When the temperatures soar during the summer in Tampa, FL, your air conditioner becomes the most important system in your home. The last thing you want is to turn on your AC during the first big heatwave only to find it’s blowing warm air, making strange noises, or not working at all.
Small HVAC issues if they aren’t caught early can turn into expensive breakdowns when you need cooling the most. Ahoy! Cooling & Heating offers maintenance plans designed to catch these common HVAC issues early, keeping your system in top shape before summer arrives.
Low Refrigerant Levels and Weak Cooling
When the heat outside reaches its peak, your AC should be blowing cold, crisp air that keeps your home comfortable. But if you notice that your system is running, yet the air coming out of the vents feels lukewarm, low refrigerant levels could be the problem. Refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and moves it outdoors. If there’s not enough of it, your AC won’t be able to cool your space properly, no matter how long it runs.
Refrigerant doesn’t get used up like fuel but stays in a closed loop. If levels are low, it usually means there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Small leaks may not seem like a big issue at first. But over time, they can lead to bigger cooling problems and put stress on the compressor. The compressor costs a lot to replace, so finding a refrigerant problem early can help you avoid major headaches.
During a maintenance visit, a technician checks refrigerant levels and looks for leaks. If a leak is discovered, your technician will add more refrigerant. Simply topping it off without fixing the source of the problem is only a temporary fix, and the issue will return. So, your technician will fix the source of the leak during a maintenance visit.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
One of the simplest ways to keep your AC running efficiently is by making sure the air filter is clean. When the filter gets clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris, airflow is restricted. Your system must work extra to move air, which can raise energy bills, make cooling less effective, and even cause breakdowns if the issue isn’t fixed.
Make sure to Change the filter regularly, about every one to three months. This helps prevent dust buildup inside the system. When airflow is smooth, your AC doesn’t have to overwork to cool your home.
Thermostat Issues
If your AC isn’t keeping up with the heat, the problem might not be with the unit itself but with the thermostat. The thermostat controls when your system turns on and off. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause all sorts of temperature problems. Sometimes, thermostats lose calibration over time, meaning they don’t read the room temperature accurately. When this happens, your AC might shut off before your home is cool, or it might keep running even after the right temperature is reached.
Another issue could be with the thermostat’s placement. If it’s installed in a spot that gets too much direct sunlight or near a heat source, it might think your home is warmer than it is, causing the AC to overwork. On the other hand, if it’s near a vent, it might shut the system down too soon because it’s getting too much cool air too quickly.
Switching to a smart thermostat can help avoid these problems. A smart thermostat learns your cooling habits, adjusts the temperature, and even lets you control your system from your phone. If you forget to raise the temperature before leaving for the day, you can adjust it remotely, saving energy and reducing unnecessary strain on your AC. A technician can check thermostat accuracy and its placement during a maintenance visit, making sure it’s working correctly before summer arrives.
Drain Line Clogs and Water Leaks
Your AC doesn’t just cool your home, but it also removes humidity from the air. The moisture it pulls out of the air condenses into water and drains through a small pipe called the condensate drain line. If this line gets clogged with dirt, algae, or biological growth, water can back up into your system. Blockages can lead to leaks, water damage, and even system shutdowns.
A clogged drain line is one of those issues that starts small but can cause big problems later. You might notice water pooling around the indoor unit, a musty smell, or even damp spots on your ceiling if the system is in the attic. Since Florida’s humid climate means your AC is constantly pulling moisture from the air, keeping the drain line clear is important for preventing leaks.
A maintenance visit includes flushing the drain line to remove blockages before they cause problems. Technicians also check for signs of biological growth, which can lead to repeated clogs if not properly treated. Taking care of this before summer means you won’t have to deal with unexpected water leaks when your system is running at full capacity.
Electrical Component Failures
If your AC turns on but struggles to stay running or if you hear a clicking noise when it tries to start, you might have a failing capacitor. Capacitors store and release electrical energy to help start the compressor and fan motors. Over time, these components wear out, especially in areas with high heat and humidity.
When a capacitor is weak, your system may have trouble starting or could shut down unexpectedly. A bad capacitor can also cause the AC to run inefficiently, using more energy than necessary. Since capacitors don’t usually fail all at once, you might not notice the problem until your system stops working completely.
Electrical connections also need to be checked before summer. Loose or corroded wiring can cause your system to short-cycle, meaning it turns on and off more frequently than it should. This not only reduces efficiency but also increases wear and tear on the compressor and fan motors.
A technician checks capacitors and electrical connections during a maintenance visit, making sure everything is working as it should. Replacing a failing capacitor before it fails can prevent a sudden breakdown during a heatwave, keeping your home cool without interruption.
Maintenance Plans Help Save Summer
Catching HVAC issues before summer isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s about making sure your system runs as efficiently as possible when you need it most. Refrigerant levels, airflow, thermostat function, drainage, and electrical components all play a role in keeping your AC working properly. When any one of these things isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause your system to use more energy, struggle to cool your home, or even shut down completely.
A maintenance plan helps keep everything in check with regular inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups. Instead of waiting for a problem to happen, scheduled visits make sure your AC is always ready to handle the heat.
Prepare Your HVAC System for Summer
Preparing your HVAC system before summer isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns. It’s about staying cool, keeping energy bills low, and making sure your AC doesn’t have to work harder than necessary. An AC maintenance check can catch small problems before they turn into big repairs, giving you peace of mind when Tampa’s heat is at its worst. Sign up for a maintenance plan with Ahoy! Cooling & Heating today and make sure your AC is ready for the summer ahead. We also offer ductless, ductwork, UV light, zoning systems, air filtration, and thermostat services.
