Prevent These 12 Frequent HVAC Concerns This Summer
During the heart of summer, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the heat. However, your home’s air conditioner may run into issues as your cooling need increases as the thermometer does. Review these 12 frequent HVAC problems in the summer to help you prevent or fix them as needed.
1. Low Airflow
Airflow may get weaker if you have a clog in the air filter, faulty ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Preventive maintenance such as changing the air filter, leaving all air registers free from obstruction and cutting back any weeds from around the outdoor unit will often restore proper airflow. Persistent problems may indicate more serious problems like ductwork obstructions or a failure of the compressor, all of which need professional servicing.
2. Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant supply is the essential component in air conditioning. Leaking reduces the system’s useable supply and reduces cooling efficiency, causing your unit to work harder and longer even when the cooling effectiveness falls away. Refrigerant problems are more frequent in aging units but can occur in any system under high usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include warm air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and higher-than-expected energy bills. Only professionals can fix the problem since handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
3. Excessive Humidity
High indoor moisture levels makes the air feel clammy and fosters mold or mildew. An air conditioner and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this isn’t always adequate in particularly warm climates. Setting up a dehumidifier can resolve the problem unless the air conditioning has small but growing issue that can encourage humidity levels to rise.
4. Improperly Adjusted Thermostat
Incorrect thermostat settings can result in comfort problems and higher energy costs. If you run into trouble reaching the right temperature, check your thermostat. If someone else at home keeps adjusting the settings back and forth, it’s more difficult to balance convenient comfort and energy efficiency.
5. No Electricity to the Air Conditioner
If your AC will not start, inspect for a triggered breaker or blown fuse at first. If this isn’t the reason for the problem, there might be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Call a professional to set up a repair visit.
6. Frequently Tripping Breakers
Another issue with the circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should be on a dedicated circuit sized to handle this type of equipment. Repeated circuit breaker tripping can be a safety risk, as it’s an electrical malfunction that needs immediate attention.
7. Blocked Condensate Drain
The condensate drain eliminates condensed moisture generated by your AC system’s cooling cycles. An obstruction in these drain lines can cause water damage or mold problems. Try to keep a regular schedule when you review and unclog this drain if you need to prevent clogs.
8. A Freezing Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often comes from low airflow or leaking refrigerant, both of which may halt your HVAC system from properly transferring hot and cold air. A solid layer of ice on the coil messes with the cooling process and could even cause permanent damage. Routine maintenance is essential to stop freezing and guarantee efficient operation.
9. 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 start to cover the unit, hurting its ability to expel heat and increasing daily wear and tear. Clean these coils regularly with a gentle spray from the hose to help ensure system efficiency.
10. Odd Smells
If you pick up weird smells coming out of the HVAC system, examine further to find out where the smell is coming from. A burnt smell can come from electrical damage or a component overheating, while a musty odor means mold growth somewhere. Strange smells often need immediate attention to avoid any health problems and performance issues.
11. Odd Noises
Loud noises coming from the air conditioning often means something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt in need of replacement, while clanging or thumping sounds could point to unsecure components. Don’t ignore these kinds of noises, as they could be signs of bigger problems, costly repairs or complete system failure if not fixed quickly.
12. Excessive Cooling Cycles
Short cycling is when the AC unit switches off and on too many times. This is a sign of an improperly sized air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical malfunctions. Short cycling hurts efficiency and could also cut your unit’s life span, so hire local technicians to determine the cause and find a solution.
We Are Committed to Your Comfort
At Mark Allen nothing comes before your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, yet long-lasting solutions to whatever comfort problem you’re facing, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with things, we’ll make it right. So, the next time your air conditioning system starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
