Common Summer HVAC Repairs to Look Out For

Summer is when your air conditioner gets the most use, making it the most common time for it to break down. Your HVAC system works hard to cool your home, and this extra strain can lead to summer repairs. This is especially true if your system hasn’t been maintained recently.

It's important to know the common HVAC repairs and warning signs. This way, you can avoid getting stuck with a broken air conditioner in the summer heat.

Why Summer Can Lead to Increased HVAC Repairs

Summer temperatures are hard on your AC. Here’s why AC problems are more common during this time of year:

• Heavy usage: Your AC runs almost constantly during high temperatures, increasing wear and tear on parts.
• High outdoor temperatures: Heat stresses motors, compressors, and electrical components, causing them to wear down faster.
• Humidity: Extra moisture can clog drains, impact indoor air quality , and affect your system's cooling ability.
• Lack of maintenance: Minor issues can become larger air conditioner repairs under summer stress without regular tune-ups.
• Aging systems: Older HVAC units are more likely to fail during summer's high demand.

Common Air Conditioner Repairs in Summer

1. Refrigerant Leaks: Low refrigerant can lead to reduced cooling capacity, higher energy bills, and even system shutdowns. If your system has a leak, you’ll need to call a professional to locate and fix the leak.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coils: Dirty filters, airflow restrictions, or low refrigerant are common causes of frozen coils. You must defrost the coils thoroughly before using the system, and you’ll still want to check it for additional damage.
3. Faulty Capacitors or Contactors: Your AC system operates using electrical components. If you hear clicking noises or your unit won’t turn on, the capacitors could be to blame. They’re among the most common HVAC repairs because of the high summer heat.
4. Clogged or Overflowing Condensate Drain: As your AC removes humidity from your home, condensation flows into a drain pan and through a pipe. That drain can clog during summer, leading to water leaks, mold, and system shutdowns.
5. Thermostat Issues: If your AC won’t turn on or the temperature doesn’t match what it’s set to, your thermostat might be malfunctioning. Whether you’re dealing with a bad sensor or an outdated unit, thermostat problems frequently cause air conditioner repairs.
6. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils: The coils in your outdoor unit release heat from your home. If they are dirty or blocked by debris, cooling is reduced. This also leads to higher energy usage. Your system has to work much harder to cool your home.
7. Blower Motor Problems: The blower motor distributes cooled air throughout your home. If it breaks, you might hear strange noises or short-cycling. This can lead to weak airflow or uneven cooling.
8. Ductwork Leaks or Obstructions: Leaky ducts can cause uneven cooling, higher bills, and poor air quality. If your AC is running but some rooms stay hot, or if you hear rattling in your ductwork, it’s time to seal your ducts.

When to Call a Professional

You can avoid some AC problems with seasonal maintenance you can do yourself. However, most summer HVAC repairs should be done by trained technicians. This helps prevent further damage and avoid potential injury.

Most major HVAC repairs need a professional. Trying to fix them yourself might void your warranty or create bigger issues.

Need Summer HVAC Repair?

You rely heavily on your HVAC during summer, and several things can cause your system to break down. Knowing the warning signs of common HVAC repairs can help your system run smoothly, keeping your home comfortable all season.

When something does go wrong, it’s crucial to have reliable HVAC professionals to call when you need repairs. The team at Master Mechanical is ready 24/7 for any air conditioning repair needs.