Summer has finally begun! Hot weather, sunny days, beach trips, and beautiful lakefront sunsets are here for the season. While you enjoy yourself safely this summer, there are a few things you should know about your HVAC system.
In the summer, air conditioning is running all the time and on the hottest days, it’s running at its maximum capacity. It’s no secret that most of the calls we get in the summer are for air conditioner breakdowns. We’ve found that there are several common HVAC problems that happen during the summer, and here’s our list.
Summer HVAC Problems & How to Fix Them
Refrigerant Leaks
If you notice that warm air is blowing when the AC is supposed to be on, the cause might be a refrigerant leak. The coils and refrigerant lines in your AC unit develop tiny leaks over time and they become very obvious during the summer. If they’re allowed to continue, your system will not have enough refrigerant to cool the air.
To fix this, have an HVAC professional take a look at it. Don’t try to fix it yourself; it can be dangerous and could ruin your AC unit.
Humidity
Summer days are often humid days. While high humidity is a nuisance outside, it can be downright problematic inside. Not only is it uncomfortable, but high humidity indoors can stretch wood frames causing damage. It can also lower indoor air quality. As a result, we recommend keeping humidity levels indoors between 30-50%.
To address this, you’re going to want to make sure your dehumidifier is running smoothly. If you don’t have one, get one installed: it will reduce the humidity in your home and prevent all kinds of problems.
Electrical Issues
There are components in your HVAC system that are more vulnerable to damage. The capacitor, for example, can get overheated due to the outdoor temperature or due to overuse. Yard work and renovations can also cause unintended damage to AC units. These can result in electrical issues that can cause breakdowns.
Poor Air Flow
If you’re noticing that air flow is worse, then many things could be to blame. It could be an issue with your air filter. Or, it could be due to grass growing on the outside of your AC unit. Keeping the grass trimmed and the air filter clean can help prevent air flow problems during the times when good air flow is needed the most.
High Energy Bills
Although it’s common to expect high energy bills during the summer, sometimes energy bills are much higher than expected… and it may not be due to rates changing. HVAC systems (especially air conditioners) can get less energy efficient over time, and this is especially pronounced during times when we rely on it the most. Getting proper HVAC maintenance in the spring can help prevent these issues from cropping up.
Need Summer HVAC Repair or Maintenance? Call Unique Indoor Comfort!
At Unique Indoor Comfort, we believe that all homes should be as comfortable as possible, no matter what the temperature is outside. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, don’t delay: waiting can make the issue more pronounced! Call us at 847-359-5100 today to schedule a consultation!
