Steer Clear of These 12 Common HVAC Headaches This Summer
During the heat of the summer, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the heat. At the same time, your home’s air conditioning may run into problems as day-to-day use increases as the heat does. Learn about 12 frequent HVAC headaches in the summer months to help you prevent or address them as needed.
1. Incorrectly Configured Thermostat
Having the wrong thermostat settings can lead to problems with comfort/system performance and higher energy bills. If you run into these or similar problems, take a look at your thermostat. If a family member keeps adjusting the settings up or down, it’s more difficult to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Too Much Humidity
Excessive indoor humidity makes the air feel clammy and fosters mold or mildew. An air conditioner lowers the temperature of and dehumidifies the air together, but this may not be sufficient in the South or other warm climates. Setting up a dehumidifier should resolve the problem unless your air conditioner has an underlying issue that encourages humidity levels to go up.
3. Blocked Condensate Drain
The condensate drain removes the excess moisture generated by your AC system’s cooling cycles. A foreign object getting stuck in this drain can lead to water damage or mold gaining a foothold. It’s a good idea to consistently review and unclog this drain if necessary to avoid clogs.
4. Weaker Airflow
Airflow may get worse if you have a clogged air filter, leaky ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Regular maintenance such as replacing the air filter, keeping all air registers open and clearing any weeds from around the outdoor unit will often restore proper airflow. A constant stream of problems may indicate more serious issues like ductwork problems or a faulty compressor, all of which require professional service.
5. Coolant Leak
The refrigerant supply is the essential component in air conditioning. A leak reduces the system’s useable supply and diminishes cooling efficiency, making making your unit work much more vigorously even when the comfort level plummets. Refrigerant leaks are more likely in older units but could show up in any system under higher usage. Sigs you may have a leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and higher-than-expected energy bills. Only professional technicians can address the problem since handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
6. Ice and Freezing Problems with Your Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner often results from bad airflow or a refrigerant leak, both of which may halt the unit from correctly exchanging hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil disrupts the cooling process and could even cause long-term damage. Regular maintenance is essential to avoid freezing and preserve efficient operation.
7. Excessive Cooling Cycles
Short cycling is when the air conditioning starts and stops more frequently than usual. This is usually pointing to an overpowered air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical issues. A malfunction like short cycling reduces efficiency and can cut your unit’s life span, so call local professionals to diagnose the cause and recommend a solution.
8. No Power Is Making It to the AC Unit
If your AC doesn’t turn on, look for a tripped breaker or blown fuse before anything else. If this is not the issue, it may be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are essential for starting the unit. Call a professional to set up a repair visit.
9. Frequently Tripping Breakers
Staying on the subject of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to constantly reset them. The HVAC system is supposed to be on a dedicated circuit sized to work with this high-power equipment. Repeated circuit breaker trips can be a safety risk, since it’s an electrical issue that needs urgent attention.
10. Clogged Condenser Coils
The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of the system are always exposed to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other built-up debris start to cover the unit, restricting its ability to release heat and increasing daily wear and tear. Rinse these coils regularly with a soft spray from your home’s garden hose to help preserve system efficiency.
11. Unusual Noises
A barrage of loud noises coming from the air conditioning often means something isn’t right. Screeching is associated with a belt that needs replacement, while rattling or knocking sounds may be coming from loose or broken components. Don’t ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they can lead to more significant problems, constant repairs or complete system failure if not addressed quickly.
12. Strange Smells
If you can’t stand the weird smells coming from somewhere in the air conditioner, examine further to find out where the smell is coming from. A burning smell often means electrical sparks or a component overheating, while a stale smell suggests mold growth somewhere in the system. Unusual smells often do best with quick attention to avoid any health problems and performance issues.
We Are Committed to Your Comfort
At McKinley Heating Service Experts, nothing comes before your comfort and satisfaction. Our certified technicians provide quick, but long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, with service backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with the final product, we’ll make it right. So, if your cooling system starts short cycling or making funny noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.
