Prevent These 12 Common HVAC Headaches This Summer  

During the hottest part of summer, you count on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the worst of the heat. However, the air conditioning may run into trouble as day-to-day use increases as the temperature does. Here are 12 typical HVAC headaches in the summer to help you avoid or fix them as needed.

1. Improperly Adjusted Thermostat

Incorrect thermostat settings can result in comfort problems and a spike in energy bills. If you encounter these issues, go check on your thermostat. If a family member keeps cranking the settings up or down, it’s more of a hassle to balance convenient comfort and energy efficiency.  

2. Too Much Humidity

Having too much indoor humidity makes the air feel muggy and fosters mold or mildew. Air conditioning chills and dehumidifies the air together, but this may not always be enough in particularly warmer climates. Installing a dehumidifier should resolve the problem unless the air conditioning has a small but growing issue causing humidity levels to rise.  

3. Obstructed Condensate Drain

The condensate drain eliminates the excess moisture created by your air conditioner. An obstruction in the drain lines can result in water damage or mold growth. Try to keep a regular schedule when you inspect and unclog this drain if necessary to stop problems like clogs or water damage.

4. Reduced Airflow

Airflow may drop if you have a clog in the air filter, faulty ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Preventive maintenance such as changing the air filter, leaving all air registers clear and trimming back plants from around the outdoor unit should improve airflow. Persistent problems may indicate more significant problems such as ductwork damage or a malfunctioning compressor, all of which require professional servicing. 

5. Coolant Leak 

Refrigerant is the main element in air conditioning. A leak decreases the system’s total supply and reduces cooling efficiency, making making your unit work harder and longer even as the comfort level falls away. Refrigerant leaks are more likely in older units but could show up in any system stressed by high usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and unexpectedly high utility costs. Only professionals can address the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

6. A Freezing Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often results from poor airflow or leaking refrigerant, both of which could stop your HVAC from correctly transferring hot and cold air. A frozen coil disrupts the cooling process and could even cause extended damage. Routine maintenance is crucial if you want to prevent freezing and guarantee efficient cooling. 

7. Short Cycling 

Short cycling is when your air conditioner cycles through its cooling process too many times. This is usually pointing to an improperly sized air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical malfunctions. Short cycling hurts efficiency and could also shorten your unit’s life span, so consult local professionals to diagnose the cause and recommend a solution. 

8. No Electricity to the Air Conditioning

If the AC will not start, check for a triggered breaker or blown fuse at first. If this is not the issue, it may be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are essential for starting the unit. Reach out to a professional to arrange a repair appointment. 

9. Frequently Tripping Breakers

Staying on the subject of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to constantly reset them. The HVAC system should be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to be compatible with this high-power equipment. Repeated circuit breaker tripping can be a safety risk, as it’s an electrical malfunction that needs prompt attention.

10. Clogged Condenser Coils

The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are continuously exposed to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris cover up the unit, restricting its ability to release heat and raising daily wear and tear. Rinse these coils occasionally with a gentler spray from your garden hose to help maintain system efficiency.

11. Unusual Noises

Loud noises coming from your heating and cooling often means something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacing, while rattling or thumping sounds may be coming from unsecure components. Don’t ignore these sounds, as they can lead to larger problems, constant repairs or complete system failure if not addressed promptly.

12. Strange Smells

If you pick up strange smells coming from somewhere in your AC unit, investigate further to find out where they’re coming from. A burnt smell points to electrical issues or an overheating motor, while a musty smell usually points back to mold growth within the system. Unusual smells often need quick attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues.

We Are Devoted to Your Comfort

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, nothing comes before your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians provide prompt, yet long-lasting solutions to whatever comfort problem you’re facing, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy with the final product, we’ll make it right. So, whenever your air conditioning system starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.

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