The Most Common HVAC Repair Needs by Season

Your HVAC system plays a critical role in maintaining comfort year-round, keeping your home or business at the perfect temperature no matter the season. However, just like any system that works hard year-round, your HVAC is susceptible to wear and tear, especially with changing weather conditions. Each season brings unique challenges that can affect the efficiency of your system, and understanding what issues to watch for can help you stay ahead of costly repairs.

At Advanced Cooling, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses across Texas and Oklahoma stay comfortable through every season since 2001. We know that addressing HVAC issues early can prevent major breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your system. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common HVAC repair needs by season and provide tips for ensuring your system stays in top shape year-round.

Spring: Preparing for the Heat

As temperatures begin to rise in the spring, many homeowners rely on their air conditioning systems to stay cool. This season is the perfect time to perform essential air conditioning maintenance, as the system has likely been idle throughout the colder months.

Common Spring HVAC Issues:

• Dirty or Clogged Air Filters: During spring, allergens like pollen can accumulate in your air filters, making them work harder. A dirty filter restricts airflow and reduces the efficiency of your AC unit. It can also strain the compressor, leading to more serious and expensive issues if ignored.
• Refrigerant Leaks: If your AC system isn’t cooling properly, it may have a refrigerant leak. Low refrigerant levels can cause the system to overheat, resulting in reduced cooling performance and eventual failure. A professional technician can locate and repair leaks and recharge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
• Condensate Drain Blockage: As your AC system starts up again, it’s common for the condensate drain to become clogged with algae, debris, or dust. This can prevent moisture from draining properly, causing water damage, mold, and even system shutdowns.
• Worn Out Coils: Over time, evaporator and condenser coils can accumulate dirt. In the spring, when the AC is working harder to cool your home, these dirty coils reduce efficiency and can lead to premature system failure.

Summer: The Peak of Air Conditioning Use

Summer is the hottest time of year, and your HVAC system will be under its heaviest load, running constantly to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. This is the season when air conditioning repairs are most often needed.

Common Summer HVAC Issues:

• Compressor Failure: The compressor is a critical component of your air conditioner. If it fails, the system can no longer cool your home effectively. Compressor failure can occur if your system is low on refrigerant, has dirty coils, or if there’s a general lack of maintenance.
• Frozen Coils: In the summer heat, if your system is working overtime and airflow is restricted due to clogged filters or dirty coils, the coils can freeze. This restricts cooling and can cause long-term damage to the compressor if not addressed promptly.
• Electrical Problems: With heavy use during the summer months, electrical issues in your HVAC system can arise. Faulty wiring, malfunctioning thermostats, or problems with the blower fan can all lead to system breakdowns. These issues should be handled immediately by a licensed technician to prevent further damage or fire hazards.
• Blower Fan Issues: The blower fan moves air through your ducts and into your rooms. If the fan starts malfunctioning due to wear and tear, it can cause your AC system to stop producing cold air. This problem can be exacerbated by high temperatures and frequent use in the summer months.

Fall: Preparing for Cooler Weather

As temperatures drop in the fall, your focus will shift from cooling your home to heating it. It’s a good time to have your furnace checked before the colder weather hits to ensure it’s in good working order.

Common Fall HVAC Issues:

• Dirty Furnace Filters: Similar to spring, when you switch from using your air conditioning to heating your home, dirty filters can become a problem. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and reducing its efficiency. Regular filter changes are essential in both fall and winter.
• Pilot Light or Ignition Problems: Many furnaces use a pilot light to ignite the burner. If this pilot light goes out or malfunctions, your furnace won’t produce heat. Ignition problems can also arise if the furnace’s electronic ignition system fails. Professional repair is necessary to get it working properly.
• Thermostat Malfunctions: With the transition to cooler weather, you may start to use your thermostat more frequently. If your thermostat is not functioning correctly, it can cause your furnace to run constantly or not run at all. Inaccurate temperature readings from a faulty thermostat can lead to energy waste or discomfort in your home.
• Carbon Monoxide Leaks: Furnaces can sometimes leak carbon monoxide if they are malfunctioning or if there’s a crack in the heat exchanger. This is a serious safety issue, as carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making it difficult to detect. It’s crucial to have a professional check your furnace for leaks, especially before using it in the colder months.

Winter: Protecting Your Home from the Cold

Winter can be harsh, and when temperatures drop, your heating system becomes essential. If your furnace or heating system is improperly maintained or starts showing signs of trouble, it can leave you in an uncomfortable and even dangerous situation.

Common Winter HVAC Issues:

• Clogged or Dirty Ductwork: Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in your ducts, especially if your system has been running constantly. In the winter, a dirty duct system can significantly reduce airflow, leading to uneven heating and lower comfort levels in your home.
• Furnace Not Producing Heat: If your furnace isn’t producing heat, the issue could be a malfunctioning pilot light, a faulty gas valve, or problems with the thermostat. This can be especially concerning in freezing temperatures, and immediate repairs are necessary to restore heat.
• Frozen Pipes: When your furnace isn’t heating your home properly due to lack of maintenance or malfunction, the cold air can cause your pipes to freeze. This is a serious concern in winter, as frozen pipes can burst, leading to extensive water damage. Proper furnace maintenance can prevent this issue from happening.
• Heat Exchanger Cracks: A cracked heat exchanger is a dangerous problem that can occur during the winter months. When a heat exchanger cracks, it can lead to the leakage of harmful gases like carbon monoxide into your home. This is why it’s essential to have your furnace inspected before you use it for the winter.

Conclusion

Each season comes with its own set of HVAC challenges, and understanding what to look for can help you address problems before they turn into major repair needs. Whether it’s cleaning filters in the spring, ensuring your air conditioning is working efficiently in the summer, preparing your furnace for the winter chill, or getting your system in shape for fall, regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly.
At Advanced Cooling, we provide expert HVAC services to homeowners and businesses across Texas and Oklahoma. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, our team is here to ensure that your system is ready to keep you comfortable, no matter the season. Contact us today to schedule a service and keep your HVAC system performing at its best year-round!