Clearly, air conditioning systems in northeastern Pennsylvania work their hardest in the summer months. With heat and humidity reaching unpleasant levels at times, a properly working HVAC system becomes a chief concern for families depending on it to keep indoor temperatures closely controlled.
However, when temperatures climb, even the tiniest concern can become a bigger problem if left unaddressed. That’s why numerous homeowners unexpectedly find themselves dealing with warm air, insufficient airflow or a system that won’t function just when it’s most needed.
Being surprised by a badly performing or rundown HVAC system is not just aggravating but can also impact your comfort at home. Recognizing what is likely to go wrong at some point during these summer months can help avoid massive headaches.
Yes, equipment failures occasionally come without any warning, but any number of problems begin bit by bit. Paying notice of what your system is doing makes a huge difference in remaining in front of repairs. According to the experts at AC&R Services, here are a few of the more common HVAC issues that are apt to appear in northeastern Pennsylvania homes during the summer.
Refrigerant leaks
Refrigerant is crucial for your air conditioner’s cooling process. A refrigerant leak shrinks the system’s existing supply and cuts cooling efficiency, meaning your system will work significantly harder even as the cooling effectiveness falls away. If you are suspicious of a refrigerant leak, contact the professionals at AC& R Services to locate and repair it. Trying to deal with refrigerant without appropriate training can be hazardous and should be avoided.
Dirty AC coils
Summer lawn care can make it easy for your HVAC unit to get coated in dead grass and other lawn trimmings, but as these accumulate on the unit, the effectiveness of your system can be lowered. If the debris isn’t cleared, the system could possibly overheat and eventually break down. In general, you can use a hose with mild pressure to clean the outside coils, but some units are harder to clean as you may have to take the panels off to do so. Keep in mind, too, that the unit can be cleaned during the summer, depending on how often the AC runs.
Low air flow
Air flow to your AC is essential to make sure the unit operates as efficiently as possible. If your ductwork is stopped up or your air filter hasn’t been changed in a while, you run the risk that the unit is working harder than it ought to be.
Remember, in the summer, your AC is already working hard and cycling in more air than usual. That’s why the professionals at AC&R Services advise that you change your air filter no less than once a month throughout the summer.
Thermostat malfunctions
A malfunctioning thermostat can upset your home’s temperature control. If your HVAC system fails to turn on or off as preset, or if there are temperature discrepancies between various sections of your home, it could point to a defective thermostat. First, you should check the batteries and make sure they are working. If the problem continues, think about recalibrating or swapping out the thermostat.
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can deliver more precise temperature control and better energy efficiency. Check with AC&R Services about a thermostat upgrade.
Unnecessary cooling cycles
Short cycling is when the air conditioner turns on and off more often than normal. This can be an indication of an overpowered air conditioner, grimy air filter or electrical failure. A glitch like short cycling cuts back efficiency and might also reduce your unit’s life span. So, trust the technicians at AC&R Services to identify the cause and suggest a solution.
Drainage issues
Your HVAC unit produces moisture while it’s cooling air. That moisture needs to drain appropriately. However, if the drain line clogs up, water will most likely back up into the unit or even into your home, leading the way to costly damage or mold accumulation near the equipment. These problems frequently begin small but worsen during a heatwave. Tackling these issues early means you won’t be stuck without cool air just when it’s most needed.
Tripped breakers or electrical faults
When your HVAC system draws excessive power, particularly during intense heat, the breaker could flip. Such electrical issues can put a halt to the unit entirely. Yes, resetting the breaker might appear as an easy fix, but there might be an inherent problem that requires closer inspection by a trained technician from AC&R Services.
Frozen evaporator coil
A frozen evaporator coil will most likely interrupt your cooling system’s operation. This can take place because of limited airflow, refrigerant problems or other issues. You should first turn off your system to let the coil thaw, then investigate the source of the freezing. Everyday issues involve grimy filters, refrigerant leaks or a broken blower fan. Consult a technician at AC&R Services for an accurate diagnosis and repair.
Strange noises
Strange noises originating from your HVAC system are a frequent sign that something just might be wrong. Odd noises such as knocking, whistling or screeching will frequently indicate problems with your system. Such sounds may be the result of loose or damaged apparatuses, including blower fans or motor bearings. Paying no attention to strange noises can result in added damage, so it’s crucial to tackle them quickly by scheduling an HVAC technician from AC&R Services.
Strange smells
If you smell peculiar odors coming from somewhere in your air conditioner, further investigation is necessary to identify where they might originate from. For example, a scorched smell could point to an electrical fire or an overheating motor overheating, whereas a stale smell hints at mold growth somewhere. Strange smells frequently demand professional attention to stay clear of any health issues and performance concerns.
Lack of routine maintenance
Preventive maintenance is essential to steering clear of many of the concerns mentioned above. Routine servicing your HVAC system makes certain that it runs efficiently and dependably during the summer season and beyond. You should schedule bi-annual maintenance (prior to the summer cooling and winter heating seasons) to keep your system in tip-top condition.
To sum up, remaining cool during the summer depends on a well-maintained HVAC system. By tackling these everyday issues and scheduling routine maintenance through AC&R Services, located at 217 Turkey Path Road in Sugarloaf, PA, you will experience a comfy and trouble-free summer.