Identifying Common HVAC Problems in Summer
It’s scorching hot outside in the Aiken summer, so you race from an air-conditioned office or store to your air-conditioned car to your air-conditioned house, and, uh-oh, it appears to be approaching that temperature inside, too.
This is bad. Your dog is melting. You’re soaked with perspiration. You swear the walls are beginning to sweat. You need to find out what’s wrong – and fast, because they’re forecasting a heat wave for tomorrow.
This is not an uncommon scenario in the Midlands. Fortunately, there is no need to panic. Quickly diagnosing the problem can go a long way toward finding the solution. Here are some common air conditioning issues and their solutions.
Water is pooling under your AC unit.
You likely have a clogged drain line, which isn’t a problem—until it is. Allowing dirt, debris, and mold to build up and further clog the AC line can cause a host of issues, including excess humidity in the home, water damage to floors and walls, rust in the unit, and more. Flushing the drains can remediate this.
Poor airflow through the AC unit.
Good news! There are two most likely causes of this and they are easy to fix: plant growth around the condenser. That’s the big unit with a fan outside the house, which sucks in the outside air. Clear the vegetation from the unit and watch the problem disappear. Or… dirty filters, those things most people forget to change. Over time they can collect debris and dust and create stress on the blower for the unit. This can lead to further issues down the road if not changed out regularly.
Warm air is blowing out the vents.
First, ensure you don’t have the thermostat set to heat. Whoops! If it’s not that simple, it still might be easy to repair. Back to those air filters… check your air filter; if it hasn’t been changed in a while, it might be clogged with dirt, preventing air from flowing through the ducts. A trip to the hardware store, a few bucks, and a 30-second replacement will fix that. If that doesn’t fix it then you might have a larger issue and a professional should come to check it our further.
Screeching, screaming, banging, buzzing.
Odd noises are a bellwether of trouble, but it takes a pro to diagnose each sound. Here are some rules of thumb: high-pitched sounds often portend fan or compressor issues; buzzing sounds are commonly related to the electrical system; pinging or clanging means parts are loose; and thumping or banging can be a loose compressor, blower or motor.
Uneven cooling from one room to another.
The most apparent cause of variable cooling is closed or clogged vents. Fixing them takes one minute. Checking the air filter, too, takes another minute.
Nothing is happening.
Unless you simply have the thermostat set too high, this is a worst-case scenario because it sounds like a blown motor. Avoid this situation by having your HVAC system regularly maintained.
In fact, all these issues can be avoided by having your HVAC system serviced in the spring and fall, just in time for the harsh winter and summer weather.
Preventative maintenance by HVAC professionals prevents costly problems, saves money in the long run, and provides peace of mind year-round. Whether you need routine maintenance to avoid these costly (and often inconvenient) issues or need a repair, Holley Heating and Air’s team of expert professionals will help ensure that you’re comfortable even on the hottest days of the summer.
At Holley Heating & Air Conditioning, your comfort is our #1 concern. Air conditioning system maintenance is the key to keeping your system up and running efficiently and cost-effectively. You can trust our experienced team to keep your system running smoothly in all seasons. Call us to schedule an appointment today.
