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Prevent These 12 Common HVAC Headaches This Summer  

During the heart of summer, you count on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe from the worst of the heat. At the same time, your air conditioner may encounter problems as day-to-day use rises as the heat does. Review these 12 common HVAC problems in the summer months to help you prevent or repair them as needed.

1. Poorly Adjusted Thermostat

Incorrect thermostat settings can cause performance issues and more expensive energy costs. If you have these or similar problems, check your thermostat. If someone else at home keeps adjusting the settings back and forth, it’s harder to balance comfort and energy efficiency.  

2. High Humidity

At a certain point, high indoor moisture levels makes the air feel damp and encourages mold or mildew. Air conditioning chills and dehumidifies the air at the same time, but this may not always be sufficient in especially warm climates. Installing a dehumidifier can fix the problem unless the air conditioning has a hidden issue that can encourage humidity levels to go up.  

3. Clogged Condensate Drain

The condensate drain removes the excess moisture generated by the cooling process. An obstruction in this drain can cause water damage or mold growth. Try to keep a regular schedule when you review and clear out this drain if necessary to stop water damage.

4. Reduced Airflow

Airflow may drop if you have a clog in the air filter, faulty ductwork or a blocked condensing unit. Preventive maintenance such as swapping out the air filter, keeping all air registers free from obstruction and trimming back any weeds from around the outdoor unit should restore proper airflow. Ongoing problems might mean there are major issues like ductwork damage or a failure of the compressor, which will all demand professional attention. 

5. Coolant Leak 

Refrigerant is the essential component in air conditioning. A leak decreases the system’s available supply and reduces cooling efficiency, forcing your unit to work much more vigorously even when the comfort level falls away. Refrigerant problems are more common in aging units but could show up in any system stressed by high usage. Some signs of a coolant leak include warm air blowing from your vents, whistling or gurgling sounds, and higher-than-expected utility costs. Only HVAC professionals can resolve the problem as working with refrigerant requires EPA certification. 

6. A Freezing Air Conditioner 

A frozen air conditioner often comes from low airflow or a leak in the coolant supply, either of which can halt the unit from effectively exchanging hot and cold air. A solid layer of ice on the coil gets in the way of the cooling process and could even cause long-term damage. Routine maintenance is smart if you want to avoid freezing and ensure efficient operation. 

7. Short Cycling 

Short cycling is when your air conditioner cycles through its cooling process too many times. This is usually pointing to an oversized air conditioner, a clog in the air filter or electrical malfunctions. Sudden short cycling weakens efficiency and could also shorten your unit’s life span, so consult trusted local technicians to troubleshoot the cause and suggest a solution. 

8. No Power Is Making It to the Air Conditioning

If an AC won’t turn on, inspect for a tripped breaker or blown fuse at first. If this is not the issue, it may be a problem with the unit’s capacitors or contactors, which are responsible for starting the unit. Call a professional to set up a repair appointment. 

9. Regularly Tripping Breakers

Continuing with circuit breakers, you shouldn’t have to continually reset them. The HVAC system should always be on a dedicated circuit that is appropriately sized to work with this type of equipment. Repeated circuit breaker resets can be a safety risk, as it’s an electrical malfunction that needs immediate attention.

10. Clogged Condenser Coils

The condenser coils on the outdoor cabinet are continuously left to the elements, so dirt and debris may collect over time. Cobwebs, dirt and dust, grass clippings and other common outdoor debris start to cover the unit, reducing its ability to expel heat and worsening daily wear and tear. Wash these coils occasionally with a gentle 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 could point to a belt in need of replacing, while clanking or banging sounds may be coming from loose components. Don’t try and ignore these kinds of noises, as they could leave you with bigger problems, constant repairs or total system failure if not fixed promptly.

12. Odd Smells

If you pick up strange smells coming from your AC unit, look into things further to determine where they’re coming from. A scorched smell can come from electrical sparks or a component overheating, while a moldy smell usually points back to mold growth somewhere in the system. Unusual smells often do best with immediate attention to limit the risk of health problems and performance issues.

We Are Dedicated to Your Comfort

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, nothing should be more important than your comfort and satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver fast, yet long-lasting solutions to whatever comfort problem you’re facing, with service backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not entirely happy with the final product, we’ll make it right. So, the next time your air conditioner starts short cycling or making funny noises, contact us for Expert service that always exceeds expectations.

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