Avoid These 12 Typical HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the heart of summer, you depend on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the worst of the heat. At the same time, the air conditioner may experience issues as demand goes up as the thermometer does. Learn about 12 typical HVAC issues in the summer to help you prevent or fix them as needed.
1. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may get weaker if you have a clog in the air filter, leaky ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Regular maintenance such as changing the air filter, keeping all air registers clear and trimming back any weeds from around the outdoor unit will often improve airflow. A constant stream of problems may indicate more significant issues such as ductwork problems or a failing compressor, which will all require professional service.
2. Leaking Coolant
Refrigerant is the key ingredient in air conditioning. Leaking reduces the system’s useable supply and reduces cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder and harder even as the comfort level plummets. Refrigerant problems are more likely in older units but could show up in any system strained by higher usage. Signs you may have a leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and surprisingly high cooling bills. Only a professional can handle the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
3. Too Much Humidity
At a certain point, high indoor humidity makes the air feel thick and promotes mold or mildew. chills and dehumidifies the air together, but this isn’t always enough in particularly warm climates. Installing a dehumidifier should fix the problem unless the AC system has a hidden issue that encourages humidity levels to rise.
4. Poorly Adjusted Thermostat
Having the wrong thermostat settings can lead to performance issues and higher energy bills. If you run into these issues, start with your thermostat. If a family member keeps adjusting the settings higher or lower, it’s harder to balance convenience and energy efficiency.
5. No Power to the Air Conditioner
If your AC won’t turn on, look for a flipped breaker or blown fuse at first. If this isn’t the case, it may be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are essential for starting the unit. Reach out to a professional to schedule a repair appointment.
6. Frequently Tripping Breakers
Staying on the subject of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to repeatedly reset them. The HVAC system is supposed to be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to be compatible with this type of equipment. Repeated circuit breaker tripping is a safety hazard, as it’s an electrical issue that needs prompt attention.
7. Clogged Condensate Drain
The condensate drain removes the excess moisture generated by the cooling process. A foreign object getting stuck in the drain lines can result in water damage or mold problems. Try to keep a regular schedule when you check and clear out this drain if necessary to avoid problems like clogs or water damage.
8. A Freezing Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often is caused by little to no airflow or leaking refrigerant, either of which may prevent your HVAC system from correctly circulating hot and cold air. A solid layer of ice on the coil interrupts the cooling process and might also cause long-term damage. Regular maintenance is crucial if you want to stop freezing and guarantee efficient performance.
9. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are continuously left to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris start to cover the unit, hampering its ability to release heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Rinse these coils occasionally with a soft spray from the hose to help ensure system efficiency.
10. Strange Smells
If you can’t stand the weird smells coming out of your AC unit, examine further to determine where the smell is coming from. A scorched smell can come from electrical issues or an overheating motor, while a moldy smell usually points back to mold growth somewhere in the system. Odd smells often need professional attention to prevent health problems and performance issues.
11. Strange Noises
Loud noises coming from the air conditioning often means something isn’t right. Screeching is associated with a belt that needs replacement, while clanking or knocking sounds may be coming from unsecure components. Don’t ignore these sounds, as they could leave you with widespread problems, costly repairs or complete system failure if not addressed promptly.
12. The Cooling Cycle Starts and Stops Too Often
Short cycling is when the air conditioning starts and stops more frequently than usual. This is usually pointing to an oversized air conditioner, a clog in the air filter or electrical issues. Short cycling weakens efficiency and could also reduce your unit’s life span, so consult local professionals to determine the cause and suggest a solution.
We Are Dedicated to Your Comfort
At Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing nothing is more important to us than your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, yet long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, fsupported by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy with things, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, whenever your air conditioning system starts short cycling or making funny noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
