It’s the second week of July, and every day has been in the high 90s.
The last thing you need is your HVAC going on the fritz.
Few things are worse than dealing with an air conditioning breakdown on a sweltering day.
The good news is that many common summer HVAC issues, such as system freeze-ups, refrigerant leaks, and uneven cooling, can be avoided with regular maintenance and a bit of homeowner know-how.
Common HVAC Issues During Hot Pennsylvania Summers
1. System Freeze-Ups
An air conditioning system freezing up in the middle of summer may seem strange, but it’s a common problem. When the evaporator coil inside your unit gets too cold, it can cause ice to form, which stops the system from working properly.
Causes of System Freeze-Ups:
- Dirty Air Filters: A clogged air filter restricts airflow, which prevents warm air from passing over the evaporator coil. Without enough warm air, the coil gets too cold and causes moisture in the air to freeze on the surface. Over time, this buildup of ice can completely block the coil, making it impossible for your AC to function.
- Low Refrigerant Levels: Refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in your home. If the refrigerant levels are low due to a leak, the pressure in the system drops, which lowers the coil temperature and leads to freezing.
- Blocked or Closed Vents: When vents are closed or blocked by furniture, the system can’t circulate air properly. Reduced airflow causes the evaporator coil to work harder and become too cold, increasing the likelihood of freeze-ups.
- Faulty Blower Motor: The blower motor is responsible for pushing air over the evaporator coil and through the ducts. If the motor is weak or malfunctioning, it reduces airflow and causes the coil to freeze up.
If your AC is freezing up regularly, turn it off and call a professional for summer HVAC repair. Running a frozen system can lead to costly damage.
2. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the substance that allows your AC to cool the air in your home. If your system develops a refrigerant leak, it will struggle to maintain cool temperatures, work harder, and drive up your energy bills.
Signs of a Refrigerant Leak:
- Corroded or Damaged Coils: The evaporator and condenser coils are made of copper or aluminum, which can corrode over time due to exposure to moisture and chemicals. Small pinhole leaks can develop, allowing refrigerant to escape.
- Loose or Worn Fittings: The refrigerant lines, valves, and connectors can loosen due to system vibration and wear. This creates small gaps where refrigerant can leak out.
- Factory Defects or Poor Installation: If the AC unit was improperly installed or has defective parts, the connections might not be properly sealed, leading to gradual refrigerant loss.
- Overcharged or Undercharged System: Incorrect refrigerant levels can strain the system and cause pressure imbalances, which may lead to leaks at weak points in the system.
Since handling refrigerant requires EPA certification, it’s essential to call a licensed technician for repairs.
3. Uneven Cooling
If some rooms in your home feel like an icebox while others are stifling, you may have an airflow or ductwork issue. Uneven cooling and airflow is often caused by poor system balance, blocked vents, or leaking ductwork.
Causes of Uneven Cooling:
- Dirty or Clogged Air Filters: A dirty filter limits the amount of air that flows through the system, reducing the cooling capacity in some areas of your home while overcooling others.
- Poor Insulation: Rooms that are poorly insulated or have old windows can lose cool air quickly, making them harder to keep at a consistent temperature.
- Leaks or Gaps in Ductwork: Ductwork that has cracks, gaps, or loose connections allows cooled air to escape before it reaches the intended room, leading to uneven temperatures throughout the house.
- Incorrect Thermostat Placement: If the thermostat is placed near a window, heat source, or vent, it may register an inaccurate temperature and cause the system to over- or under-cool certain areas.
- Oversized or Undersized Unit: If your AC unit is too large or too small for the size of your home, it will struggle to maintain even cooling. An oversized unit may cool some areas too quickly without properly dehumidifying, while an undersized unit may struggle to cool larger areas effectively.
If uneven cooling persists, a professional HVAC technician can inspect your system for underlying issues and recommend adjustments.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
The key to preventing AC breakdowns is regular maintenance.
A little effort before and during the summer can save you from an expensive mid-season emergency repair.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Clogged air filters are one of the most common causes of AC issues. Replace or clean filters every 1–2 months during heavy use to maintain proper airflow and cooling efficiency.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Leaves, dirt, and debris can collect around the outdoor condenser unit, restricting airflow and making the system work harder. Keep the area around the unit clear and clean the coils with a hose if they look dirty.
Check Thermostat Settings
Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—around 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away. A programmable thermostat can help maintain consistent comfort and reduce energy waste.
Inspect Ductwork
Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can cause uneven cooling and energy loss. If you notice signs of ductwork issues, such as whistling sounds or reduced airflow, call a professional to seal and insulate the ducts.
Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
An annual HVAC tune-up helps catch small issues before they turn into big problems. A professional technician will inspect refrigerant levels, clean coils, check electrical connections, and test the system for efficiency.
When to Call a Professional for Summer HVAC Repair
Some HVAC issues require more than a quick DIY fix. Call a professional if you notice any of the following:
- Warm air blowing from vents
- Frequent system cycling on and off
- Water leaks around the unit
- Strange noises like banging or grinding
- Higher than usual energy bills
Delaying repairs can lead to more costly damage, so it’s best to address issues as soon as they arise.
It’ll Only Get Hotter—Schedule Your HVAC Tune-Up
Don’t wait for the hottest day of the year to find out your AC isn’t working properly.
Spring is the perfect time to get it tuned-up before the heat hits!
Kauffman Gas offers expert HVAC tune-ups and repairs to keep your system running smoothly all summer long.
Our experienced technicians can identify and fix potential problems before they lead to a breakdown, helping you stay comfortable and save on energy costs.
Contact Kauffman Gas today to schedule your summer HVAC tune-up!
FAQs
Why does my AC keep freezing up during the summer?
AC freeze-ups are usually caused by restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. Check and replace your air filter, keep vents open, and schedule a professional inspection to ensure proper refrigerant levels.
How often should I change my air filters in the summer?
During the summer, you should check your air filters every month and replace them every 1–2 months. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to change them more frequently.
Why is my AC blowing warm air instead of cold?
Warm air from your AC could be caused by a refrigerant leak, a dirty evaporator coil, or a malfunctioning compressor. Check the thermostat settings and call a professional if the problem persists.
How can I tell if I have a refrigerant leak?
Signs of a refrigerant leak include:
- hissing sounds from the unit
- ice buildup on the refrigerant lines
- reduced cooling performance
- higher humidity levels inside your home
How can I prevent uneven cooling in my home?
Ensure that vents are open and unblocked, seal any ductwork leaks, and use ceiling fans to improve air circulation. A zoning system or adjusting your thermostat placement may also help balance the temperature throughout your home.