4 AC Issues to Watch for This Summer

Now that winter has come and gone, you may think that you can stop the worry about your HVAC system. However, that's not the case. Your HVAC system may not be in use right now, but air conditioning season is just around the corner. When summer arrives, you'll depend on your air conditioner to keep you cool and comfortable.

Unfortunately, air conditioner troubles can leave you stuck in a hot house with no relief in sight. If that happens, you need to be able to identify the problem as soon as possible. Here are four air conditioner troubles you might face this summer.

If your air conditioner runs non-stop this summer, this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Not only will your energy bill go through the roof if your system runs constantly, but your air conditioner will also wear out much faster. Your air conditioner needs time to cool down. When your air conditioner runs non-stop, the motor overheats, which causes undue wear and tear on the entire unit.

There are a couple of reasons that your air conditioner may run non-stop. Those include a dirty air filter and dirty or frozen coils.

Short cycling is another issue that can interfere with the proper performance of your air conditioner this summer. A complete cycle occurs each time your air conditioner turns on and off. If your air conditioner turns off and on too often, you have an issue that involves short cycles. Unfortunately, short cycling causes damage to the compressor, fan motor, and other crucial air conditioner components.

If allowed to short cycle for too long, your entire air conditioner will malfunction. Some common causes for short cycling include damaged AC control boards, damaged refrigerant metering devices, and broken condenser units fans.

When your air conditioner is at peak performance, the sounds from the unit should be at a minimum. At most, you should be able to hear a light hum. If your air conditioner has developed a pronounced hiss, take the problem seriously.

Hisses are caused by a variety of problems. Refrigerant leaks are one common cause for any hisses that come from your air conditioner. Failed compressor valves are another cause for the hiss.

If you hear a hiss from your air conditioner, turn the unit off and wait for repairs. Both of the potential issues can cause irreparable harm to your air conditioner.

If your air conditioner fails to keep your entire home cool, you should schedule an energy audit. There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner may not be able to perform effectively. The placement of your thermostat may be one cause for the temperature fluctuations in your home.

For example, this happens when the thermostat is installed in a naturally cool area of the home. The thermostat picks up the reading for the cooler air in that area of the home and shuts off the air conditioner. Unfortunately, that leaves the rest of your home still on the warm side.

An air conditioner that is too small for your home could be another cause for the temperature fluctuations. If your air conditioner is too small for your home, the unit can't produce enough cool air to lower the temperature evenly.

Don't let summer leave you hot under the collar. The outdoor temperatures may be on the rise, but that doesn't mean you need to feel the heat while you're inside your home. If you experience any of the issues described above, contact us at Shealy Robert L. Heating & Air Conditioning. We're available to handle all your HVAC needs.