Steer Clear of These 12 Frequent HVAC Concerns This Summer

During the hottest part of summer, you count on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the heat. That being said, your home’s AC unit may experience trouble as demand increases as the temperature does. Get the details on these 12 frequent HVAC headaches in the summer to help you prevent or fix them as needed.  

1. Weak Airflow 

Airflow may drop if you have a clog in your system’s air filter, faulty ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Regularly scheduled maintenance such as changing the air filter, keeping all air registers clear and clearing plants from around the outdoor unit should improve airflow. A constant stream of problems might mean there are significant concerns like ductwork problems or a failure of the compressor, which all do best with professional attention. 

2. Leaking Coolant 

The refrigerant supply is the main element in air conditioning. A leak reduces the system’s total supply and diminishes cooling efficiency, causing your unit to work harder and longer even as the cooling effectiveness plummets. Refrigerant leaks are more common in older units but could show up in any system stressed by much higher usage. The signs of a leak include warm air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and surprisingly high energy costs. Only professionals can handle the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

3. High Humidity  

High indoor humidity makes the air feel thick and promotes mold growth. An air conditioner and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this isn’t always adequate in the South or other warmer climates. Adding a dehumidifier should fix the problem unless your air conditioner has an underlying issue that can encourage humidity levels to get worse.  

4. Improperly Adjusted Thermostat  

Having the wrong thermostat settings can result in problems with comfort/system performance and higher energy costs. If you have trouble reaching the right temperature, take a look at your thermostat. If a family member keeps cranking the settings back and forth, it’s more difficult to balance convenience and energy efficiency. 

5. No Power Is Making It to the Air Conditioner 

If an AC doesn’t turn on, check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse at first. If this is not the issue, it may be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Contact a professional to set up a repair appointment. 

6. Frequently Tripped Breakers 

Continuing with circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to repeatedly reset them. The HVAC system should be on a dedicated circuit sized to work with this sort of equipment. Regular circuit breaker tripping is a safety hazard, indicating an electrical malfunction that needs prompt attention. 

7. Blocked Condensate Drain  

The condensate drain eliminates the excess moisture produced by the cooling process. A clog in these drain lines can result in water damage or mold gaining a foothold. It’s a good idea to consistently inspect and clean this drain if you need to avoid problems like clogs or water damage. 

8. A Freezing Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often results from bad airflow or a leak in the coolant supply, either of which can prevent the unit from correctly transferring hot and cold air. A solid layer of ice on the coil gets in the way of the cooling process and might also cause long-term damage. Regular maintenance is essential to stop freezing and ensure efficient performance. 

9. Clogged Condenser Coils 

The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are continuously exposed to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris cover up the unit, reducing its ability to expel heat and raising daily wear and tear. Wash these coils every now and then with a gentle spray from your garden hose to help preserve system efficiency. 

10. Unusual Smells 

If you pick up weird smells coming from somewhere in your AC unit, look into things further to find out where the smell is coming from. A burning smell often means electrical fires or a component overheating, while a stale odor means mold growth within the system. These kinds of smells often need professional attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues. 

11. Unusual Noises 

Constant noises coming from the air conditioning is a common sign that something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt in need of replacing, while clanking or knocking sounds may be coming from unsecure components. Don’t ignore these kinds of noises, as they could be signs of widespread problems, more expensive repairs or premature system failure if not addressed quickly. 

12. Excessive Cooling Cycles 

Short cycling is when the AC unit turns on and off much more often than it should. This can be pointing to an improperly sized air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical damage. Sudden short cycling weakens efficiency and can even cut your unit’s life span, so call local professionals to identify the cause and recommend a solution. 

We Are Committed to Your Comfort

At Sure Temp Air Conditioning nothing should be more important than your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver prompt, but long-lasting solutions to any comfort concern, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy with things, we’ll make it right. So, the next time your cooling system starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.