Avoid These 12 Frequent 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 heat. At the same time, your home’s air conditioning may experience problems as usage goes up as the heat does. Review these 12 frequent HVAC headaches in the summer to help you avoid or address them as needed.
1. Incorrectly Configured Thermostat
Wonky thermostat settings can lead to problems with comfort/system performance and a spike in energy costs. If you run into trouble reaching the right temperature, go check on your thermostat. If a member of the family keeps turning the settings up or down, it’s harder to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Too Much Humidity
Having too much indoor moisture levels makes the air feel clammy and encourages mold growth. An air conditioner lowers the temperature of and dehumidifies the air together, but this may not be sufficient in especially humid climates. Installing a dehumidifier should resolve the problem unless the AC system has a small but growing issue that can encourage humidity levels to get worse.
3. Blocked Condensate Drain
The condensate drain eliminates condensation produced by your AC system’s cooling cycles. A blockage in these drain lines can result in water damage or mold gaining a foothold. It helps to regularly check and unclog this drain if you need to prevent problems like clogs or water damage.
4. Weak Airflow
Airflow may get worse if you have a clogged air filter, leaky ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Routine maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, leaving all air registers clear and clearing plants from around the outdoor unit should improve airflow. Ongoing problems may indicate more major concerns such as ductwork problems or a malfunctioning compressor, which will all do best with professional servicing.
5. Leaking Refrigerant
The supply of refrigerant is the essential component in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant decreases the system’s useable supply and diminishes cooling efficiency, causing your unit to work harder and harder even as the cooling effectiveness falls away. Refrigerant problems are more common in older units but can occur in any system stressed by high usage. Sigs you may have a leak include hot air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and unexpectedly high utility costs. Only a professional can fix the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Frozen Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often comes from low airflow or leaking refrigerant, either of which could halt your HVAC from properly exchanging hot and cold air. A solid layer of ice on the coil interrupts the cooling process and could even cause long-term damage. Regular maintenance is crucial if you want to avoid freezing and guarantee efficient performance.
7. The Cooling Cycle Starts and Stops Too Often
Short cycling is when the air conditioning turns on and off more frequently than usual. This is pointing to an overpowered air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical issues. A malfunction like short cycling lowers efficiency and could also reduce your unit’s life span, so consult a technician to troubleshoot the cause and suggest a solution.
8. No Power to the AC Unit
If the AC struggles to turn on, look for a triggered breaker or blown fuse first. If this isn’t the reason for the problem, there might be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are needed to start up the unit. Reach out to a professional to set up a repair visit.
9. Regularly Tripped Breakers
Another issue with the circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to be compatible with this kind of equipment. Frequent circuit breaker tripping can be a safety hazard, indicating an electrical issue that needs immediate attention.
10. Unclean Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit are constantly left to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris cover up the unit, hampering its ability to release heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Clean these coils regularly with a gentler spray from your home’s garden hose to help ensure system efficiency.
11. Odd Noises
Constant noises coming from the air conditioning is a telltale sign something isn’t right. Screeching is associated with a belt in need of replacement, while clanging or knocking sounds could point to unsecure components. Don’t ignore these sounds, as they could leave you with more significant problems, more expensive repairs or premature system failure if not resolved promptly.
12. Strange Smells
If you pick up gross smells coming from your AC unit, examine further to figure out where it might be coming from. A burnt smell can come from electrical fires or a component overheating, while a moldy odor suggests mold growth somewhere. These kinds of smells often need prompt attention to avoid any health problems and performance issues.
We Are Devoted to Your Comfort
At A1 Chesney Service Experts, nothing comes before your comfort and peace of mind. Our certified technicians strive for prompt, yet long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with the final product, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, whenever your AC unit starts short cycling or making funny noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
