You’ve probably heard horror stories about air conditioners failing on the hottest days of the year and having to wait days to get them repaired. As an air conditioning contractor, we at McMaster can confirm that this is just one of the many things that can go wrong with your HVAC system in the summer. Fortunately, most of them are also preventable. In this blog, we list some of the most common summer HVAC issues.
Low Refrigerant — It should be noted that refrigerant is not consumable like fuel. It’s cycled through the HVAC system repeatedly, with different temperatures at certain stages. This means that as long as the HVAC lines are intact, the refrigerant doesn’t need a refill. Since air conditioners are used for less than half the year, refrigerant leaks often go unnoticed until the summer season kicks in, which can result in an overworked air conditioner with low output. This is one reason why you should have your HVAC system inspected before the summer season begins.
Obstructed Airflow — If your air conditioning system isn’t blowing enough cold air, check your air filters. Ideally, you should clean or replace your air filters every three months off-season and every month during seasons of heavy use. This prevents dust and other particles from obstructing airflow, which not only ensures full air conditioner efficiency but also helps maintain indoor air quality.
Electrical Malfunctions — HVAC electrical components are susceptible to wear and tear, and should therefore be regularly inspected. In addition to wiring inspections—and subsequent repairs if there are signs of damage—inspect the thermostat and make sure it responds when you adjust its settings.
Compressor Breakdown — The AC compressor breaking down is perhaps the worst thing that can happen in the middle of a hot summer. Breakdowns can be caused by one or more of the aforementioned problems. HVAC maintenance should be conducted twice a year in the spring and fall in preparation for summer and winter, respectively. Sticking to regular maintenance and timely repairs helps keep your air conditioner from breaking down when you least expect it.
Call McMaster for All Your HVAC Needs
McMaster is your leading provider of heating and air conditioning services, and we can help you avoid such summertime nightmares. Give us a call at (949) 481-7995 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Orange County, CA, and surrounding areas.
