Common AC Problems During Summer

Keep Your Air Conditioner Running All Season Long

As the temperatures outside begin to heat up, many of us are used to preparing for weekend barbecues or afternoons soaking up the sun in the backyard. It may not always occur to homeowners to prepare their AC systems for the heat – but it is always a good idea. After all, being able to finish a day out in the summer sun by coming home to a cool, comfortable property is pretty sublime! There are several problems that may crop up as a result of the intensive use of your AC system. Fortunately, our team at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar can help you identify them and avoid issues whenever possible.

Dirty Filters

Your systemandrsquo;s air filters are responsible for removing dust, dirt and debris from your homeandrsquo;s air supply. Given the amount of air that it moves, particularly during hot summer months, these filters are sure to get clogged. Not only do dirty filters slow down your unit and cause it to work harder (costing you more money on monthly utility bills), but they also can pose several risks to your system.

Dirty filters can result in problems, such as:

• The increased wear and tear causing breakdowns elsewhere in the system
• Indoor air quality decreasing as filters are unable to catch contaminants
• Concentrations of dust posing possible fire hazards in your ducts

While most filters are designed to be replaced every three months, this turnaround time can be shortened significantly if a home has pets, children or above-average traffic, to say nothing of the increase in use during the summer. Your AC specialist can help you determine the best replacement schedule for your home!

Unit Is Not Starting or Not Cooling

problem – units that are short-cycling should be addressed as quickly as possible, as it can result in damage to the compressor that is much pricier to resolve. If you are dealing with a unit that powers on and runs as normal but is not cooling the property, you may have an issue with the connection between the thermostat and the outdoor unit. A technician should be able to fix this connection and get your system back on line again in no time.

Not Enough Refrigerant

If your system does not have enough refrigerant, it cannot cool your home effectively, if at all. This almost always occurs as a result of refrigerant leaks. While the system can be refilled, this is a costly and temporary fix. It is a far better idea to fix the leaks, or, if repair is not possible, replace the part or the system altogether.

Noisy Operation

Though there will be some amount of noise associated with a working AC system, it should not be making any more noise than what you would expect from a typical motor. If you notice squealing or screeching sounds, a damaged motor bearing or faulty belt could be to blame. Rattling or banging sounds, meanwhile, could indicate an issue with the motor assembly or the blower. Persistent and unusual sounds coming from your AC system are always something that should be addressed by a trained professional.

Keeping Your System in Top Shape

The good news is that there are several things that you can do to minimize your ACandrsquo;s issues this summer!

You can set your air conditioner up for success by doing these:

• Scheduling annual maintenance services to make sure your AC is in good shape
• Changing your air filters frequently
• Keeping the outdoor unit clean and clear of debris

If you ever find yourself in need of expert San Jose AC repair services, our team here at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar is here to help.

Schedule an estimate with us by calling (408) 868-5500 today!