Are you trying to be proactive and avoid unexpected malfunctions with your HVAC system this summer? Consider these 5 common problems HVAC systems experience during the summer.
The Capacitors
Your capacitor is a device that helps the motors on startup and throughout their run cycle. When they stop working, the fan motor struggles to startup and eventually shuts off. This is important for summertime because when the temperatures are higher, the capacitors are more likely to malfunction without warning. Take preventative measures to get them checked out before an unexpected and inevitable breakdown.
Low Refrigerant
Early in the cooling season is the most common time for the A/C to be low on refrigerant. The A/C system should be sealed, so you never have to add to it; however, there is always the potential for a leak, and they are more common than you think. The longer the leak goes unnoticed, the bigger it can get. Consider the replace vs. repair price because these leaks can get very expensive.
Dirty Filters
The more your HVAC system runs, the more quickly the air system will get dirty. Expect to replace your air filters more often during the summer peak season. 90-degree + weather can increase the frequency of which you have to get your air filter replaced. Dirty air filters are the biggest antagonist on the effective run of your HVAC system during the summer BUT are also the easiest to maintain.
Dirty A/C Coils
DID YOU KNOW? Your A/C can process more than 100,000 pounds of air per day? Can you imagine the amount of dirt and debris that is carried in that air? If a dirty A/C coil is ignored long enough, it can cause the system to overheat and shut down. Always have your unit cleaned during your routine maintenance at the beginning of the summer season!
Clogged Drains
The A/C cools the air AND actively dehumidifies at the same time. All the water being removed from the air goes into a drain hose that can amount to gallons a day of run off. The more the A/C runs, the more dirt and sludge is produced. Blowing out the drain line is the easiest way to ensure water is going down your drain and now into the furnace cabinet, where it can cause significant damage.
Motor Failure
The result of these 5 common problems is a motor failure. Motor failures are one of the most expensive repairs on an HVAC system. Keeping your HVAC system clean and Maintained is the best way to extend the life of your system to survive the long, hot Maryland summers!
