Struggling to Stay Cool? How to Spot AC Issues in the Summer Heat

Your HVAC system runs tirelessly throughout the summer to maintain a cool, comfortable, and safe indoor environment. However, this job takes a toll on its components. Routine at-home care, regular professional maintenance, and expert repairs whenever warranted are crucial to keep it running optimally throughout its lifespan.

If you suspect your system’s performance has waned, here are the biggest signs to confirm your suspicion and our air conditioning tips for what to do.

1. Weak Airflow

If you are experiencing reduced air pressure coming from your vents or uneven cooling throughout your home, you have a weak AC airflow problem. Several things can cause this issue. The first and most common one is dirty air filters. As you may know, AC filters are designed to trap dirt, dust, and other airborne particles that not only compromise your indoor comfort but also affect the system’s performance.

Over time, these filters clog up with all the particles they’ve trapped, restricting airflow. To prevent this, you need to replace your AC filter every two to three months.

The second cause of weak airflow is blocked ducts. Ducts can become clogged with debris, dust, or even pests. Issues such as leaks and disconnections can let dust and contaminants accumulate within the airways, consequently restricting airflow. Also, ducts that crash due to negative air pressure can disrupt proper air circulation, preventing the system from effectively distributing cool air.

Additionally, ducts that are improperly sized can affect airflow. If they are too large, your system may struggle to generate enough pressure to push air efficiently through your home. On the other hand, small ducts generate excessive resistance that impedes proper airflow.

The third culprit of weak airflow is low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is responsible for extracting heat from indoor air and expelling it outside via the outdoor unit. Essentially, its role is to cool air. When refrigerant levels drop, your AC must operate longer and with increased effort to maintain cooling, which can lead to diminished airflow and reduced efficiency.

Lastly, a damaged or faulty blower motor can result in insufficient airflow simply because it functions to push air out of your system and into your rooms. If it is defective, it won’t blow enough air as needed.

2. Warm Spots

Consistently warm spots in your home can make it difficult to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment. They often make the HVAC system work harder than it should, leading to a higher likelihood of repairs and a shorter lifespan.

The causes of hot spots are either AC- or home-design-related factors. AC-related causes include poor airflow, improper system sizing, and a malfunctioning thermostat. Home-related factors include poor insulation, outdated windows that allow heat transfer, improper home layout, and heat-retaining materials used in flooring and walls.

For instance, poor airflow can contribute to hot and cold spots because air likes to take the path of least resistance. If the warm area is far from the indoor unit, the airflow could lose velocity before it reaches that space. This is especially common when there are obstructions like furniture or partially blocked air vents.

To get rid of warm spots, contact a qualified HVAC technician to determine the root cause of the problem. If your airflow is losing velocity when supplying cool air, this could mean that your system is undersized. If your house is too big, you may need to zone your HVAC system. This could involve installing dampers in the ductwork to direct air to all your home’s sections effectively.

3. Short Cycling

Short cycling occurs when the AC frequently turns on and off while running. Under normal operating conditions, an average AC should turn on and off roughly two to three times per hour. Anything more than that could signal a problem.

Common causes include dirty filters, poor airflow, and a faulty thermostat. Dirty filters restrict airflow, which often results in the AC overheating. HVAC systems have a safety mechanism that shuts them off when they overheat. A faulty thermostat, on the other hand, may have trouble accurately gauging your indoor temperature. As a result, it may turn your system on and off at random times.

Causes that may require professional diagnosis include wiring problems, refrigerant leaks, malfunctioning capacitors, and poor installation practices. Faulty or loose electrical connections can disrupt the communication between your air conditioning system and its thermostat. Leaking refrigerant will make it difficult for your AC to cool the air effectively, causing short cycling.

Malfunctioning capacitors are a serious problem because they provide the electrical energy needed to power the motors that drive the compressor. They give them the initial boost to start running and then help maintain a steady flow of electricity during operation. When faulty, the motors may struggle to start or maintain consistent performance, leading to the AC turning off or on randomly.

4. Rising Energy Bills

Any problem that the AC experiences results in higher electrical bills. This is because whenever a component is slacking, other parts will have to work harder to make up for the inefficiency. This extra strain leads to more energy consumption, hence higher bills.

For example, if the air filter is clogged, the blower motor must exert extra effort to pull air through for conditioning. Similarly, low refrigerant levels force the compressor to run longer to achieve the desired cooling effect.

High energy consumption is also an indicator of impending system breakdown. Parts that work too hard wear out faster.

5. Strange Noises

A normal residential air conditioner operating optimally makes a gentle, steady hum, comparable to a quiet conversation or the sound of light rainfall. The typical range, if you have a sound level meter, falls within 40 to 70 decibels (dB). Anything louder than that could indicate that your AC is struggling to keep up with the summer heat.

Banging noises from the outdoor unit mean something is loose or broken inside the compressor. If that detached component causes serious damage, you may have to replace the entire AC, as compressors are not engineered to be replaced individually.

Screeching sounds are synonymous with worn-out fan motor belts. Repeated clicking noises may suggest a defective contactor or relay, which can disrupt the electrical flow necessary for proper AC operation. Clicking sounds could also result from a malfunctioning thermostat.

Whichever unusual sound you hear, turn off your AC immediately and call a professional for repairs. Continuing to operate the system under these conditions can lead to significant damage, potentially resulting in complete replacement.

Contact Black-Haak for More Information

If you notice anything strange with your AC, call Black-Haak for professional inspection and tailored solutions. We’ve been proudly serving Fox Valley since 1956 through humid, sticky summers. We are available 24/7 and guarantee 100% customer satisfaction. You can also reach out to us for AC maintenance and heating services.

Call Black-Haak today for AC repair in Fox Valley.