Prevent These 12 Frequent HVAC Headaches This Summer  

During the hottest days of the summer, you depend on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the heat. That being said, your air conditioning may experience problems as your cooling need increases as the heat does. Review these 12 typical HVAC problems in the summer months to help you avoid or address them as needed.

1. Improperly Configured Thermostat

Incorrect thermostat settings can lead to performance issues and higher energy costs. If you encounter these issues, start with your thermostat. If a member of the family keeps cranking the settings up or down, it’s more difficult to balance convenience and energy efficiency.  

2. Excessive Humidity

Excessive indoor moisture levels makes the air feel damp and promotes mold growth. Your AC system cools and dehumidifies the air simultaneously, but this isn’t always sufficient 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 get worse.  

3. Clogged Condensate Drain

The condensate drain removes moisture produced by your air conditioner. A piece of debris lodged in these drain lines can result in water damage or mold problems. It’s a good idea to consistently check and clean this drain if necessary to avoid problems like clogs or 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. Regular maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, keeping all air registers clear and clearing plants from around the outdoor unit should boost airflow. Ongoing problems might mean there are major issues like ductwork damage or a failure of the compressor, all of which do best with professional service. 

5. Leaking Coolant 

The refrigerant supply is the key ingredient in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant decreases the system’s useable supply and diminishes cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder even as the temperature control drops. Refrigerant leaks are more likely in older units but may pop up in any system under much higher usage. Sigs you may have a leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and surprisingly high energy bills. Only professional technicians can resolve the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

6. Frozen Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often is caused by low airflow or leaking refrigerant, both of which may halt the unit from efficiently exchanging hot and cold air. A frozen coil disrupts the cooling process and could even cause permanent damage. Regular maintenance is crucial if you want to stop freezing and protect efficient performance. 

7. Short Cycling 

Short cycling is when your air conditioner starts and stops more frequently than usual. This is usually a sign of an oversized air conditioner, a clog in the air filter or electrical issues. Short cycling reduces efficiency and can even shorten your unit’s life span, so call local professionals to determine the cause and find a solution. 

8. No Power Is Making It to the Air Conditioner

If your AC doesn’t turn on, look for a flipped breaker or blown fuse before anything else. If this is not the issue, 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 arrange a repair visit. 

9. Frequently Tripping Breakers

Continuing with circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to constantly reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to work with this sort of equipment. Regular circuit breaker tripping can be a safety risk, as it’s an electrical issue that needs urgent attention.

10. Unclean Condenser Coils

The condenser coils on the outdoor cabinet are constantly left to the elements, so they could get dirty over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris cover up the unit, reducing its ability to expel heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Rinse these coils regularly with a gentle spray from your home’s garden hose to help ensure system efficiency.

11. Odd Noises

Loud noises coming from your heating and cooling often means something isn’t right. Screeching is associated with 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 can lead to larger problems, costly repairs or complete system failure if not fixed soon.

12. Strange Smells

If you notice weird smells coming from the HVAC system, look into things further to determine where it might be coming from. A burnt smell might indicate electrical sparks or the motor overheating, while a musty smell usually points back to mold growth somewhere. Unusual smells often do best with prompt attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues.

We Are Committed to Your Comfort

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, nothing should be more important than your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians strive for fast, yet long-lasting solutions to any comfort concern, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with things, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, if your AC unit starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.