Steer Clear of These 12 Common HVAC Headaches This Summer  

During the heart of the summer, you depend on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the heat. At the same time, the AC unit may run into trouble as demand goes up as the temperature does. Get the details on these 12 common HVAC issues in the summer to help you prevent or address them as needed.

1. Improperly Adjusted Thermostat

Incorrect thermostat settings can lead to comfort problems and higher energy bills. If you encounter trouble reaching the right temperature, go check on your thermostat. If a member of the family keeps adjusting the settings back and forth, it’s more of a hassle to balance comfort and energy efficiency.  

2. Excessive Humidity

At a certain point, high indoor humidity makes the air feel damp and fosters mold or mildew. An air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air together, but this isn’t always adequate in the South or other warmer climates. Setting up a dehumidifier should solve the problem unless the AC system has a hidden issue that can encourage humidity levels to get worse.  

3. Clogged Condensate Drain

The condensate drain eliminates moisture produced by your AC system’s cooling cycles. An obstruction in the drain lines can cause water damage or mold problems. Try to keep a regular schedule when you inspect and clear out this drain if needed to stop clogs.

4. Low Airflow

Airflow may drop if you have a clogged air filter, damaged ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Preventive maintenance such as changing the air filter, keeping all air registers open and cutting back vegetation from around the outdoor unit will often boost airflow. A constant stream of problems might mean there are significant concerns such as ductwork obstructions or a malfunctioning compressor, which will all require professional attention. 

5. Leaking Coolant 

Refrigerant is the essential component in air conditioning. A leak reduces the system’s total supply and decreases cooling efficiency, causing your unit to work harder and harder even as the temperature control falls away. Refrigerant problems are more likely in old units but could show up in any system under higher usage. Sigs you may have a leak include hot air blowing from your vents, sizzling or bubbling sounds, and surprisingly high energy bills. Only professionals can handle the problem because working with refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

6. A Freezing Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often comes from low airflow or a refrigerant leak, either of which could halt your HVAC 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 maintain efficient cooling. 

7. Short Cycling 

Short cycling is when your air conditioner turns on and off much more often than it should. This is usually pointing to an improperly sized air conditioner, dirty air filter or electrical issues. A malfunction like short cycling lowers efficiency and could also cut your unit’s life span, so consult local professionals to troubleshoot the cause and recommend a solution. 

8. No Power to the Air Conditioner

If the AC won’t start, inspect for a triggered breaker or blown fuse before anything else. If this isn’t the reason for the problem, it may be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Reach out to a professional to schedule a repair visit. 

9. Regularly Tripped Breakers

Another issue with the circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should be on a dedicated circuit sized to be compatible with this kind of equipment. Frequent circuit breaker tripping can be a safety hazard, as it’s an electrical issue that needs immediate attention.

10. Unclean Condenser Coils

The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are always left to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Insects, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris coat the unit, hampering its ability to release heat and increasing 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

Odd noises coming from your HVAC system is a telltale sign something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacing, while clanking or thumping sounds may be coming from loose components. Don’t ignore these kinds of noises, as they could be signs of larger problems, costly repairs or premature system failure if not addressed quickly.

12. Strange Smells

If you pick up weird smells coming out of the HVAC system, look into things further to find out where it might be coming from. A burnt smell can come from electrical fires or the motor overheating, while a stale smell suggests mold growth within the system. Unusual smells often do best with prompt attention to prevent health problems and performance issues.

We Are Devoted to Your Comfort

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing comes before your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians strive for quick, but long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, with service backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with the final product, we’ll do what it takes to make things right. So, if your air conditioner starts short cycling or making funny noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.