A home’s HVAC system is vital to keeping the occupants of a home comfortable. In places where winters are harsh or summers are brutal, a well-working HVAC system can be the difference between a home that’s habitable and one that isn’t. The stresses the HVAC system is subject to during the summer can cause problems that decrease its effectiveness. Because of this, it’s a good idea for a homeowner to keep a watchful eye out for them. Here are some of the most common summer HVAC problems.
Refrigerant Leaks and Maintaining Proper Coolant Levels
The refrigerant in an HVAC system helps create cool air that’s distributed throughout the house or room. Refrigerant leaks can occur because the unit is old, has been improperly installed or has come with a defect that makes it susceptible to leaks. A refrigerant leak can be hard to detect, and a homeowner may not suspect one until their AC unit is no longer producing cold air. If a homeowner suspects a leak, they need to unplug or turn off their air conditioning right away. Refrigerant is dangerous for a layperson to handle, and any leak needs to be fixed by an HVAC professional as soon as possible.
Preventing Dirty or Clogged Filters
Filters in the HVAC system are the easiest components to take care of and the easiest components to forget about. They trap dirt and debris that would otherwise enter the air and make it unpleasant or even unhealthy to breathe. However, not cleaning or replacing filters puts extra stress on the HVAC system and can cause it to not perform well or to fail. Filters should be replaced or cleaned at least once a month or even more often if there are pets or a smoker in the house.
Electrical Issues and Sensor Problems
The electrical systems that run the HVAC could also cause problems during times of high summer usage. The problems can negatively affect sensors that control the temperature, humidity, pressure and other aspects that keep the system working efficiently. As with clogged filters or refrigerant leaks, a homeowner might suspect electrical problems if the AC stops blowing cool air or stops blowing air altogether. Other signs that something is wrong with the electrical system are odd noises, the smell of burning wire or smoke, a thermostat that doesn’t work the way it should and an HVAC system that cycles on and off.
High Energy Bills Due to HVAC System Issues
The problems that can cause an HVAC system malfunction can raise energy bills. This is due to the system having to work that much harder to supply the same level of cooling. A homeowner who sees a spike in their energy bill even though they’re not calling for their system to produce more energy should contact an HVAC professional to see what the problem is.
Benefits of Professional Inspection and Tune-up Before Summer Begins
HVAC professionals recommend that the HVAC system be given an inspection and a tune-up well before the cooling system begins. It’s supremely frustrating to turn on the AC on the hottest day of the year, and it doesn’t work because it wasn’t inspected and fixed earlier in the season. Some HVAC companies offer service contracts where a professional automatically comes and inspects the HVAC system twice a year.
