August 8, 2020

The demand for AC service during the summertime is high because systems have to work extra hard to keep homes cool. When temperatures spike, having a working air conditioning unit is a must-have. If AC maintenance service wasn’t a high priority for you in the early spring, there’s no need to panic. Let us discuss the most common summertime AC problems you might encounter and what you can do to address them.

Insufficient Air Flow

An efficient AC system should supply a steady flow of cool air even during hot weather. If you’ve neglected to change your air filters in a while or your ducts have become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder than usual to keep your home cool. To prevent poor air circulation, make sure you change your air filters at least once every three months. If you notice dirt or dust in your registers, vents, or ductwork, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company to have your unit cleaned from the inside out. A professional cleaning will not only improve airflow, it will also increase energy efficiency. This, eventually, could translate to lower energy bills.

Refrigerant Leaks

Since your AC works overtime to cool your home in the summertime, you could encounter leaks within your refrigerant lines. A surefire sign that you’re dealing with a refrigerant leak is warm air blowing through your unit. With prolonged use, it’s not uncommon for refrigerant lines to develop small leaks. During warmer weather, those leaks can become larger as your air conditioner is overtaxed. These leaks can allow refrigerant to escape, resulting in longer run times, overheating and wasted energy.

To address this problem, an HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your lines to identify the sources of the leaks. They will be able to then seal the leaks in your unit to get your system running at its prime again.

Short Cycling

Your air conditioner shouldn’t frequently turn off and on again. If your AC is short cycling, there’s definitely an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you continue to run the system while it’s short cycling, you could risk permanent damage to the compressor, which could end up causing an even bigger problem to deal with financially. Short cycling can also jeopardize other components of your air conditioner, resulting in increased energy bills.

If your AC is short cycling, refrain from running it. Shut your system off and contact a professional.

Clogged Condensate Drain Line

Condensation is a normal by-product of running your AC unit more frequently in the summertime. Your condensate drain line is designed to remove excess moisture. Sometimes, the drain line can be susceptible to clogging due to dirt, dust or other debris that gets trapped inside. This problem is fairly easy to spot because it’s usually indicated by pooled water near the unit.

When dealing with this common AC issue, you can try to remove the buildup using a wet-dry vacuum. If you’re unable to remove the clog or you feel that a more detailed cleaning is necessary, schedule an appointment with a trusted air conditioning company.

High Humidity Levels

Your air conditioner helps to remove excess humidity from within your home. If you notice that humidity levels seem a bit high, it might be a sign that there’s an issue with your system. One way to correct this problem is to have an HVAC contractor inspect your unit. In some cases, simple re-calibration may be all that’s necessary to lower humidity levels.

If your unit is older, you may want to invest in a new air conditioner. Another option to consider is purchasing a whole-home humidifier. Keep in mind, though, that a humidifier is only a temporary solution that might not be as effective as purchasing a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioner. Some HVAC companies even offer special financing on new units to qualified customers.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

It’s common to pay higher energy bills during the hot summer months when you rely on your AC unit more. However, if you notice that your energy bills are unusually high, there may be a problem with your system. An AC technician can thoroughly inspect your air conditioner to determine if any hidden issues are contributing to your skyrocketing energy bills.

You may run into AC problems during the summertime at one point or another. When issues arise, don’t hesitate to contact the pros at Climate Control. Proudly serving customers in Portland for decades, our talented team specializes in performing timely heating and cooling repairs, installations and maintenance services.

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