With summer fast approaching, the HVAC system is crucial to keep the home cool and improve indoor air quality.
However, the hot summer temperatures increase air conditioner usage, leading to system malfunction.
This is also a great time to pick up home warranty coverage to protect yourself from any unforeseen issues.
Read on for eight problems your HVAC system may experience this summer and how to fix them.
Contents
1. Dirty Air Filters
Air filters work harder to keep dirt, dust, pet dander, bacteria, and debris off your unit during summer, which could clog them.
This compromises your air conditioning system’s efficiency, reduces its lifespan, and increases the electricity bill.
Be sure to examine the filter’s condition regularly and clean or replace them if they are clogged.
While air filters are designed to be replaced within three months, you can increase the cleaning frequency when your HVAC unit is working in overdrive in summer or you have pets, kids, or high traffic in your home.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant plays a crucial role in your HVAC system as it absorbs hot air from your home and releases it outside, therefore cooling the house.
However, the frequent use of your HVAC system in summer may cause tiny pinholes in your refrigerant lines and coils, resulting in leaks that lower the liquid’s level.
The refrigerant level may also be low if not enough liquid was added to your HVAC unit during installation.
Low refrigerant levels cause the HVAC system to underperform, leading to energy wastage, overheating, or the unit blowing warm air instead of cool air into your home.
Seek HVAC service to have refrigerant lines or coils sealed if you suspect any leaks.
3. High Indoor Humidity Levels
Your HVAC system helps control the moisture and humidity inside your home.
If you notice that your home feels more humid this summer, even when the air conditioning system is running, it could indicate issues with the unit.
You could consider investing in dehumidifiers to fix the uncomfortable indoor levels; however, this is a temporary solution.
For a long-term solution, replace the system, especially if it is more than 10 years old. Click here for a replacement solution.
4. Filthy Condenser Coils
The air conditioning condenser coils help to eliminate heat from your home.
However, over time, dirt builds up within the units, clogging them, making the air conditioner fail to perform its intended function.
It also reduces the HVAC system lifespan and increases energy consumption, so you should inspect the condenser coils and clean them regularly.
5. Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is the heart of your air conditioning system. It determines the ideal temperatures of your home.
However, it could be broken or faulty, making the heating and cooling system keep running even when the house has reached the desired temperatures.
Check to ascertain that your thermostat cables are connected correctly or whether the batteries need repairs to ensure that your HVAC unit cools your home this summer.
You could also consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
6. Malfunctioning Capacitors
Capacitors store the energy required to run your air conditioning compressors.
The high temperatures in summer could compromise the integrity of your capacitors, making the HVAC system fail to function efficiently.
To prevent capacitor malfunction, hire a contractor to inspect the air conditioning unit to spot and fix any issues.
Do not check the capacitors or replace them manually to avoid exposing yourself to danger.
7. Clogged Drain Lines
Your air conditioning system uses drain lines to filter out humidity from your home.
However, these drain lines become clogged over time resulting in water leakage and backup that could damage the heating and cooling system and create an awful unwanted stench within the home.
If left untreated, water leaks lead to mold growth and damage the ceilings, floors, and walls.
Have an HVAC unit technician inspect your system to identify and remove clogs from the drain line to prevent expensive repairs.
8. Frozen Evaporator Coils
The HVAC unit evaporators coils are fitted with refrigerant, which helps absorb warm air from your home.
These coils require warm air to circulate through them to work correctly.
However, the clogged air filters and ductwork in summer often result in reduced airflow, making the air around the coils freeze.
This deters the coils from performing their function, leading to no air or hot air being blown from the HVAC system, so you should schedule regular HVAC maintenance to ensure proper airflow and circulation.
Endnote
The last thing you want during the hot summer temperatures is a poorly functioning HVAC system.
Familiarize yourself with the above issues your HVAC unit may experience this summer and how to fix them to ensure your air conditioning system functions efficiently, extend its life, and reduce utility bills.