3 Common Problems HVAC Units Experience during the Summer

12 Jun 3 Common Problems HVAC Units Experience during the Summer

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

Now that the temperatures are rising, it’s time to switch your HVAC unit to the AC function to stay cool inside your home. Now is an excellent time for a maintenance check to ensure your unit is ready to take on the heat. Contact a Tri-Cities licensed HVAC contractor, like Thompson Electrical Service, to fine-tune your AC unit and avoid the following three common problems HVAC units experience during the summer.

Poor Airflow

A reduced airflow could result from the dirt and debris that accumulates in the filter. Therefore, the blower works harder to circulate the air in your home through the system, increasing your utility bills. Most homes have one air filter near the return grill or the furnace. Professional HVAC repairers in Kingsport recommend changing your filter a minimum of twice per year. However, if you live in a windy or dusty area, you should check the filter more often and change it when clogged. Be sure to purchase the correct size filter for your return grill by checking printed information on the paper frame of the current filter. Once replaced, proper airflow should return automatically. However, if the airflow remains the same, call Thompson Electrical Service for an appointment to determine the cause.

Clogged AC Condensate Drain Line

Another common AC problem is a clogged AC condensate drain line. Condensation gets generated during the air conditioning process and can sometimes lead to a clogged drain line when the moisture mixes with dirt, debris, or bugs. A clogged drain line is easy to spot as there is a lot of water around the area. You can clear the obstruction with a wet-dry vacuum in most cases. However, if you aren’t successful or would like a more thorough drain line cleaning, feel free to contact our Johnson City trusted HVAC technicians at Thompson Electrical Service for an appointment today.

Low Refrigerant

Air conditioning units require a specific refrigerant level for optimum performance. Over time, tiny leaks in the lines and coils may appear, providing a way for the refrigerant to escape. When the AC unit gets undercharged, it will struggle with reaching or maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. Unfortunately, the escalated activity to cool your home strains your system and increases breakdown risks, longer runtimes, and a rise in energy bills. Contact a reputable HVAC technician in Bristol to assist with adjusting your refrigerant since the Environmental Protection Agency regulates it. In addition to adding refrigerant, our technician will seal leaks and ensure the unit’s proper function gets restored.

R-22 Refrigerant Phase-Out

Some older HVAC units use a refrigerant called R-22. Unfortunately, the compound is harmful to the Earth’s ozone layer and is now phasing out of production and importation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the refrigerant on January 1, 2020, resulting in no additional resources for the R-22 refrigerant. Due to supply and demand, the R-22 refrigerant price will steadily increase as the supply dwindles. Therefore, our Kingsport HVAC experts recommend replacing units dependent on the R-22 refrigerant before the cost becomes astronomical. Our technicians can help you skillfully choose your next air conditioning unit and install it too.

HVAC Repair in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

An AC unit that breaks down during a heatwave can be an inconvenience. However, now is the perfect time to request an HVAC maintenance check to ensure your unit is ready for the upcoming weather challenges with a change in seasons. Feel free to contact an experienced Tri-Cities HVAC company, Thompson Electrical Service, to schedule your appointment by calling (423) 343-5726 or contact us online.