How to Avoid Common HVAC Problems in the Summer

HVAC problems during the summer can make a breakdown more likely to happen because of hot and humid weather. There are some common HVAC issues that arise during the summer, but there are also ways to combat these issues so they can be avoided.

The A/C Won’t Turn On

If your A/C won’t turn on, there could be a simple fix. Reset your thermostat, turn the unit off and then on again, and check the breaker to see if there is a blown fuse. Before this happens, ensure that you haven’t overloaded your fuses.

Poor Airflow

Poor airflow is a common problem with HVAC systems. You may notice your space has hot and cold spots, that there might be a pressure imbalance (doors closing, whistling noises, or drafty areas), little to no airflow from the vents or registers, or that warm air is coming out of the unit. There are a few things you can check to avoid these problems:

• Air filters – Need to be cleaned or replaced every few months so check it to see if it is clogged or dirty. Clogged air filters can sometimes lead to your space smelling like dust.
• Outside unit – In the summer, vegetation tends to grow around the unit so check to make sure there aren’t any blockages.
• Registers – In homes and offices, it’s a common mistake to block the registers (vents) with furniture. Check all of the registers for obstructions.
• Ductwork – Dust can start to accumulate in the ductwork, leading to clogged ducts. Occasionally, there are holes or cracks that develop in the ducts. Have a technician check the ductwork to see if it needs repairs or cleaning.

Rapid Cycling

Have you noticed your unit switching on and off frequently? It’s possible the condenser or evaporator needs to be cleaned. In the spring, it is important to check to see if the condenser is blocked by any debris or vegetation and clean off the unit.

The A/C Keeps Running

If you observe that the A/C unit keeps running even though the house is cool, you may need to check your thermostat. Older thermostats may not be programmable, leading to over cooling. A technician can recommend a compatible thermostat with your particular system. Before you run into this problem, you may want to have a technician check your unit before the heat of summer has your electricity bills rising.

Your Home is Not Being Cooled

This problem could be as simple as a closed vent, but you should have the refrigerant lines checked, as there could be leaks. A certified technician can check for this issue, but an unchecked leak can lead to longer runtimes, too much energy consumption, and overheating. In the fall, you may notice this is happening and you’ll want to get this fixed before the following summer.

Your Power Bill is High

A noticeable change in energy efficiency may indicate that your HVAC system is not functioning as well as it could be. Have your filters and ducts checked—if there are blockages, it can make your unit work harder to cool the space, thus causing your power bill to spike.

If you’ve assessed the problem and tried some of these remedies and you’re still having trouble, give us a call and we’ll have one of our expert service technicians help you out.