Prevent These 12 Frequent HVAC Concerns This Summer  

During the heat of the summer, you depend on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the heat. That being said, your AC unit may experience issues as usage increases as the thermometer does. Get the details on these 12 frequent HVAC headaches in the summer months to help you prevent or repair them as needed.

1. Improperly Configured Thermostat

Wonky thermostat settings can lead to comfort problems and more expensive energy costs. If you run into these or similar problems, go check on your thermostat. If someone else at home keeps cranking the settings back and forth, it’s more of a hassle to balance convenience and energy efficiency.  

2. High Humidity

High indoor humidity makes the air feel muggy and promotes mold spores. Air conditioning lowers the temperature of and dehumidifies the air together, but this isn’t always enough in the South or other warmer climates. Setting up a dehumidifier can fix the problem unless the cooling has a hidden issue that can encourage humidity levels to get worse.  

3. Blocked Condensate Drain

The condensate drain gets rid of moisture generated by the cooling process. A clog in the drain lines can cause water damage or mold problems. It’s a good idea to consistently review and unclog this drain if necessary to prevent clogs.

4. Reduced Airflow

Airflow may get worse if you have a clog in your system’s air filter, faulty ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Regularly scheduled maintenance such as changing the air filter, leaving all air registers open and trimming back vegetation from around the outdoor unit will help enhance airflow. Persistent problems may indicate more major issues such as ductwork obstructions or a failing compressor, all of which do best with professional service. 

5. Leaking Coolant 

Refrigerant is the main element in air conditioning. Leaking refrigerant decreases the system’s available supply and diminishes cooling efficiency, making making your unit work much more vigorously even when the temperature control plummets. Refrigerant problems are more likely in older units but may pop up in any system stressed by much higher usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include hot air blowing from your vents, sizzling or bubbling sounds, and unexpectedly high utility bills. Only a professional can fix the problem because handling refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

6. A Freezing Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often results from little to no airflow or a refrigerant leak, either of which may prevent the unit from properly circulating hot and cold air. A solid layer of ice on the coil messes with the cooling process and may cause permanent damage. Consistent maintenance is essential to stop freezing and protect efficient cooling. 

7. Short Cycling 

Short cycling is when the air conditioning turns on and off much more often than it should. This is usually pointing to an oversized air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical issues. Sudden short cycling lowers efficiency and can cut your unit’s life span, so instead trust trusted local technicians to troubleshoot the cause and find a solution. 

8. No Electricity to the AC Unit

If an AC struggles to start, check for a flipped breaker or blown fuse at first. If this is not the issue, there might be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are responsible for starting the unit. Call a professional to schedule a repair visit. 

9. Regularly Tripping Breakers

Continuing with circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to constantly reset them. The HVAC system is supposed to be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to work with this type of equipment. Regular circuit breaker tripping can be a safety hazard, indicating an electrical issue that needs urgent attention.

10. Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are always exposed to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Insects, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris cover up the unit, hampering its ability to release heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Rinse these coils every now and then with a gentler spray from your garden hose to help ensure system efficiency.

11. Unusual Noises

Strange noises coming from the air conditioning is a telltale sign something isn’t right. Screeching could point to a belt in need of replacing, while clanging or knocking sounds may be coming from unsecure components. Don’t try and ignore these sounds, as they could be signs of larger problems, costly repairs or premature system failure if not addressed promptly.

12. Strange Smells

If you smell gross smells coming from somewhere in the air conditioner, investigate further to determine where they’re coming from. A burning smell often means electrical issues or the motor overheating, while a musty smell means mold growth somewhere in the system. Unusual smells often do best with professional attention to prevent health problems and performance issues.

We Are Committed to Your Comfort

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