When the summer heat reaches its peak, a well-functioning air conditioning system becomes essential for maintaining comfort in your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners face the inconvenient reality of AC failures during this critical time. These failures often result due to negligence or improper maintenance. While some may underestimate the importance of routine AC tune-ups, others may resort to DIY repairs that can inadvertently worsen the problem. To avoid being caught off guard by a malfunctioning cooling system, it’s vital to understand the most common air conditioning issues and how to prevent them. It helps ensure that your AC keeps you cool all season long.

Here is a comprehensive guide on the common air conditioning problems during the summer and how you can resolve them.

Dirty Air Filters

Remember, during the hottest summer months, your air conditioner never stops running. This non-stop operation allows the air filter within the unit to slowly fill up with dust, dirt, and countless air-borne particles. Dirty filters restrict the intended flow of air through your ventilation system, leading the entire system to work much harder. Backed-up airflow might result in poor cooling, power consumption overruns, and, often, failure of the system.

The symptoms of dirty air filters include:

  • Blows less air from the vents
  • Lower performance with cooling and heating systems
  • Temperature inconsistencies between rooms
  • Higher-than-usual energy bills.

An air filter must be replaced or cleaned at least every three months. In areas with more dust or with space heaters that run most of the time, a person may need to check and replace filters every month. Right air filters allow for ideal airflow, and this is very necessary to keep your system efficient.

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant cools your home by removing heat from indoor air and giving that heat to the air outside your home. The refrigerant in your system may leak due to corroded coils, loose fittings, or factory defects. Over time, this will result in reduced cooling capacity, whereupon the system, if not fixed earlier, will fail.

Here are the symptoms of refrigerant leaks:

  • Cooling capacity going way down
  • Hissing or bubbles near the A/C systems
  • Ice accumulating inside the refrigerant lines or on the coil

Routine maintenance checks by a qualified HVAC technician will catch small leaks before they become more than that. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, definitely have this fixed by a professional as refrigerant handling requires special knowledge and equipment.

AC Blowing Warm Air

There are several reasons your A/C could be blowing warm air instead of cool. Some of the more common ones include malfunctioning thermostats, compressor issues, or even simple problems like dirty air filters and electrical issues.

The symptoms include:

  • The AC blows warm or hot air instead of cool
  • Inconsistent temperature
  • Longer cooling cycles

This can help identify problems before they result in the delivery of warm air. See if thermostat settings are properly set, and if not, then you should contact a professional HVAC repair person to figure out what is wrong.

Loud or Unusual Noises from the AC Unit

A properly functioning air conditioner should be silent. However, if you start to hear weird sounds such as grinding, squealing, or banging, it may be indicative of a problem. Most of these noises are usually due to loose or worn-out parts, debris in the unit, or worn bearings.

When AC is loud or unusual noise you’ll realize:

  • The unit makes grinding, squealing, or banging types of sounds when running.
  • The presence of a rattling or buzzing sound.
  • The unit cuts on and off quickly (short cycling).

This will prevent the problems from happening in the first place by making sure that the AC unit is installed properly and all the components are well-locked. Regular inspections and timely repairs will only make it an easy catch of the otherwise potential problems that may erupt. If you start to hear any weird noises in the unit, better call an HVAC tech immediately to avoid further damage.

Dirty Condenser Coils

These condenser coils have to dissipate the heat that has been absorbed by the refrigerant. Over a period, these coils can get dirty from the elements in the atmosphere and reduce the rate of heat exchange. That will reduce the efficiency.

Here are the symptoms of dirty condenser coils:

  • The AC will not cool the home
  • The system runs for too long
  • High energy bills
  • Dust and dirt are visible in the outdoor unit

Keep the outdoor unit clean, particularly during summertime when it is working extra hard. Keeping the area clear of leaves and any other debris around the condenser unit ensures proper airflow and prevents dirt accumulation.

Thermostat Malfunctions

The thermostat is the brain of your air conditioning system and controls the ways and times of operations. Faulty wiring, dying batteries, or simply going out of style can lead to inaccurate temperature readings or the system not switching on or off when it should.

The symptoms of thermostat malfunctions include:

  • Poor temperature reading
  • Systems off or on at the wrong times
  • No power to the display; blank screen

Check your thermostat regularly to ensure that it is working properly. Replace batteries when they run out, and consider replacing them with programmable or smart ones for improved control of the cooling system. Professional installation can help avert possible wiring issues.

Drainage Problems

AC units dry the air and shed the gathered moisture via a drain line. If this line gets clogged with dirt, algae, or other debris, it may back up water into the system or your house-creating water damage and likely related mold growth issues.

