Common Summer Air Conditioning Problems and How to Prevent Them

Summer is the time when common summer air conditioning problems can arise, leading to inefficiency, discomfort, and unexpected expenses. At Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning, we want to help you stay cool and avoid these issues by addressing some of the most frequent problems and how to prevent them.

1. Clogged Air Filters: The Importance of Regular Maintenance

One of the most common air conditioner issues during the summer is clogged air filters. When air filters are not changed regularly, they can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, restricting airflow. This not only causes your ac unit to work harder but also leads to higher energy consumption and poor indoor air quality.

How to Prevent: We recommend checking and replacing your air filters regularly. Depending on your environment, filters should be changed every 1-3 months. This simple maintenance task can ensure that your air conditioning unit continues to operate efficiently, providing cool air throughout your home.

2. Refrigerant Leaks: Keeping Your AC Unit Efficient

A refrigerant leak is another common issue that can severely impact your AC unit’s performance. Refrigerant is crucial for cooling your home, and when there’s a leak, your air conditioner may struggle to produce cold air or may even blow warm air.

Spotting a refrigerant leak early is key to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently.

• Increased Energy Bills: An unexplained rise in energy costs could suggest your system is working harder to maintain the desired temperature due to a refrigerant leak.
• Hissing Sounds: Leaking refrigerant can produce a hissing or bubbling noise as it escapes from small holes or cracks in the coils.
• Ice Buildup: Ice forming on the refrigerant lines or the outdoor unit’s evaporator coil is a common sign of low refrigerant levels.
• Poor Cooling Performance: If your air conditioner is not cooling the space as effectively as before, it could be due to insufficient refrigerant.
• Water Leaks: Unusual water leaks inside your property can be a result of the evaporator coil freezing over and then thawing.
• Extended Cooling Cycles: The air conditioner may run longer than usual to reach set temperatures, a symptom of inadequate refrigerant.
• Musty Smells: A refrigerant leak can sometimes produce a chemical, musty odor that indicates escaping gases.

How to Prevent: Regular air conditioning tune-ups can help detect and fix refrigerant leaks before they cause major issues. A professional HVAC technician from Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning can inspect your system and ensure that your AC unit is properly charged with refrigerant.

3. Dirty Condenser Coils: A Hidden Cause of Poor Performance

Dirty condenser coils are another common summer air conditioning problem that can lead to inefficiency. The condenser coils are responsible for releasing the heat from your home to the outside. When these coils become dirty, the heat exchange process is impeded, causing your air conditioning systems to work harder and less efficiently.

How to Prevent: Regular cleaning of the condenser coils is essential. This is typically part of our air conditioning tune-ups. By keeping the coils clean, you ensure that your AC unit operates at peak efficiency, delivering cool air even during the hottest days.

4. Frozen Evaporator Coils: A Sign of Deeper Issues

Frozen evaporator coils are a sign that something is wrong with your AC system. The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from your home’s air. When it freezes, it can no longer perform this function, leading to hot air or warm air being circulated instead of cold air.

Recognizing the causes of frozen coils can prevent air conditioner damage. Watch out for:

• Low Refrigerant Levels: Insufficient refrigerant can cause the pressure in the system to drop, leading to freezing temperatures within the coil.
• Insufficient Airflow: Blocked air filters, closed vents, or a faulty blower motor can reduce airflow over the coils, causing them to freeze.
• Dirty Coils: When the evaporator coils are dirty, heat transfer is inhibited, which can lead to ice formation.
• Thermostat Issues: Setting the thermostat too low for extended periods can also cause the coils to freeze.
• Running AC in Cold Weather: Using the air conditioner when the outside temperature is too low can result in frozen coils.
• Mechanical Failures: Issues like a damaged blower fan or malfunctioning expansion valve can also lead to freezing.
• Drainage Problems: If the condensate drain line is blocked, water can back up and freeze on the coils.

How to Prevent: Ensure that your air filter is clean, and have your HVAC system inspected by a professional HVAC technician if you notice ice on the coils. Proper airflow and refrigerant levels are key to preventing this issue.

5. Electrical Issues: Circuit Breaker Trips and Electric Control Failures

Summer is the peak time for electric control failure and circuit breaker trips due to the heavy load on your HVAC system. Loose wiring, wear and tear, and power surges can all contribute to these electrical problems.

How to Prevent: Ensure your AC unit is on a dedicated circuit and that all connections are secure. Regular maintenance by a professional HVAC technician can help detect potential issues with wiring and controls before they lead to a circuit breaker trip or electric control failure.

6. Thermostat Issues: Faulty Thermostat or Incorrect Settings

A faulty thermostat or incorrect settings can also cause your air conditioner to malfunction. If your thermostat is not accurately reading the desired temperature, it can lead to the air conditioner cycling on and off too frequently or not maintaining the set temperature.

How to Prevent: Regularly check your thermostat settings and replace batteries if needed. If your thermostat is outdated or malfunctioning, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control and efficiency.

Factors Contributing to Air Conditioning Problems

Understanding what contributes to common summer air conditioning problems can help you take proactive measures to prevent them. Some factors include:

• Neglecting Maintenance: Failing to perform regular maintenance, such as changing air filters and cleaning condenser coils, can lead to a host of issues.
• High Usage: During summer, your AC unit runs more frequently, increasing the chances of wear and tear and other problems.
• Environmental Factors: High humidity, debris around the outdoor unit, and extreme temperatures can all impact the efficiency and performance of your air conditioning system.

Contact Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning for Air Conditioning Services

At Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re committed to keeping your home comfortable and your air conditioning unit running smoothly all summer long. Whether you need a professional HVAC technician for maintenance, repairs, or new installations, we’ve got you covered. We specialize in everything from air conditioning tune-ups to full system replacements, ensuring your HVAC system performs at its best.

We proudly serve the following areas:

For more information or to schedule a service, contact us today. Let us help you stay cool and comfortable this summer!