Common HVAC Problems of a North Carolina Summer
The humidity comes in and your air conditioner can not seem to make headway? You may be finding warm patches in rooms that were once comfortable. And for no apparent reason your energy bill is on the upswing.
You would be hard pressed to find anyone in this part of the state who has not had such questions. The calls come in thick and fast with the onset of summer, and at Blaze Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing (Blaze Air) we have put our 1979 experience to work keeping North Carolina homeowners cool. We are at (888) 339-8668 if you want to put a name to what your system is up against.
One does not have to be told that North Carolina summers are a trying time. With the heat and the humidity and an AC that is running nearly all day, the cooling system is put through its paces. Run it hard enough for long enough and a minor issue becomes a major one. What follows is an account of the things we see and the reasons for them.
Why Your AC Has a Hard Time in the Summer
An air conditioner is made to run but not for months without let up. The climate in our region will test any system. To extract the moisture from the air in high humidity the AC has to put in more effort; then there is the matter of the compressor getting little respite from the long hot days.
For the most part though, the problems you will encounter have a predictable origin. An awareness of what to look for is the best way to stave off a breakdown when it is hottest out.
Typical Summer HVAC Woes
In the Triad, Triangle and Cape Fear areas we are apt to come across these as the mercury rises:
- Evaporator coils that have frozen. A lack of refrigerant or poor airflow will see the coil freeze over and put an end to cooling.
- Leaks in the refrigerant. This puts undue strain on the compressor and results in weaker cooling and a bigger bill.
- Air filters in need of changing. Let them get clogged and you are compromising the health of the system and your comfort.
- Compressors under a lot of work. They wear down quicker than anything else when they have to run nonstop in the heat.
- Trouble with drainage. The condensation from the humid air has to go somewhere; a blocked drain line invites water damage.
- A capacitor giving out. Electrical components do not fare well in the heat and a faulty one will prevent the system from turning on.
- Some rooms too cold and others too warm. This is usually a sign of ductwork problems, an undersized unit or low refrigerant.
Airflow and Frozen Coils
Homeowners are often taken aback to find their AC has frozen during a heat wave. Yet it is not uncommon. Restrict the airflow with a soiled filter or obstructed return vent and ice will form on the coil, halting the cooling process. While replacing the filter is sometimes all that is needed, repeated freezing is indicative of something more serious that should be looked at.
Then there is the matter of humidity
It is a fact of life here. Your AC is supposed to be dehumidifying as well as putting out cold air. If it cannot do its job the house will be sticky despite what the thermostat says. All the condensate must be channeled away and a clogged line can leave you with water around the indoor unit.
Avoiding a Breakdown
With some routine care you can sidestep most of the above. Make it a practice to:
- Put in a new filter every month or two or three while the system is in heavy use.
- See that the outdoor unit is free of debris like grass clippings and leaves.
- Have a professional give the system a tune up prior to the season.
- Be on the alert for odd noises or smells, or an inexplicable rise in your utility costs.
There are times when even proper maintenance will not stop trouble from rearing its head. Our Shield Membership Plan is for just that eventuality, providing priority service and scheduled maintenance. Should the need arise we are available for emergencies around the clock.
Let Blaze Air handle your AC
We are licensed and insured and our factory trained technicians are certified. Every bit of work we do is covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You will find no surprises in our pricing and we provide financing via our lenders for any replacements or installs, along with a free estimate. Dependable as can be, we are here when called upon for any replacements or installs. (888) 339-8668 and we will make sure your home stays cool for the rest of the summer.