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Hvac is underperforming

5 Reasons Your HVAC is Underperforming in the Summertime

Help Your HVAC System Perform at its Peak This Summer

An underperforming HVAC system can be more frustrating than one that isn’t working at all. The air is being heated or cooled, and it’s flowing… but it’s weak. Or the system is driving your electric bill sky-high just to maintain a reasonable temperature. 

When your HVAC system is underperforming, it may actually be overworking. There’s likely an issue that’s weakening the airflows. So, the system is working extra hard—at the expense of your electric bill—even though its performance is less than satisfactory. 

In the summertime, an underperforming HVAC system is costly, unpleasant, and is even a health risk during extreme heat. Beyond the increased electric bill costs of a strained HVAC system, your indoor air quality might suffer if dust and allergens are moving in and out of your ducts due to leaks. 

The sooner you resolve the issue behind a compromised system, the better. First, you’ll need to figure out what’s wrong. Here are five common reasons for HVAC underperformance in the summertime. 

HVAC System Is Old or Outdated and Needs Replacement

An HVAC system can last 15-20 years. However, towards the end of its lifetime, you’re likely to see wear and tear, increased repair needs, and decreased efficiency. Your monthly costs will go up just to maintain the output you’re used to. 

Fortunately, once you upgrade, your new system should work better than the old one ever did, thanks to the improved efficiency of today’s more sophisticated models. 

HVAC System Requires Maintenance or Repair

A bit of regular professional maintenance work goes a long way. Your AC’s underperformance might be due to clogged vents or dirty coils that are causing the system to overwork. Or there might be an electrical issue. 

A proactive approach saves time and money in the long run, so it’s best to keep up with regular maintenance and respond quickly to issues that come up. HVAC problems won’t go away on their own, and repairs tend to be more intensive the longer a problem has persisted. 

If you want to ensure that your HVAC unit always runs efficiently, we recommend scheduling regular service appointments with a professional in your area. On a semi-annual or quarterly basis, a technician can investigate your air conditioning and heating units and resolve any problems before they become more urgent later. 

Thermostat Errors

Various thermostat problems could disrupt your AC system’s functioning. The thermostat may or may not indicate that there’s a problem by displaying an error message. The thermostat’s sensor may have been knocked out of position, causing inaccurate communication with the AC unit. There could also be an electrical problem with the thermostat or its connection points. 

A Vent or Duct Blockage Is Restricting Airflow

Ducts and vents can accumulate dust and dirt. Lots of it—measured in pounds. This buildup can lead to the spread of allergens in your home. It also restricts airflow, forcing your AC to work extra hard to force cooled air towards its exit points. 

Vent or Duct Damage Is Causing Air Leaks

Ducts and vents can develop cracks or holes. This allows air to leak out before it finishes its journey into the rooms that you’re attempting to cool. If your ducts are on the older side, it’s quite likely that there’s some degree of leaking going on. 

When your electrical bills are higher than they should be, or if certain rooms just can’t seem to get cool, air leaks are probably to blame. You might also notice the spread of dust because leaks allow dust to enter the system and spread around the home. 

This isn’t a problem that you want to live with. Addressing leaks is a big money-saver because a leaky system can continue to operate for years but at a severely compromised efficiency. 

Resolving HVAC Underperformance 

If your HVAC is underperforming but still operating, you might let the problem slide for a while before addressing it. However, it’s best to get the issue diagnosed and repaired right away. The problem won’t go away on its own, and it’s no fun paying bloated electric bills for a system that isn’t even working satisfactorily. 

This summer, if your AC doesn’t seem to be working optimally, here are the first few steps you should take:

  • Check the vents that have weak airflow to look for a blockage
  • Check the thermostat to see if it’s displaying an error code
  • Listen for odd or unusual noises coming from your HVAC system

Need some help detecting or resolving the problem? Bring in an HVAC professional to investigate. 

If you’re in the Boise area and your AC is underperforming this summer, get in touch with Advanced Heating & Cooling and we’ll come to have a look. Give us a call today at 208-336-COOL (2665) or schedule an appointment online

 

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