The soaring temperatures in the summer months force your air conditioning unit to work harder than any other time of year. As such, it’s no surprise that most AC issues tend to happen during this season. While some issues are minor and require only a simple fix, others can be more involved. Below are a few common problems that AC systems experience in summer.

3 Problems That Affect Air Conditioning Units in Summer 

1. Refrigerant Leak

Under normal circumstances, the AC is a sealed system, which means you shouldn’t have to add refrigerant. Yet, if your AC is consistently low on refrigerant, it’s a telltale indicator of a leak. Minor leaks may only warrant a recharge, but significant leaks can become larger and require expensive and frequent refills. If low refrigerant is a persistent problem, it may be time to consider having your system repaired or replaced.

2. Dirty Components

In some cases, AC issues could be as simple as a dirty filter or coils. During peak season, your AC will be running more frequently, meaning dirt, pet dander, and other contaminants will collect in its filters more frequently. Maximize your efficiency by changing or cleaning the filter every month during high periods of usage. Pollen, lawn clippings, and other exterior debris can also accumulate along the coils on your outdoor unit, so hose the system off regularly. 

3. Run Capacitor Failure

The run capacitor assists the motor in your AC unit both as it starts up and during the run cycle. Newer systems use castor oil, which is a safer alternative to toxic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) used in previous models. Yet, modern capacitors don’t last as long; during especially hot temperatures, they may fail. With that said, a skilled technician can typically identify a capacitor issue before complete failure during an annual inspection.

If your air conditioning unit is acting up this summer, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Marvin’s Heating and Air Conditioning. Serving the San Marcos, TX, area, this trusted HVAC contractor has more than 36 years of experience and offers dependable repair, maintenance, and installation services. Explore their full lineup of AC solutions online, or call (512) 396-4791 to speak with a team member.