Summer brings the promise of sunshine, clear blue skies, and plenty of heat. You depend on your air conditioner to help see you through the season in comfort, but it may occasionally develop problems that prevent it from working efficiently. Here are four common summertime issues that may require prompt air conditioning repairs from a qualified HVAC service.

Common Summertime HVAC Concerns

1. It Blows Warm Air

There are several reasons why the air conditioner may emit heat when you turn down the thermostat. One common culprit is low refrigerant levels. The substance is designed to cool the warm air that cycles through the system. When levels drop, it’s usually indicative of a leak, and you might hear a hissing sound if that’s the case. An HVAC service technician will need to resolve that before recharging the refrigerant levels.

2. External Unit Debris

Summer is also prime gardening and landscaping season, which means it’s far more likely that the air conditioner’s outdoor unit will be exposed to grass clippings, dirt, twigs, and other debris. If they make their way inside the unit, they could cause the fans to bend and generally inhibit proper airflow. The blockage will prevent the AC from cooling your home efficiently. You can prevent that by allowing at least a foot of clearance space on each side of the outdoor unit, and directing your mower to blow grass away from the system.

3. Condensate Line Clogs

Although its primary job is to cool down your home, the air conditioner also dehumidifies some of that air to prevent excessive moisture buildup. That moisture drips into a pan and goes through a condensate line, upon which it’s drained outside. But when that line becomes clogged with debris and algae, it stops functioning properly and may lead to flooding. You can usually tell there’s an issue if you see standing water around the unit, if the pan is full, or even if the air smells musty and moldy.

4. Clogged Air Filter

It’s not unusual for air filters to develop dust and debris very quickly, especially with heavy use during summer. While it’s best to replace it at least every three months under normal circumstances, you may want to do so every month during summer to promote strong airflow. Doing so will also protect your indoor air quality and spare the unit from working too hard to cool down the house, which could lead to premature failure or unexpected HVAC services.

Providing dependable HVAC services throughout Pell City, AL, and surrounding areas, Allen Service Co. is the leading source for air conditioning repairs in the community. Since 1979, these certified technicians have made your comfort a priority. The air conditioning company handles everything from residential and commercial installations to preventative maintenance throughout the year. Visit them online for information, or give them a call at (205) 338-2311 for a free estimate.