Prevent These 12 Frequent HVAC Headaches This Summer  

During the heart of summer, you count on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the worst of the heat. However, your air conditioning may run into trouble as your cooling need increases as the heat does. Review these 12 typical HVAC problems in the summer months to help you prevent or repair them as needed.

1. Poorly Adjusted Thermostat

Incorrect thermostat settings can result in performance issues and a spike in energy costs. If you encounter trouble reaching the right temperature, go check on your thermostat. If a family member keeps adjusting the settings up or down, it’s more difficult to balance convenience and energy efficiency.  

2. High Humidity

At a certain point, high indoor moisture levels makes the air feel muggy and encourages mold or mildew. Air conditioning lowers the temperature of and dehumidifies the air together, but this may not be enough in especially warmer climates. Adding a dehumidifier should resolve the problem unless the AC system has an underlying issue that can encourage humidity levels to get worse.  

3. Obstructed Condensate Drain

The condensate drain gets rid of condensation created by your AC system’s cooling cycles. A foreign object getting stuck in these drain lines can cause water damage or mold growth. It’s a good idea to consistently inspect and clear out this drain if needed to prevent problems like clogs or water damage.

4. Weak Airflow

Airflow may drop if you have a clog in the air filter, leaky ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Preventive maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, keeping all air registers open and trimming back any weeds from around the outdoor unit will help restore proper airflow. Persistent problems might mean there are major concerns like ductwork problems or a failure of the compressor, which will all need professional servicing. 

5. Refrigerant Leak 

The supply of refrigerant is the key ingredient in air conditioning. A leak reduces the system’s useable supply and decreases cooling efficiency, causing your unit to work harder and harder even when the comfort level plummets. Refrigerant leaks are more frequent in old units but may pop up in any system stressed by higher usage. Sigs you may have a leak include hot air blowing from your vents, sizzling or bubbling sounds, and higher-than-expected utility costs. Only a professional can address the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

6. Ice and Freezing Problems with Your Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often is caused by poor airflow or a refrigerant leak, either of which could prevent your HVAC system from effectively circulating hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil disrupts the cooling process and may cause extended damage. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent freezing and protect efficient performance. 

7. Excessive Cooling Cycles 

Short cycling is when the air conditioning starts and stops too many times. This is pointing to an improperly sized air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical issues. Short cycling reduces efficiency and can cut your unit’s life span, so call local professionals to determine the cause and suggest a solution. 

8. No Electricity to the Air Conditioning

If the AC struggles to start, check for a flipped breaker or blown fuse first. If this isn’t the case, there might be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are needed to start up the unit. Contact a professional to set up a repair visit. 

9. Frequently Tripped Breakers

Another issue with the circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system is supposed to be on a dedicated circuit designed to be compatible with this type of equipment. Repeated circuit breaker trips can be a safety risk, indicating an electrical issue that needs urgent attention.

10. Clogged Condenser Coils

The condenser coils on the outdoor unit are continuously exposed to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris coat the unit, reducing its ability to get rid of heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Wash these coils occasionally with a gentler spray from the hose to help ensure system efficiency.

11. Unusual Noises

Constant noises coming from the air conditioning is a common sign that something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacement, while rattling or knocking sounds could point to loose components. Don’t try and ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they can lead to larger problems, costly repairs or premature system failure if not addressed immediately.

12. Odd Smells

If you pick up strange smells coming from the air conditioner, look into things further to find out where it might be coming from. A burning smell might indicate electrical issues or the motor overheating, while a musty odor usually points back to mold growth within the system. Strange smells often need prompt attention to avoid any health problems and performance issues.

We Are Devoted to Your Comfort

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing should be more important than your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, yet long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, supported by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with the final product, we’ll make it right. So, the next time your air conditioning system starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.