When the warmer months arrive, it means more work for your cooling equipment. You want to make sure your HVAC system is in good shape to prevent compromising the comfort of your living spaces. Breakdowns are more likely to happen when the weather is hot and humid. It is just one reason to have your system serviced in spring or replace it if the unit is old.
Here are some of the common HVAC-related problems people experience during summer and how to prevent them.
Lack of Airflow
There are various reasons your HVAC equipment is not producing sufficient airflow. However, the most common cause for this problem is vegetation crawling around the outdoor unit. When this happens, heat will get trapped inside the equipment, and it will become inefficient. There is also the risk of the unit overheating.
Another reason poor airflow occurs is if the air filters of the unit are filthy. Dirty filters will make your equipment work harder than it should, adding not only more load, but also strain, on the unit. If your air filters are dirty, the coils likely need cleaning as well. Make sure to replace air filters regularly or every one to three months depending on what kind your system has. Also, have the coils inspected and cleaned before the start of the cooling season to help ensure good airflow.
Low Refrigerant Charge or Refrigerant Leaks
Your air conditioner works harder in summer to keep your home cool and comfortable. If the air coming from your AC is warm, it would be that the unit’s refrigerant lines are leaking. As the equipment ages, its coil and lines may develop tiny leaks. When you turn on your AC in summer, you will notice that it is not performing as well as it used to, making the problem more apparent.
This issue can result in a low refrigerant charge where your AC will not effectively cool the air. When your equipment is undercharged, it will work harder, which means it will consume more electricity and energy. It would also be at risk of overheating. You can address this problem by having an air conditioner repair technician check and repair your unit. Meanwhile, it could be prevented with regular tune-ups or maintenance.
Experts highly discourage you from attempting to fix the issue yourself by purchasing products that claim to seal leaking refrigerant lines. Doing so will likely do more harm than good to your equipment and may even shorten its lifespan.
Excessive Humidity
If your home still feels humid even with your AC on, it is an indication that you need to have the unit checked by an air conditioning repair professional. An efficient cooling system will effectively reduce the humidity in your living spaces. Most times, high-quality ACs are enough to reduce humidity levels in your home. One thing you can do is to get a dehumidifier, but it is only a temporary solution. It would be better to invest in an efficient unit that can cool your spaces better.
Electrical Problems
Summer makes certain components of your HVAC system more prone to electrical issues. When working in your yard, take extra precautions in the areas near your outdoor equipment. Debris like grass and twigs can get into the unit and damage it. They can even clip its electrical wiring. Moreover, the capacitors of HVAC systems are more likely to fail due to overheating due to added load or too much heat from the sun.
Clogged Drain Lines
The role of an AC drain line is to prevent your home from becoming too humid. Your AC utilizes an evaporator coil with a drip pan, where the water goes and exits through the drain line. Clogged drain lines are a common AC-related problem homeowners deal with. Over time, debris like mold, algae, dirt and mildew can settle on this component and cause clogging. Once the drain lines clog, water can back up inside the unit and possibly damage the components of your AC. You will know there is clogging on the drains if water is leaking from your unit.
Compressor Problems
Make sure to not delay an air condition service, especially when your unit needs one. Addressing problems can help you avoid significant repair costs and prolong the life of your HVAC system. On the other hand, ignoring issues can lead to expensive problems to repair, such as compressor failure.
Problems like poor airflow, electrical issues and low refrigerant charge can potentially cause the compressor to break down. It is vital to contact an HVAC professional as soon as you notice something wrong with your AC. Moreover, the best way to avoid all of the said problems is to invest in regular inspections and maintenance.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
With an efficient HVAC system, your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) will improve. It is more important than ever to keep the air you breathe at home clean due to summer allergies. Problems with your cooling equipment can compromise your IAQ. Regular air filter changes and running a humidifier can help minimize the allergens in your indoor air. Improving your indoor air can get rid of dust mites and even prevent mold growth.
Increased Energy Bills
High energy bills are a common concern during the cooling season. Fortunately, there are various ways you can stay comfortable indoors without experiencing a significant increase in your utility costs. For instance, you can switch to a smart thermostat, use fans and turn your temperature up to 78 degrees.
If you have an old, inefficient air conditioner, it may be time to start considering getting a new one. You likely need to replace your unit if it is at least 10 years old. Modern air conditioners have more energy-efficient features, which can lead to significant savings. Investing in a new AC is more cost-effective in the long run than having your unit fixed every now and then.
Think your cooling system is not functioning correctly? Don’t wait to get your air condition serviced! Turn to EZ Air Conditioning and Heating for your home’s HVAC needs. Give us a call at (210) 429-9186, or fill out our contact form to get an estimate.
