How to Prevent Common Summer HVAC Problems

As temperatures rise during summer, you rely on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system the most to keep your home cool. The increased demand and workload, as well as the seasonal changes, can also lead to numerous HVAC problems that may disrupt indoor comfort.

Understanding common HVAC issues and regular system maintenance are essential for making sure your system continues to run efficiently when you need it the most.

What Are the Most Common Problems With HVAC Systems During Summer?

With the work your HVAC system puts in to keep your home cool, it is bound to have a few issues every now and then. You don’t have to risk unexpected failures or sweltering heat indoors. Understanding how to prevent common summer HVAC problems can save you the headache. Here are some of the most common issues:

1. Clogged Air Filters

Air filters collect dust, dirt, pollutants, and other debris that would otherwise enter your home through the air vents. Over time, the debris accumulates and clogs the filters. Air cannot pass through as easily when the AC filters are filled with debris buildup. This issue restricts airflow, impacts indoor air quality, and forces your HVAC to work even harder. The extra strain can lead to various problems, from overheating the system to failure.

The easiest way to prevent clogged filters is to replace them every three months at the very least, but it is recommended to do it more regularly if possible. You should also check and clean it regularly if the filter is reusable.

2. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is an essential component in the cooling process. It absorbs heat and humidity, which cools the air in your home. While refrigerant leaks are more common in older HVAC units, they can also occur when the system is strained due to the increased use during summer.

A leak lowers refrigerant levels and prevents your AC from functioning properly. Leaks often lead to loss of cooling, warm air blowing from your vents, and frozen evaporator coils. To prevent refrigerant leaks, you need to prioritize professional maintenance. Technicians can inspect and clean the refrigerant components in your unit to help reduce wear and tear and issues that could lead to leaks.

3. Frozen Evaporator Coil

Experiencing an HVAC freeze-up in the summer is often a sign of frozen evaporator coils, which can severely impact your system’s cooling performance. This issue arises due to restricted airflow from dirty filters or low refrigerant levels. It causes ice to form on the coils.

To stop your AC coils from freezing, you must regularly check the filters for clogs, clear the condensate drain, increase the fan speed, and keep vents open. Plus, have a technician assess the refrigerant level and address leaks.

4. Clogged Drain Line

A clogged condenser drain line is one of the most common causes of an HVAC system leaking water in summer. It removes excess moisture that is generated during the cooling process. Dirt, debris, and algae can accumulate in the drain line and cause blockages. As a result, water overflows from the drain pan and causes damage to your floors, ceilings, and walls. You may notice standing water in the pan, foul odors, and water damage around your AC system.

Regular cleaning and professional maintenance are crucial for preventing drain line clogs. Clear the drain line using a wet and dry vacuum or pipe cleaner. You can also remove dirt and debris from the drain pan using mild detergent and water.

5. Electrical Malfunctions

The summer heat can put a strain on the electrical components of your HVAC unit. For example, you might experience frequent circuit breaker trips due to the overloaded system, AC capacitor burnout, or electrical wiring issues. These problems can affect your AC’s operation and lead to system inefficiencies and complete failure.

To prevent electrical problems, it is essential to get a technician to inspect your HVAC system before summer starts. They will be able to identify, detect, and fix any potential issues.

6. Faulty Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can disrupt indoor comfort and increase energy bills during summer. The cause often lies in sensor malfunctions, wiring issues, or accumulated dust and debris. As a result, you can experience inconsistent cooling in your home, with the system either running constantly or not turning on at all.

Prevention involves regular cleaning of the thermostat, checking and replacing batteries, and ensuring it’s level and properly calibrated. You will need to consult a professional for diagnosis and repair or replacement if the problem persists.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Summer

Check out the following HVAC maintenance tips for summer to prepare your unit for the hot season:

Clean and change air filters: Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow and impact the efficiency of your system. Replace them regularly to improve air quality and ensure they perform optimally during summer.
Check thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is set correctly and functions properly to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Consider investing in a smart thermostat to automatically cool temperatures in your home for reduced energy costs.
Clean condenser coils: Dirty condenser coils reduce the system’s ability to release heat, decreasing efficiency and causing potential overheating. Regularly clean the coils to keep your system functioning at its best and extend its lifespan.
Ensure vents are unblocked: When your vents are blocked, the airflow in your home can be obstructed. Move any furniture, rugs, and other items that may be blocking your vents.
Clear drainage line: A clogged drainage line can cause water damage and promote mold growth. Routinely clearing the line prevents backups and ensures proper drainage of excess moisture.
Use fans strategically: Ceiling fans and portable fans can help circulate cool air and reduce the load on your HVAC system. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the room.
Schedule professional maintenance: You should schedule a routine maintenance service before summer. During the appointment, an experienced HVAC technician will look at your system to identify and address potential problems before they become major issues.

Schedule Your HVAC Service With Meeks Heating & Air

Professional maintenance is key to staying ahead of common HVAC issues during summer. At Meeks Heating & Air, we provide effective heating and cooling solutions to ensure superior comfort and peace of mind. Our experienced technicians can handle all your maintenance needs and keep your HVAC unit in top condition. With our Meeks Comfort Club, you enjoy exclusive perks like priority scheduling, warranties, and cost savings.