As summer nears its end, your air conditioner will have performed months of high-intensity work. Often, that high-power output creates some wear and tear on your units, so it’s best to know some common issues and what to do about them. If they’re neglected throughout the off-season, they may result in permanent damage or a costly repair job later when the HVAC contractor comes. Here’s a rundown of frequent problems that plague units in the latter part of summer.

AC Problems That Tend to Emerge at Summer’s End

1. Clogged Filter

As your air conditioner blows air over the summer months, it accumulates a large amount of dirt and debris. Eventually that grime creates a clog, making your AC have to strain harder to push air through and raising your utility bill in the process since the effort requires more energy. Many residents forget that they should be replacing the filter every month, so it’s common to deal with a backup by the end of the summer. Simply swap out the old filter, and replace it with a new one. If you aren’t sure how to remove it, you can always consult with your HVAC contractor.

2. Low Refrigerant

Air conditioners are generally filled with refrigerant, which cools the air, when they’re installed. But, that refrigerant doesn’t last forever, and the refrigerant may get low or run out after extensive summer usage. You may notice that your air isn’t as cool or a leak is developing. No matter what the symptom, you’ll need an HVAC contractor to bring a new supply if your refrigerant is low.

3. Blocked Condenser

A condenser, which is the outside unit, needs several feet of space surrounding it to process and expel air. Since summer is a time of major growth for greenery, nearby plants often get too close to the unit, creating a blockage. When plants overwhelm the unit, it again has to work much harder to process the air, resulting in wear and tear on the unit and higher energy costs. Your best bet is to trim away any interloping plants and have an HVAC contractor conduct a cleaning of the coils to remove detritus.

If you have any air conditioner woes toward the end of summer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the trusted HVAC contractors at Wilson Heating & Cooling in Lexington, SC. In business for over four decades, the heating and cooling team is available seven days a week to help you with any issues. To make an air conditioner repair appointment, call (803) 996-3322. Learn more about the company by visiting their website.