As the summer months approach, your home’s HVAC system works harder to maintain a pleasant temperature inside. However, there are several problems that could arise as a result of this increased wear and tear, leading to poor performance. You can keep your air conditioner running efficiently all season if you are familiar with these typical issues and how to fix them.
Dirty Air Filters
Filters lose some of their effectiveness and airflow capacity when they gather dust, pollen and other particles over time. This can cause the system to overwork, increase energy costs and cause there to be inadequate cooling. To fix this problem, you need to find your system’s air filter (it’s usually located near the return air duct or grille) and see if it’s clean; if not, replace it. You must make sure to change it out with a new filter that is compatible with your system. Experts recommend replacing the filters every one to three months during peak cooling seasons to maintain optimal airflow and improve indoor air quality.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is a crucial element when it comes to keeping your home cool. Leaks can cause refrigerant levels to drop too low, which can lead to subpar cooling, heated air escaping through the vents and even compressor failure. Always contact a licensed HVAC expert if you think there may be a refrigerant leak. They can find the source of the leak, fix it and top off the refrigerant levels to meet the manufacturer’s standards. Refrigeration is not a do-it-yourself project. The substance is hazardous and requires training to be handled safely.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
A lack of refrigerant, clogged vents and dirty air filters are common causes of frozen evaporator coils. If the evaporator coils freeze, there will be less airflow and warmer air coming out of the vents. To let the coils defrost naturally, turn off the system. After that, inspect the air filters and replace any that are unclean. Before scheduling a professional HVAC inspection, make sure the vents are clear. This will help identify and fix any underlying issues causing the freeze.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The evaporator coils remove moisture from your home through the condensate drain line. Water backup and possible damage might occur if this line becomes clogged with algae, mold or debris. A clogged drain line could be the cause of water accumulating around the HVAC unit or a musty odor in the area. To solve this, find the drain line— usually close to the outside unit — and unclog it with a wet/dry vacuum. If this doesn’t fix the problem, call an HVAC expert.
Thermostat Issues
Inconsistent temperatures or a complete lack of cooling might result from a malfunctioning thermostat. The most common causes of thermostat issues include incorrect temperature readings, controls that don’t work and broken wiring. To test the thermostat, make sure the temperature is set right and the thermostat is in cool mode. Change the batteries and wipe off any dust or debris that could be affecting the device’s performance. For more control and efficiency, consider switching to a programmable or smart thermostat or getting a professional to fix the thermostat if the difficulties continue.
Electrical Control Failure
Due to constant operation and increasing demand, electronic control components such as relays, capacitors and circuit boards may overheat and fail in HVAC systems during the summer. Wear, electrical surges or a lack of maintenance can cause these components to fail. An appointment with a qualified HVAC specialist is necessary for problem diagnosis and subsequent repair, as they will be able to check and test all electrical components. To guarantee correct operation and avoid future failures, they will swap out any broken components with new ones that match manufacturer standards.
Outdoor Unit Fan Problems
When the weather becomes hot, issues with the outside unit fan can throw off the efficiency of your HVAC system. Problems with the motor, broken blades or the buildup of debris surrounding the fan can reduce airflow and cooling performance. It’s critical to contact a competent HVAC expert immediately to address these issues. They will check the fan motor and blades for damage and remove any airflow obstructions.
Uneven Cooling
In the summer, it’s not uncommon for HVAC systems to have uneven cooling, which means that certain parts of the house will be warmer or cooler than others. A number of things, like clogged vents, dirty filters or a malfunctioning thermostat, might lead to this issue. First things first when fixing uneven cooling: make sure the vents are clear and the filters are clean. You’ll need to have a trained HVAC specialist take a look and maybe even reset the system if the issue continues. They are able to detect problems with the ductwork or thermostat and fix them so that your home has constant cooling and balanced airflow.
Air Duct Issues
Inadequate insulation, clogs or leaks in air ducts can all reduce airflow and make cooling less efficient. For instance, conditioned air might escape into unconditioned spaces due to duct leaks, resulting in energy waste. A professional examination is necessary to resolve air duct difficulties by identifying and fixing leaks, blockages or problems with insulation. To avoid these problems and keep the HVAC system running efficiently, it’s important to inspect and maintain the ducts regularly.
Capacitor Problems
The motors of air conditioners and heat pumps cannot start or run without capacitors. Problems with the capacitors can manifest as the inability to start the system, erratic performance or excessive cycling. With the use of specialized instruments for measuring capacitance and voltage, a competent HVAC technician can identify issues with capacitors. If a capacitor is defective, they will replace it with a new one that is identical to the original. Repairing capacitor issues promptly improves energy efficiency, assures reliable functioning of the HVAC system and prevents more major system failures. If you have a professional inspect your capacitors regularly, you can catch issues before they worsen.
Compressor Issues
When cooling demand is high, such as in the summer, compressor difficulties can have a devastating effect on HVAC system performance. Electrical failures, mechanical deterioration and compressor overheating are common issues. Inadequate cooling, strange noises or frequent on/off cycling are all possible symptoms. Fixing problems with compressors requires knowledge and specific tools. When an HVAC system isn’t working properly, a professional will take readings of the pressure and temperature, as well as conduct electrical tests and visual examinations. Repairs might include fixing electrical connections, replacing the compressor or fixing defective components, depending on the severity of the problem.
There’s no need to stress about AC problems in Las Vegas, NV, when you have a reputable HVAC expert to rely on, like our technicians at Polar Air & Heating, Inc.. We also help homeowners with ductless mini-split systems, heat pump installations, emergency repairs, air quality improvements and light commercial refrigeration. Call us now to schedule an AC repair.
