Avoid These 12 Frequent HVAC Headaches This Summer  

During the hottest part of the summer, you depend on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the worst of the heat. But even then, your home’s air conditioning may run into issues as your cooling need goes up as the thermometer does. Review these 12 frequent HVAC problems in the summer to help you prevent or fix them as needed.

1. Incorrectly Set Thermostat

Wonky thermostat settings can lead to comfort problems and higher energy bills. If you have trouble reaching the right temperature, go check on your thermostat. If a family member keeps cranking the settings higher or lower, it’s more difficult to balance convenient comfort and energy efficiency.  

2. Excessive Humidity

Excessive indoor moisture levels makes the air feel thick and encourages mold growth. Your AC system cools and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this isn’t always enough in especially warm climates. Setting up a dehumidifier will often help fix the problem unless the AC system has a hidden issue causing humidity levels to rise.  

3. Obstructed Condensate Drain

The condensate drain eliminates condensation generated by your air conditioner. A foreign object getting stuck in this drain can cause water damage or mold gaining a foothold. It’s a good idea to consistently check and clean this drain if necessary to prevent problems like clogs or water damage.

4. Weaker Airflow

Airflow may get weaker if you have a clogged air filter, faulty ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Routine maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, leaving all air registers open and cutting back plants from around the outdoor unit will help improve airflow. A constant stream of problems might mean there are severe concerns like ductwork damage or a malfunctioning compressor, which will all demand professional attention. 

5. Refrigerant Leak 

The supply of refrigerant is the key ingredient in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant decreases the system’s useable supply and decreases cooling efficiency, making making your unit work harder and longer even as the cooling effectiveness falls away. Refrigerant leaks are more frequent in aging units but may pop up in any system strained by higher usage. Sigs you may have a leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and higher-than-expected cooling costs. Only professionals can resolve the problem since handling refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

6. Ice and Freezing Problems with Your Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often comes from bad airflow or a refrigerant leak, both of which may halt your HVAC system from efficiently exchanging hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil gets in the way of the cooling process and could even cause extended damage. Routine maintenance is crucial if you want to avoid freezing and ensure efficient operation. 

7. The Cooling Cycle Starts and Stops Too Often 

Short cycling is when your air conditioner switches off and on too many times. This is pointing to an improperly sized air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical issues. Sudden short cycling lowers efficiency and could also shorten your unit’s life span, so hire local professionals to identify the cause and find a solution. 

8. No Power Is Making It to the AC Unit

If the AC will not start, check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse first. If this is not the issue, there could be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are responsible for starting the unit. Contact a professional to schedule a repair appointment. 

9. Frequently Tripping Breakers

Staying on the subject of 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 type of equipment. Repeated circuit breaker trips can be a safety risk, as it’s an electrical malfunction that needs immediate attention.

10. Clogged Condenser Coils

The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are constantly left to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris coat the unit, restricting its ability to expel heat and raising daily wear and tear. Wash these coils every now and then with a gentler spray from the hose to help preserve system efficiency.

11. Unusual Noises

Strange noises coming from the air conditioning often means something isn’t right. Screeching could point to a belt that needs replacement, while clanging or thumping sounds may be coming from loose or broken components. Don’t try and ignore these sounds, as they could be signs of bigger problems, constant repairs or total system failure if not fixed soon.

12. Odd Smells

If you pick up gross smells coming from the HVAC system, examine further to determine where they’re coming from. A scorched smell might indicate electrical damage or the motor overheating, while a stale smell means mold growth within the system. Unusual smells often need quick attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues.

We Are Committed to Your Comfort

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing comes before your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver prompt, yet long-lasting solutions to any comfort concern, supported by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with the final product, we’ll make it right. So, if your air conditioning system starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.