Prevent These 12 Frequent HVAC Headaches This Summer

During the hottest part of summer, you count on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the heat. At the same time, the air conditioning may experience trouble as usage goes up as the temperature does. Review these 12 frequent HVAC issues in the summer months to help you avoid or fix them as needed.  

1. Weaker Airflow 

Airflow may drop if you have a clogged air filter, leaky ductwork or an obstructed condensing unit. Preventive maintenance such as replacing the air filter, leaving all air registers open and cutting back vegetation from around the outdoor unit should improve airflow. Ongoing problems might mean there are severe concerns like ductwork obstructions or a faulty compressor, which all do best with professional attention. 

2. Leaking Refrigerant 

Refrigerant is the key ingredient in air conditioning. A leak decreases the system’s useable supply and reduces cooling efficiency, making your unit work much more vigorously even as the comfort level drops. Refrigerant leaks are more likely in older units but could show up in any system strained by much higher usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include warm air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and unexpectedly high cooling bills. Only professionals can fix the problem since working with refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

3. Too Much Humidity  

High indoor humidity makes the air feel thick and fosters mold or mildew. chills and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this isn’t always adequate in particularly warmer climates. Adding a dehumidifier will often help fix the problem unless the air conditioning has small but growing issue causing humidity levels to get worse.  

4. Poorly Set Thermostat  

Incorrect thermostat settings can cause problems with comfort/system performance and a spike in energy bills. If you encounter these issues, go check on your thermostat. If a member of the family keeps cranking the settings up or down, it’s more of a hassle to balance convenience and energy efficiency. 

5. No Electricity to the AC Unit 

If your AC won’t start, look for a triggered breaker or blown fuse first. If this isn’t the case, it may be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which start the unit. Call a professional to set up a repair appointment. 

6. Frequently Tripped Breakers 

Staying on the subject of circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system is supposed to be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to handle this kind of equipment. Frequent circuit breaker resets can be a safety risk, as it’s an electrical issue that needs immediate attention. 

7. Blocked Condensate Drain  

The condensate drain eliminates moisture produced by the cooling process. A piece of debris lodged in these drain lines can lead to water damage or mold problems. Try to keep a regular schedule when you check and clean this drain if needed to prevent water damage. 

8. Frozen Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often comes from low airflow or a leak in the coolant supply, both of which can halt your HVAC system from properly exchanging hot and cold air. A large amount of ice on the coil gets in the way of the cooling process and may cause long-term damage. Routine maintenance is smart if you want to stop freezing and protect efficient cooling. 

9. Unclean Condenser Coils 

The condenser coils on the outdoor cabinet are constantly left to the elements, so internal components may get dirty over time. Spider webs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other built-up debris start to cover the unit, hurting its ability to expel heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Wash these coils every now and then with a gentle spray from your garden hose to help ensure system efficiency. 

10. Strange Smells 

If you pick up strange smells coming from the HVAC system, investigate further to find out where they’re coming from. A burnt smell often means electrical sparks or an overheating motor, while a musty odor usually points back to mold growth within the system. Unusual smells often need quick attention to prevent health problems and performance issues. 

11. Strange Noises 

Loud noises coming from your HVAC system is a common sign that something isn’t right. Screeching may signal a belt that needs replacement, while clanging or knocking sounds may mean loose or broken components. Don’t try and ignore these or similarly unfamiliar noises, as they could leave you with widespread problems, costly repairs or total system failure if not addressed promptly. 

12. The Cooling Cycle Starts and Stops Too Often 

Short cycling is when your air conditioner starts and stops more frequently than usual. This is a sign of an oversized air conditioner, clogged air filter or electrical damage. A malfunction like short cycling weakens efficiency and can even cut your unit’s life span, so call local technicians to troubleshoot the cause and find a solution. 

We Are Devoted to Your Comfort

At Xtra Mile nothing is more important to us than your comfort and peace of mind. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver fast, but long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our work, we’ll make it right. So, the next time your cooling system starts short cycling or making weird noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.