Prevent These 12 Frequent HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the hottest part of summer, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the worst of the heat. However, the AC unit may run into trouble as your cooling need goes up as the thermometer does. Get the details on these 12 common HVAC headaches in the summer months to help you prevent or address them as needed.
1. Improperly Adjusted Thermostat
Having the wrong thermostat settings can result in problems with comfort/system performance and a spike in energy bills. If you run into these issues, start with your thermostat. If a member of the family keeps cranking the settings back and forth, it’s harder to balance convenient comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Excessive Humidity
Having too much indoor humidity makes the air feel clammy and promotes mold or mildew. An air conditioner chills and dehumidifies the air together, but this may not be enough in the South or other warmer climates. Adding a dehumidifier can solve the problem unless the air conditioning has an underlying issue that can encourage humidity levels to go up.
3. Blocked Condensate Drain
The condensate drain removes the excess moisture created by the cooling process. A piece of debris lodged in this drain can lead to water damage or mold growth. It’s a good idea to consistently review and unclog this drain if necessary to avoid water damage.
4. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may drop if you have a clog in the air filter, damaged ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Regularly scheduled maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, leaving all air registers open and cutting back any weeds from around the outdoor unit will often restore proper airflow. A constant stream of problems might mean there are major issues such as ductwork obstructions or a failure of the compressor, which all require professional attention.
5. Coolant Leak
The supply of refrigerant is the main element in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant reduces the system’s total supply and diminishes cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder even as the cooling effectiveness plummets. Refrigerant leaks are more common in old units but can occur in any system stressed by high usage. Sigs you may have a leak include warm air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and higher-than-expected energy costs. Only professional technicians can handle the problem as handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. A Freezing Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often is caused by low airflow or a refrigerant leak, either of which can prevent the unit from correctly circulating hot and cold air. A solid layer of ice on the coil messes with the cooling process and might also cause long-term damage. Regular maintenance is smart if you want to prevent freezing and guarantee efficient cooling.
7. Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the AC unit cycles through its cooling process more frequently than usual. This is usually a sign of an oversized air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical damage. A malfunction like short cycling weakens efficiency and could also reduce your unit’s life span, so hire a technician to identify the cause and find a solution.
8. No Electricity to the Air Conditioner
If an AC will not start, inspect for a tripped breaker or blown fuse before anything else. If this isn’t the reason for the problem, there could be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are needed to start up the unit. Call a professional to schedule a repair visit.
9. Regularly Tripping Breakers
Another issue with the circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to constantly reset them. The HVAC system should be on a dedicated circuit sized to be compatible with this high-power equipment. Frequent circuit breaker trips can be a safety risk, since it’s an electrical malfunction that needs urgent attention.
10. Unclean Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are constantly left to the elements, so they could get dirty over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris cover up the unit, restricting its ability to expel heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Clean these coils every now and then with a gentle spray from your garden hose to help ensure system efficiency.
11. Strange Noises
Unusual noises coming from your heating and cooling is a telltale sign something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacing, while clanging or banging sounds may mean unsecure components. Don’t ignore these sounds, as they can lead to widespread problems, constant repairs or total system failure if not resolved promptly.
12. Strange Smells
If you pick up strange smells coming out of the air conditioner, investigate further to find out where the smell is coming from. A scorched smell might indicate electrical sparks or the motor overheating, while a stale odor suggests mold growth within the system. Unusual smells often do best with quick attention to prevent health problems and performance issues.
We Are Devoted to Your Comfort
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing comes before your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver quick, yet long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, with service backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with the results, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, the next time your air conditioning system starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.