Late Summer AC Issues and Fixes

Your air conditioning system has been working hard all summer to keep your family comfortable. However, that pressure can take its toll on your HVAC system. Take a look at these late summer common HVAC issues and what you can do about them.

Clogged Filters

Your system has been pushing air through your vents all summer long. Dust, pollen, and pet dander can get caught up in your vent filters, making your system work harder. While a good rule of thumb is to change your home’s air filters every three months, it’s a good idea to change your air filters even more frequently in summer to help your air conditioning system do its job more efficiently.

Refrigerant Leaks

High demand during the summer can put strain on your HVAC system, and a system that hasn’t been well-maintained, or is more than 10 years old, can be subject to small leaks.

Leaking refrigerant can cause your AC to lose its cooling power and be less energy-efficient. A professional AC technician can locate the source of your HVAC leak, fix it, and refill your refrigerant. For larger leaks, you may need to replace your AC unit.

Failing Capacitors

Nothing will short-circuit your cooling system like a problem with your AC’s capacitor. The capacitor ensures the system has the correct voltage to run the compressor and fans. Demand and high temperatures can cause your system’s capacitor to fail.

If your AC is blowing warm air or you hear a humming noise coming from the access panel of the condenser unit, it could mean that your capacitor is failing. A trained AC technician can diagnose late summer HVAC issues and repair them quickly.

Frozen Coils

When it’s sweltering outside, it seems unlikely that the cause of your AC issue is ice! However, if your AC unit has a frozen evaporator coil, it can freeze up the system. Low refrigerant levels, blocked registers, clogged drainpipes, or dirty evaporator coils can create a layer of ice on the unit and stress the system.

To troubleshoot these issues:

• Turn off your AC unit if the temperature outside is mild enough, and wait up to 24 hours to see if the coils thaw themselves.
• Check for dirty filters that could be adding stress to the system.
• Turn on the fan-only setting on your AC unit, which will force warm air over the coils to help with thawing.
• Slowly blow air over the coils using a hair dryer on the lowest setting. Keep a distance and go about the thawing process slowly to avoid cracking a frozen coil.
• Call a professional to maintain the system.

Evaporator coils should be free of dust and dirt. An AC technician can clean and maintain your AC system to ensure it works effectively and efficiently all summer.

Choose Russo Bros. & Co. for AC Services in Northern New Jersey

When late summer heating demands put your AC system to the test, the professionals at Russo Bros. & Co. can ensure it’s up to the task. Our team has provided fast, reliable AC repair and professional maintenance and tune-ups to homeowners for more than 65 years.

Call us at (973) 887-1334 today to request same day emergency air conditioning services.