Prevent These 12 Common HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the hottest days 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 air conditioning may run into problems as usage rises as the thermometer does. Review these 12 typical HVAC headaches in the summer to help you prevent or fix them as needed.
1. Incorrectly Adjusted Thermostat
Having the wrong thermostat settings can cause comfort problems and more expensive energy bills. If you run into these or similar problems, check your thermostat. If a family member keeps adjusting the settings higher or lower, it’s more of a hassle to balance convenient comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Excessive Humidity
At a certain point, high indoor humidity makes the air feel thick and promotes mold spores. Your AC system cools and dehumidifies the air simultaneously, but this isn’t always adequate in particularly humid climates. Setting up a dehumidifier should fix the problem unless the AC system has a small but growing issue that encourages humidity levels to go up.
3. Obstructed Condensate Drain
The condensate drain removes the excess moisture created by your air conditioner. An obstruction in the drain lines can result in water damage or mold growth. It’s a good idea to consistently check and clean this drain if you need to avoid water damage.
4. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may get worse if you have a clog in the air filter, damaged ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Preventive maintenance such as changing the air filter, leaving all air registers clear and trimming back vegetation from around the outdoor unit can really help restore proper airflow. Persistent problems may indicate more severe problems like ductwork damage or a faulty compressor, which will all demand professional attention.
5. Leaking Coolant
The refrigerant supply is the key ingredient in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant reduces the system’s total supply and diminishes cooling efficiency, making making your unit work harder and longer even as the temperature control falls away. Refrigerant leaks are more common in older units but may pop up in any system stressed by much higher usage. The signs of a leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and unexpectedly high cooling costs. Only HVAC professionals can handle the problem as handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Frozen Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often is caused by little to no airflow or leaking refrigerant, either of which can stop the unit from efficiently transferring hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil disrupts the cooling process and might also cause extended damage. Regular maintenance is smart if you want to avoid freezing and ensure efficient cooling.
7. The Cooling Cycle Starts and Stops Too Often
Short cycling is when the air conditioning turns on and off much more often than it should. This can be a sign of an overpowered air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical damage. A malfunction like short cycling hurts efficiency and can even cut your unit’s life span, so instead trust trusted local technicians to determine the cause and suggest a solution.
8. No Power to the Air Conditioning
If the AC won’t turn on, look for a tripped breaker or blown fuse first. If this isn’t the case, there might be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are essential for starting the unit. Call a professional to schedule a repair visit.
9. Regularly Tripped Breakers
Staying on the subject of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system is supposed to be on a dedicated circuit sized to work with this sort of equipment. Regular circuit breaker tripping 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 exposed to the elements, so they could get dirty over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other built-up debris cover up the unit, restricting its ability to expel heat and raising daily wear and tear. Wash these coils every now and then with a gentler spray from your garden hose to help maintain system efficiency.
11. Strange Noises
Constant noises coming from the air conditioning is a telltale sign something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacing, while rattling or knocking sounds could point to loose or broken components. Don’t ignore these kinds of noises, as they could leave you with widespread problems, constant repairs or total system failure if not resolved immediately.
12. Unusual Smells
If you pick up gross smells coming from somewhere in the HVAC system, examine further to determine where they’re coming from. A burning smell might indicate electrical issues or the motor overheating, while a stale smell means mold growth somewhere. Unusual smells often need immediate attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues.
We Are Committed to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing comes before your comfort and peace of mind. Our certified technicians strive for quick, yet long-lasting solutions to any comfort concern, with service backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with the final product, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, the next time your AC unit starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.