the circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit sized to work with this kind of equipment. Frequent circuit breaker trips can be a safety risk, since it’s an electrical issue that needs prompt attention.
10. Clogged Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit are continuously left to the elements, so they could get dirty over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris start to cover the unit, reducing its ability to release heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Clean these coils occasionally with a soft spray from the hose to help ensure system efficiency.
11. Odd Noises
Strange noises coming from your HVAC system often means something isn’t right. Screeching is associated with a belt in need of replacement, while rattling or thumping sounds may be coming from loose components. Don’t ignore these kinds of noises, as they could leave you with more significant problems, more expensive repairs or complete system failure if not resolved soon.
12. Strange Smells
If you notice weird smells coming out of the air conditioner, examine further to figure out where it might be coming from. A scorched smell points to electrical issues or the motor overheating, while a moldy odor means mold growth somewhere. Odd 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 comes before your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians provide quick, but long-lasting solutions to any comfort concern, supported by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with the final product, we’ll make it right. So, whenever your cooling system starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
