Steer Clear of These 12 Typical HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the heat of the summer, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the worst of the heat. That being said, your air conditioning may run into issues as usage goes up as the temperature does. Here are 12 frequent HVAC issues in the summer to help you prevent or repair them as needed.
1. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may get worse if you have a clog in your system’s air filter, damaged ductwork or a blocked condensing unit. Regular maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, leaving all air registers free from obstruction and clearing vegetation from around the outdoor unit should restore proper airflow. Ongoing problems might mean there are serious issues such as ductwork problems or a faulty compressor, all of which need professional service.
2. Refrigerant Leak
The supply of refrigerant is the key ingredient in air conditioning. Leaking lowers the system’s total supply and reduces cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder and longer even when the comfort level plummets. Refrigerant leaks are more likely in older units but can occur in any system under higher usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include hot air blowing from your vents, sizzling or bubbling sounds, and higher-than-expected energy costs. Only HVAC professioals can fix the problem as handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
3. High Humidity
High indoor humidity makes the air feel damp and encourages mold growth. chills and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this isn’t always sufficient in particularly warm climates. Installing a dehumidifier will often help fix the problem unless your air conditioner has an underlying issue causing humidity levels to get worse.
4. Poorly Set Thermostat
Having the wrong thermostat settings can lead to performance issues and a spike in energy costs. If you encounter these or similar problems, take a look at your thermostat. If a family member keeps adjusting the settings back and forth, it’s more of a hassle to balance convenience and energy efficiency.
5. No Electricity to the Air Conditioner
If your AC won’t turn on, inspect for a flipped breaker or blown fuse before anything else. 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. Reach out to a professional to schedule a repair appointment.
6. Regularly Tripped Breakers
Another issue with the circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit designed to work with this sort of equipment. Frequent circuit breaker trips is a safety hazard, indicating an electrical issue that needs prompt attention.
7. Clogged Condensate Drain
The condensate drain removes moisture produced by your AC system’s cooling cycles. An obstruction in this drain can result in water damage or mold problems. Try to keep a regular schedule when you check and unclog this drain if you need to prevent problems like clogs or water damage.
8. A Freezing Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often results from low airflow or leaking refrigerant, both of which could halt your HVAC from correctly circulating hot and cold air. A frozen coil gets in the way of the cooling process and may cause extended damage. Consistent maintenance is essential to stop freezing and protect efficient cooling.
9. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are constantly exposed to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Insects, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris start to cover the unit, hampering its ability to expel heat and increasing daily wear and tear. Clean these coils occasionally with a soft spray from your home’s garden hose to help protect system efficiency.
10. Strange Smells
If you notice strange smells coming from somewhere in the air conditioner, look into things further to find out where the smell is coming from. A burning smell can come from electrical sparks or the motor overheating, while a stale smell usually points back to mold growth within the system. Strange smells often need quick attention to prevent health problems and performance issues.
11. Strange Noises
A barrage of loud noises coming from the air conditioning is a telltale sign something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacing, while clanking or banging sounds could point to unsecure components. Don’t ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they could be signs of widespread problems, costly repairs or total system failure if not fixed soon.
12. Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the AC unit cycles through its cooling process more frequently than usual. This is a sign of an overpowered air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical damage. Short cycling weakens efficiency and can reduce your unit’s life span, so call local technicians to troubleshoot the cause and recommend a solution.
We Are Devoted to Your Comfort
At Wyant Heating & Air nothing comes before your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians strive for fast, but long-lasting solutions to whatever comfort problem you’re facing, fsupported by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with the results, we’ll make it right. So, if your AC unit starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
