Common AC Issues You May Encounter in Summer
Your air conditioning system is an essential part of your home’s climate comfort. It can be frustrating when it breaks down in the sweltering Macomb County summer. You can address the issue faster if you understand its source. Here is an outline of the common problems you may encounter in the hot, muggy season brought to you by C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, located conveniently in Roseville.
1. AC Turning On and off Continuously
One of the most common issues you will encounter in summer is the AC not turning on. At times it may keep cycling on and off repeatedly. The most probable cause for an AC that won’t start is electrical faults.
Electrical issues may be due to improper connections or a malfunctioning capacitor. If the capacitor is faulty, the compressor’s motor will not run. A replacement is often the most practical solution to the issue.
Your AC may also cycle due to sizing issues. If the interior space is proportionally smaller than the AC, it will cool too quickly. To avoid cooling excessively, it will have to keep shutting down.
Continuous cycling can wear down critical components of your air conditioner. At C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, we always recommend prompt repairs of your equipment in Roseville. Our technicians can offer solutions to prevent further deterioration of your air conditioner.
2. Condenser and Evaporator Coil Problems
As it ages, your AC can develop multiple issues with the condenser and evaporator coils. The coils are tubes that carry a coolant from the indoor to the outdoor unit. When they become inefficient, they can significantly impact the performance of your AC.
Most tubes are either of copper, copper-nickel, or aluminum materials. The metal facilitates heat conductivity between the indoor and outdoor units. But the buildup of grime can cause corrosion, creating cracks.
You can prevent such issues by keeping a regular tune-up schedule of your equipment. Our technicians can clean parts, such as the condenser tubes and fins and the condensate drain channels.
3. Insufficient Cooling and Airflow Issues
Dirt, dust, and debris may accumulate and create obstructions to airflow around your home. Filters can capture dust and debris to prevent clogging. When the filter is clogged, your AC will overwork to meet the heat regulation demands of the building.
For filters to be effective, you need to clean or replace them monthly. The more your AC is running, the faster it will accumulate dirt. So airflow issues may be more frequent in homes with pets and multiple occupants.
If your AC is blowing warm air, the refrigerant is probably running low. The task of refilling the refrigerant ought to be left for licensed AC professionals. C & C Heating & Air Conditioning recommends calling our NATE-certified technicians in Roseville for assistance.
Ideally, the refrigerant in your AC should remain at the same level over a long period. But it is not unusual for cracks to allow leaks from the coils. Multiple refills often indicate a chronic problem with components of the refrigerant system. An annual tune-up can prevent recurring problems to restore comfort in your Macomb County home.
4. Faulty or Leaky Ductwork
Your forced-air HVAC equipment employs a network of ductwork to distribute cool air into the interior. The building will have supply and return ducts to bring fresh and dispel stale air from the room.
However, throughout the ductwork’s lifetime, it can develop issues, such as clogging or leaking.
As a result, your AC will become inefficient at regulating temperatures in the building. Estimates suggest you could be losing between 25 and 40% of energy through faulty ducts.
Leakages often occur around the interconnections of the piping. Sealing the connections can eliminate leakages and minimize heat losses. You can have technicians seal your ductwork and check for leaks periodically to prevent leakages.
Cracks along the ductwork can introduce pollutants to your home. If you notice more dust than usual, your ductwork will probably need sealing.
5. Loud Noises from Your Air Conditioner
Modern air conditioners have sound-proofing technology that reduces its sound to a low hum. Therefore, if you hear loud noises from your air conditioner, it is likely a sign of a malfunction.
Even though loud noises are annoying, they can help you narrow down the problem. If you hear banging and rattling, it is most probably loose parts of your equipment’s compressor. Unfortunately, most compressors are hermetically sealed. So if it is faulty, you will have to organize for a replacement.
A screeching noise like the sound of metal rubbing is another critical sign of a faulty motor or compressor. Sometimes lubricating the fan and blower motor will eliminate the issue. A worn-out fan belt can also cause squealing noises.
Buzzing could be an indication of an electrical issue or a failing motor. Electrical components such as the capacitor are probably faulty. But it could also indicate electrical arcs, which may pose a hazard in your home. If there is an accompanying smell of burning plastic or metal, shut down your equipment and call for assistance.
Hissing sounds coming from your ductwork is a sign of leaks. Your equipment may also be leaking refrigerant. Both issues will cause your equipment to overwork to regulate interior temperatures. You may notice a sudden spike in your utility bills.
6. Moisture and Humidity Problems in the Summer
It is easy to overlook moisture problems until the humidity levels hit 80% in Macomb County. Ideally, the moisture should be between 30 and 50% to prevent damage to valuables and air quality issues.
Your AC can eliminate some of the problems through its cooling action. As the coils cool the air, they channel the condensation through the condensate drain. But at beyond a certain threshold, your equipment becomes ineffective at removing moisture.
Additionally, your condensate drain can clog, forcing your system to activate a shut-down mechanism. Clearing the drain will often restore your AC function.
A dehumidifier is the best way to deal with the high humidity levels in summer. The saturation of moisture can make you feel more uncomfortable. Your skin cools down through perspiration. But with 80% humidity, you may try to turn up the AC.
Unfortunately, turning up the air conditioner often does not improve the situation. It only overworks your air conditioner and raises your utility bills. A dehumidifier, therefore, can reduce your energy consumption and optimize indoor comfort.
How to Prevent AC Problems in Summer
Your air conditioner has a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. As it ages, it can become inefficient and vulnerable to faults.
Signs of an inefficient AC may include:
- A sudden spike in utility bills
- Deteriorating indoor air quality
- Your AC is constantly running
- Uneven or insufficient cooling
The best way to prevent recurring AC problems is to adhere to your annual maintenance schedule. A tune-up can unearth issues that you would otherwise overlook. Regular maintenance keeps your equipment at optimal performance.
Maintenance will also uphold your manufacturer’s warranty whenever you need replacement parts. You can manage your utility bills and repair expenses.
You can depend on C & C Heating & Air Conditioning for quality AC repair, installation, and maintenance in Roseville. Our A+ rated technicians have the requisite experience to handle virtually all models and brands of air conditioning equipment. You can consult our staff on duct cleaning, indoor air quality, and dehumidifiers. Our friendly team will be glad to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Call our top-rated AC staff for a 100% guarantee for all our services.
