Prevent These 12 Common HVAC Headaches This Summer  

During the heat of summer, you count on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the worst of the heat. But even then, your home’s air conditioner may run into issues as usage goes up as the heat does. Get the details on these 12 frequent HVAC issues in the summer to help you prevent or fix them as needed.

1. Incorrectly Set Thermostat

Incorrect thermostat settings can cause performance issues and a spike in energy bills. If you have these or similar problems, check your thermostat. If a member of the family keeps cranking the settings back and forth, it’s more difficult to balance convenience and energy efficiency.  

2. Excessive Humidity

High indoor moisture levels makes the air feel muggy and promotes mold or mildew. An air conditioner lowers the temperature of and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this may not be sufficient in the South or other warm climates. Setting up a dehumidifier will often help solve the problem unless your air conditioner has a hidden issue causing humidity levels to go up.  

3. Clogged Condensate Drain

The condensate drain removes the excess moisture created by your AC system’s cooling cycles. A piece of debris lodged in this drain can lead to water damage or mold growth. It’s a good idea to consistently review and unclog this drain if necessary to prevent clogs.

4. Weak Airflow

Airflow may drop if you have a clog in your system’s air filter, leaky ductwork or a blocked condensing unit. Routine maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, keeping all air registers clear and cutting back vegetation from around the outdoor unit can really help restore proper airflow. Ongoing problems might mean there are major problems like ductwork damage or a failure of the compressor, which all demand professional service. 

5. Coolant Leak 

Refrigerant is the main element in air conditioning. Leaking reduces the system’s available supply and reduces cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder and harder even as the comfort level plummets. Refrigerant leaks are more common in older units but could show up in any system stressed by much higher usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include hot air blowing from your vents, hissing or bubbling sounds, and unexpectedly high cooling costs. Only HVAC professionals can resolve the problem since working with refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

6. A Freezing Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often is caused by little to no airflow or leaking refrigerant, both of which can prevent your HVAC from correctly transferring hot and cold air. A frozen coil messes with the cooling process and may cause extended damage. Routine maintenance is smart if you want to avoid freezing and guarantee efficient cooling. 

7. Excessive Cooling Cycles 

Short cycling is when the AC unit cycles through its cooling process more frequently than usual. This is a sign of an oversized air conditioner, a clog in the air filter or electrical damage. Short cycling hurts efficiency and can reduce your unit’s life span, so call local professionals to troubleshoot the cause and recommend a solution. 

8. No Power Is Making It to the Air Conditioner

If your AC doesn’t start, inspect for a triggered breaker or blown fuse before anything else. If this is not the issue, it may be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Reach out to a professional to arrange a repair appointment. 

9. Regularly Tripped Breakers

Speaking of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit sized to handle this kind of equipment. Frequent circuit breaker tripping can be a safety risk, since it’s an electrical malfunction that needs urgent attention.

10. Clogged Condenser Coils

The condenser coils on the outdoor cabinet are continuously exposed to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris start to cover the unit, restricting its ability to get rid of heat and raising daily wear and tear. Clean these coils occasionally with a gentle spray from your home’s garden hose to help ensure system efficiency.

11. Strange Noises

Strange noises coming from your heating and cooling often means something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt in need of replacement, while clanging or banging sounds may be coming from loose or broken components. Don’t try and ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they could leave you with widespread problems, more expensive repairs or complete system failure if not resolved soon.

12. Unusual Smells

If you smell strange smells coming out of the air conditioner, investigate further to figure out where it might be coming from. A burning smell might indicate electrical damage or the motor overheating, while a musty odor usually points back to mold growth somewhere in the system. Unusual smells often do best with quick attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues.

We Are Devoted to Your Comfort

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing is more important to us than your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians provide prompt, yet long-lasting solutions to any comfort concern, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy with the results, we’ll make it right. So, whenever your air conditioner starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.