The symptoms of drainage problems include:

  • Water leaking around the inside unit
  • Musty odors
  • Higher indoor humidity levels

Inspect the drain line at regular intervals for blockages and clean when needed. The line can be cleared using a wet/dry vacuum, or this task may be assigned to a professional cleaning service to avoid this kind of build-up. Additionally, the unit must be installed with the right slope to properly drain.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils can also be frosted because of insufficient airflow; dirty filters, blocked ducts, and low refrigerant levels are identified as basic causes of this condition. When the coils frost up, your AC unit could be forced to work harder in providing the cooling your home needs, or it may just stop working entirely.

Here are the symptoms of frozen evaporator coils:

  • Frosting up of the indoor or outdoor unit
  • Warm air coming from the vent
  • Decrease in airflow

Ensure that you get your AC system serviced at regular intervals, where the airflow and refrigerant levels should be properly inspected. Replace the air filters when necessary or wash them, and get the ducts checked by an expert for blockages.

Electrical control Failure

This is mostly experienced when the system frequently turns on and off, which wears it out. The electrical parts that can be worn out by the system’s frequent on and off include the compressor and fan controls. Furthermore, corroded or loose connections could result in electrical failure. In case of an electrical control failure, you’ll notice the following symptoms:

  • AC unit fails to start
  • Frequent short cycling
  • The system doesn’t turn on or off upon setting the thermostat

Regular electrical inspections by an HVAC specialist can prevent problems earlier before they result in a system failure. Besides, keeping your AC system maintained so it’s not overworked will also extend the lives of these electrical components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hot weather have any effect on how the AC runs?

Yes, the hot weather makes the AC work more, raising energy use and enlarging stress on the system. This can result in overheating, reduced efficiency, and probable breakdowns if not maintained properly. To help manage the increased demand, use fans to circulate air and keep blinds closed during peak heat.

Is it normal for the AC to run all day in summer?

It’s normal to have your AC on longer or even all day in very hot weather. On the other hand, if it’s running continuously and it’s not cooling effectively, it may point to low refrigerant, poor insulation, or a faulty thermostat. Regular maintenance or upgrades may be necessary if the problem persists.

How can I help prevent my air conditioning unit from breaking down this summer?

Not only should you get professional maintenance annually to help avoid breakdowns, but replacing air filters and cleaning the outdoor unit regularly of debris can go a long way toward maintaining a functional air conditioner. You can also reduce the load on your AC with the use of ceiling fans and closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day.

How often should I change my air filter during the summer?

In the summer, with your AC on more often, it’s best to inspect and replace your air filter every 1-2 months. If you live in a dusty area or have lots of pets, you might want to do it more often. Clean filters improve airflow, reduce strain on your system, and ensure better indoor air quality.

What can I do if my AC is leaking?

If your AC unit is leaking water, this may be due to a blocked drain line, low refrigerant levels, or dirty air filters. Turn off the system and seek the service of a professional HVAC expert in case you happen to notice pooling water around your appliance; otherwise, more damage may ensue. Regular maintenance can help prevent this issue by keeping the drain line clear and the system in the correct working order.

Why Professional AC Maintenance is Essential

It’s necessary to have professional AC maintenance because of the intrinsic complexity of HVAC systems. As tempting as DIY fixes can be, they too often miss other problems that only an experienced professional is capable of diagnosing and treating. Professionals will have the proper skills, experience, and specialized tools that can be used to carry out a task safely and effectively, like refrigerant management, coil cleaning, and electrical inspections. Their knowledge will keep your AC running efficiently, which can lower energy costs and extend the life of the unit. Many manufacturers of air conditioners also demand proof of a regular professional maintenance check to keep warranties in effect, so failing to do so may mean running very costly repairs in case the warranty becomes invalid. After all, investing in professional maintenance doesn’t protect only the system but also your home and wallet.

Wrapping Up

Ensuring that your air conditioning system operates efficiently during the summer is crucial for maintaining comfort and avoiding costly breakdowns. By being aware of common AC problems like clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, and thermostat issues, and by taking proactive steps such as regular maintenance and proper system care, you can extend the lifespan of your unit and keep your home cool even during the hottest months. Remember, investing in professional HVAC services not only enhances your system’s performance but also provides peace of mind. Don’t wait for a breakdown, schedule your maintenance today and enjoy a worry-free, cool summer.

Contact us right now to schedule your professional tune-up, repair, or installation. Our experienced technicians are available to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long. With our Energy Saving Agreement, you can relax with the knowledge that your AC system is covered at any time of the year, no matter when you need help.