When a heat wave hits Texas, your air conditioner can easily become the most overworked appliance in the house. It might run for hours with little or no rest. That additional demand can expose issues that went unnoticed during the milder temperatures.
Don’t ignore distorted airflow, odd sounds, or warm vent air. When the weather keeps pushing those high outdoor temps, small HVAC issues can escalate into major breakdowns.
So, whether you’re already feeling the heat or just preparing for high summer temperatures across Texas this season, here are some of the top HVAC problems homeowners experience and what you can do about them.
1. Air Conditioner Runs Constantly
A constantly running air conditioner is one of the most common complaints during a sweltering Texas summer.
Longer run times are normal in very hot outdoor weather. An AC that can’t recycle air is cause for concern.
Possible causes include:
- A dirty air filter
- Blocked or dirty coils
- Low refrigerant
- Poor airflow
- Duct leaks
- An aging or undersized system
Dirty coils make it harder for coolers or air conditioners to transfer heat. This can extend the time for which the system runs while still not cooling as effectively.
2. Weak or Uneven Airflow
Some rooms are fine, but others get over heated sometimes. The problem may be below the thermostat.
If the filter is clogged, it may let only limited air through. Faulty ductwork can also reduce the amount of conditioned air forced into rooms.
Airflow problems can significantly reduce HVAC efficiency, according to ENERGY STAR.
Start an inspecting the air filter and make sure no furniture or other items are blocking one or more supply or return vents. If the issue persists, a professional should check the ductwork and the blower.
3. Refrigerant Leaks or Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a major ingredient of the cooling process. Here is the issue: If there are leaks in the system, or if the refrigerant charge isn’t right, it may struggle to remove enough heat from your home.
Common warning signs include:
- Warm air coming from vents
- Longer cooling cycles
- Ice on the refrigerant lines or coils
- Higher energy consumption
- Reduced cooling performance
Just adding refrigerant without fixing the problem is not a proper solution. Have a professional look for leaks in the system, and test whether there is an appropriate refrigerant charge. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, low or leaking refrigerant is another possible cause of inadequate cooling.
4. Dirty Condenser or Evaporator Coils
The outdoor condenser unit works under tremendous pressure in the Texas heat. Dirt, grass clippings, leaves, etc., near the unit can hinder heat transfer.
The evaporator coils can get dirty indoors. This can make the system run longer than normal without providing the cooling you expect.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation recommends that homeowners check and clean both the condenser and evaporator coils as part of their air conditioning maintenance.
Prevent performance problems by keeping the outside unit clear of debris and calling a ducted AC technician to maintain your air conditioning system before the hottest summer heat.
5. Clogged Condensate Drain
As your air conditioner cools your home, it also removes moisture from the indoor air. That moisture typically escapes through a condensate drain.
Water can back up when the drain gets clogged. This can cause leaks and water damage or increase indoor humidity.
A plugged condensate drain can cause water damage and increased indoor humidity, which ENERGY STAR recognizes.
Don’t wait for the problem to go away, especially if you see water at your indoor HVAC equipment; turn off the system (not just setting it to heat) and call an expert instead.
6. Electrical and Capacitor Problems
Intense heat can place additional stress on electrical components. While the HVAC unit is constantly running, these components can fail. Capacitors, contactors, wiring, and motors can all fail somewhere along the line.
Failing components may cause symptoms like:
- The AC struggles to start
- The system repeatedly shuts off
- Humming or clicking sounds
- The outdoor fan stops running
- The unit suddenly stops cooling
Electrical HVAC repairs aren’t a great DIY project. If electrical parts get damaged and need testing or replacement, turn to a licensed professional.
7. Thermostat Problems
Not always is the HVAC system the enemy − sometimes it’s more. Either the thermostat is reading inaccurately, or it’s not communicating properly with the equipment.
Make sure the thermostat is in cooling mode, and the temperature setting is correct. Make sure it isn’t placed next to a heat-generating appliance or in direct sunlight.
If the thermostat is working correctly but the home isn’t getting cooler, turn your attention to the HVAC system.
8. Frozen AC Coils
This sounds weird; however, an air conditioner could freeze in the heat of a Texas summertime.
Restricted airflow, dirty coils, or refrigerant problems can make the evaporator coil too cold. This can lead to ice buildup and further reduce airflow.
Seeing ice on the indoor unit or refrigerant lines means you are only making it worse by forcing the AC to keep running. Identify the root cause, then revert to normal operation.
Keeping Your HVAC System Ready in a Texas Heatwave
Before your temperatures climb too high is the best time to find an HVAC issue.
A seasonal inspection can check filters and coils, electrical connections, refrigerant, condensate drains, and/or airflow. Highlighting the need for a licensed air-conditioning contractor, TDLR also suggests consumers check whether contractors are required.
Simple steps that homeowners can take:
- Change or clean the air filter, as recommended.
- Remove any debris in and surrounding the outdoor condenser.
- Do not block supply and return vents.
- Listen for unusual sounds, smells, or leaking water.
- Watch for rooms that suddenly feel much warmer.
Schedule professional maintenance for your AC unit before the most brutal time of summer.
For professional help, Grande Air Solutions HVAC specialists can evaluate your system and catch problems before a small issue becomes an expensive emergency.
Stay Ahead of the Texas Heat
A Texas heat wave is hard on people − and tougher still on an air conditioner that has seen better days.
Good airflow, regular maintenance, clean filters, and early repairs can help your HVAC system work more dependably when you need it. Sometimes it pays to think ahead because, with a little TLC before the heat arrives, your home will be much cooler when temperatures start to rise.
