Avoid These 12 Typical HVAC This Summer
During the hottest part of the summer, you count on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the worst of the heat. That being said, your home's AC unit may run into issues as usage increases as the thermometer does. Review these 12 Typical HVAC issues in the summer to help you prevent or fix them as needed.
1. Incorrectly Configured Thermostat
Having the wrong thermostat settings can result in performance issues and higher energy bills. If you run into these or similar problems, check your thermostat. If a member of the family keeps turning the settings higher or lower, it’s more difficult to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Excessive Humidity
Excessive indoor moisture levels makes the air feel thick and encourages mold growth. Air conditioning chills and dehumidifies the air simultaneously, but this isn't always enough in the South or other warmer climates. Installing a dehumidifier can solve the problem unless the AC system has an underlying issue that encourages humidity levels to go up.
3. Blocked Condensate Drain
The condensate drain eliminates moisture produced by the cooling process. A clog in these drain lines can cause water damage or mold growth. It's a good idea to consistently check and clear out this drain if needed to avoid problems like clogs or water damage.
4. Weak Airflow
Airflow may get weaker if you have a clogged air filter, damaged ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Routine maintenance such as changing the air filter, leaving all air registers clear and cutting back from around the outdoor unit will often enhance airflow. Ongoing problems might mean there are serious concerns such as ductwork obstructions or a malfunctioning compressor, which will all demand professional attention.
5. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is the essential component in air conditioning. A leak decreases the system’s available supply and decreases cooling efficiency, making making your unit work much more vigorously even as the cooling effectiveness falls away. Refrigerant leaks are more common in older units but could show up in any system strained by high usage. Sigs you may have a leak include warm air blowing from your vents, sounds, and unexpectedly high cooling bills. Only HVAC professionals can fix the problem as handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Ice and Freezing Problems with Your Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often is caused by low airflow or leaking refrigerant, both of which may halt the unit from correctly exchanging hot and cold air. A frozen coil interrupts the cooling process and might also cause permanent damage. Consistent maintenance is crucial if you want to prevent freezing and protect efficient operation.
7. Excessive Cooling Cycles
Short cycling is when the air conditioning turns on and off more frequently than usual. This is a sign of an overpowered air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical malfunctions. A malfunction like short cycling reduces efficiency and could also shorten your unit’s life span, so instead trust trusted local technicians to determine the cause and recommend a solution.
8. No Electricity to the Air Conditioner
If your AC doesn't turn on, look for a tripped breaker or blown fuse before anything else. If this isn't the reason for the problem, it may be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are needed to start up the unit. Reach out to a professional to set up a repair appointment.
9. Constantly Tripped Breakers
Another issue with the circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to repeatedly reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to handle this type of equipment. Regular circuit breaker trips can be a safety hazard, since it's an electrical issue that needs immediate attention.
10. Clogged Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor cabinet are continuously left to the elements, so they could get dirty over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other built-up debris cover up the unit, restricting its ability to release heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Wash these coils every now and then with a gentle spray from the hose to help preserve system efficiency.
11. Odd Noises
Strange noises coming from your HVAC system is a common sign that something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacing, while clanging or knocking sounds may be coming from unsecure components. Don’t ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they could leave you with more significant problems, more expensive repairs or total system failure if not addressed promptly.
12. Strange Smells
If you smell strange smells coming from somewhere in the air conditioner, examine further to find out where it might be coming from. A scorched smell might indicate electrical fires or the motor overheating, while a stale smell suggests mold growth somewhere. Strange smells often need professional attention to avoid any health problems and performance issues.
We Are Dedicated to Your Comfort
At Service Experts, nothing comes before your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, yet long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, supported by our Service Experts Guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy with our work, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, if your cooling system starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
