Prevent These 12 Common 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 heat. However, the AC unit may encounter issues as usage rises as the temperature does. Learn about 12 typical HVAC problems in the summer to help you avoid or address them as needed.
1. Incorrectly Set Thermostat
Wonky thermostat settings can result in comfort problems and higher energy bills. If you run into these issues, take a look at your thermostat. If someone else at home keeps adjusting the settings back and forth, it’s harder to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
2. High Humidity
High indoor humidity makes the air feel clammy and promotes mold or mildew. An air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this may not always be sufficient in the South or other humid climates. Installing a dehumidifier can resolve the problem unless the cooling has an underlying issue that encourages humidity levels to go up.
3. Obstructed Condensate Drain
The condensate drain eliminates the excess moisture produced by your air conditioner. A clog in this drain can cause water damage or mold problems. It’s a good idea to consistently check and clear out this drain if needed to avoid problems like clogs or water damage.
4. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may get weaker if you have a clog in your system’s air filter, damaged ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Regular maintenance such as changing the air filter, leaving all air registers clear and trimming back plants from around the outdoor unit can really help improve airflow. Ongoing problems may indicate more significant issues like ductwork damage or a failure of the compressor, which all need professional attention.
5. Leaking Coolant
The refrigerant supply is the main element in air conditioning. A leak reduces the system’s total supply and reduces cooling efficiency, causing your unit to work much more vigorously even when the temperature control falls away. Refrigerant leaks are more likely in old units but may pop up in any system stressed by much higher usage. Sigs you may have a leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, sizzling or bubbling sounds, and unexpectedly high cooling bills. Only HVAC professionals can address the problem since handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. A Freezing Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often is caused by low airflow or a refrigerant leak, either of which can stop your HVAC from properly circulating hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil interrupts the cooling process and may cause long-term damage. Regular maintenance is crucial if you want to avoid freezing and guarantee efficient performance.
7. Excessive Cooling Cycles
Short cycling is when the AC unit switches off and on more frequently than usual. This is usually a sign of an overpowered air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical damage. A malfunction like short cycling lowers efficiency and can shorten your unit’s life span, so instead trust local professionals to identify the cause and suggest a solution.
8. No Electricity to the Air Conditioning
If your AC struggles to start, check for a triggered breaker or blown fuse first. If this isn’t the reason for the problem, there could be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are responsible for starting the unit. Contact a professional to arrange a repair visit.
9. Constantly Tripped Breakers
Continuing with circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit sized to be compatible with this sort of equipment. Repeated circuit breaker resets can be a safety hazard, as it’s an electrical malfunction that needs urgent attention.
10. Clogged Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit are continuously left to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris start to cover the unit, reducing its ability to expel heat and increasing daily wear and tear. Wash these coils occasionally with a soft spray from the hose to help maintain system efficiency.
11. Odd Noises
Odd noises coming from your HVAC system often means something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacement, while clanking or banging sounds could point to loose or broken components. Don’t ignore these sounds, as they could be signs of bigger problems, costly repairs or complete system failure if not fixed soon.
12. Strange Smells
If you pick up weird smells coming out of the HVAC system, examine further to determine where it might be coming from. A burning smell points to electrical fires or a component overheating, while a moldy smell usually points back to mold growth somewhere in the system. Odd smells often need prompt attention to prevent health problems and performance issues.
We Are Dedicated to Your Comfort
At Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, nothing comes before your comfort and satisfaction. Our certified technicians strive for prompt, but long-lasting solutions to any comfort concern, supported by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with things, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, the next time your cooling system starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.