Avoid These 12 Frequent HVAC Headaches This Summer  

During the hottest days of summer, you depend on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and safe from the worst of the heat. At the same time, your home’s AC unit may experience trouble as your cooling need goes up as the temperature does. Learn about 12 common HVAC issues in the summer to help you avoid or address them as needed.

1. Poorly Adjusted Thermostat

Wonky thermostat settings can lead to comfort problems and a spike in energy bills. If you have trouble reaching the right temperature, take a look at your thermostat. If someone else at home keeps adjusting the settings higher or lower, it’s more of a hassle to balance convenience and energy efficiency.  

2. Too Much Humidity

At a certain point, high indoor moisture levels makes the air feel thick and promotes mold spores. Air conditioning cools and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this isn’t always adequate in particularly warm climates. Installing a dehumidifier can solve the problem unless your air conditioner has an underlying issue that can encourage humidity levels to rise.  

3. Clogged Condensate Drain

The condensate drain gets rid of condensed moisture produced by your AC system’s cooling cycles. A foreign object getting stuck in this drain can cause water damage or mold problems. It’s a good idea to consistently review and clean this drain if necessary to avoid clogs.

4. Weak Airflow

Airflow may drop if you have a clog in your system’s air filter, leaky ductwork or a clogged condensing unit. Preventive maintenance such as changing the air filter, leaving all air registers open and clearing any weeds from around the outdoor unit will often improve airflow. Persistent problems might mean there are severe problems such as ductwork damage or a malfunctioning compressor, which all need professional service. 

5. Leaking Coolant 

The supply of refrigerant is the essential component in air conditioning. A leak decreases the system’s useable supply and decreases cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work harder even as the cooling effectiveness falls away. Refrigerant problems are more likely in aging units but could show up in any system strained by high usage. The signs of a leak include uncooled air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and higher-than-expected utility bills. Only HVAC professionals can resolve the problem as handling refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

6. Frozen Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often is caused by poor airflow or leaking refrigerant, either of which can prevent your HVAC from properly transferring hot and cold air. A solid layer of ice on the coil messes with the cooling process and could even cause long-term damage. Routine maintenance is crucial if you want to avoid freezing and guarantee efficient performance. 

7. Excessive Cooling Cycles 

Short cycling is when the air conditioning switches off and on much more often than it should. This is usually a sign of an overpowered air conditioner, a clog in the air filter or electrical damage. A malfunction like short cycling hurts efficiency and can shorten your unit’s life span, so hire trusted local technicians to troubleshoot the cause and recommend a solution. 

8. No Electricity to the AC Unit

If the AC won’t start, inspect for a flipped breaker or blown fuse at first. If this isn’t the reason for the problem, there might be something wrong with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are needed to start up the unit. Contact a professional to schedule a repair appointment. 

9. Frequently Tripped Breakers

Staying on the subject of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to repeatedly reset them. The HVAC system should be on a dedicated circuit designed to be compatible with this type of equipment. Regular circuit breaker trips 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 always exposed to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other outdoor debris start to cover the unit, reducing its ability to expel heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Rinse these coils occasionally with a gentle spray from your home’s garden hose to help ensure system efficiency.

11. Unusual Noises

Loud noises coming from your HVAC system is a telltale sign something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacement, while rattling or banging sounds may be coming from loose components. Don’t try and ignore these sounds, as they can lead to more significant problems, constant repairs or premature system failure if not resolved quickly.

12. Strange Smells

If you smell weird smells coming out of the HVAC system, look into things further to determine where the smell is coming from. A burnt smell might indicate electrical issues or a component overheating, while a musty smell means 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 Dedicated to Your Comfort

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing comes before your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, yet long-lasting solutions to whatever comfort problem you’re facing, 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, if your air conditioner starts short cycling or making strange noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.