What Are the Top Five AC Issues As the Weather Gets Warmer?

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Air-conditioning systems work overtime during the cooling season, making them more vulnerable to problems. Many of these problems are preventable with proper care. Here's a closer look at some of the most common summer AC issues.

Dirty Filters

A clogged filter can cause a variety of problems, such as airflow issues and inadequate cooling. It's a significant impediment to AC efficiency. You can avoid the AC issues that result from a clogged filter by checking your filter at least once a month and replacing it if it's dirty.

Refrigerant Leaks

This is one of the most common summer AC issues. The refrigerant in your air conditioner sucks up heat from your home and expels it outside to cool your indoor air. If you have a refrigerant leak, your air conditioner can't work efficiently and won't adequately keep your house cool and comfortable. Refrigerant leaks get bigger over time if you leave them unrepaired, so it's crucial to call in a professional if you suspect a leak has occurred.

Clogged Drains

Your air conditioner also dehumidifies the air as it cools it. The water from your home's air is removed through the condensation drain. Dirt and sludge can clog the condensation drain, leading to water backup and leaks. You should call an HVAC technician for service if you see water in or below your indoor HVAC equipment.

Constantly Turning On and Off

A system turning on and off constantly, also referred to as short cycling, is a problem that could damage AC parts like the compressor. A clogged air filter, electrical issues, dirty AC coils, or a unit that's too small could be the reason behind the issue. An HVAC professional will diagnose the problem and fix any damaged components.

Inadequate Cooling

If a new system isn't cooling your home adequately, the system's capacity may be inadequate for the size of your house. However, if the problem occurs after several years or months, it could be caused by an issue like a refrigerant leak or a damaged AC component. You'll need to contact a professional to check the system.

You can prevent most of these problems through proper AC care, such as scheduling annual maintenance and changing your filters regularly. If you need help with AC issues in the Broken Arrow area, contact Air Assurance.

Which Immediate Plumbing Issues Could Come Up This Winter?

Winter is the busiest period of the year for many plumbing companies. The challenges that the season poses to plumbing systems usually lead to certain household plumbing emergencies. Below are the immediate plumbing issues that commonly come up in the winter, along with what you can do to avoid them.

Frozen Pipes

The cold temperatures outside can make unprotected pipes freeze easily, one of many troubling and immediate plumbing issues. Frozen pipes are one of the most serious plumbing issues. Frozen pipes can crack or burst and lead to thousands of dollars' worth of damage in just minutes. You can avoid this issue by adding insulation to your pipes, especially those in uninsulated areas and on exterior walls.

Water-Heater Failure

Your water heater works its hardest in the winter, which increases its likelihood of breaking down. If your unit fails to deliver hot water or struggles to meet demand, it may be necessary to repair or replace it.

Having your water heater serviced every year is essential to keeping it performing as expected. Nevertheless, water heaters function optimally for around 10 years. If your water heater is on its last legs, consider scheduling a replacement.

Clogged Kitchen Drains

With low temperatures, kitchens, and kitchen sinks get a workout as people cook more. More fat, grease, and bits of food are sent down the drain. Clogs occur more often, as the food waste clumps, congeals, and freezes in the cold.

You can prevent your kitchen drains from clogging — one of many immediate plumbing issues — by avoiding putting any grease or fat down the drains and not grinding fibrous, sticky, or extremely hard objects in the garbage disposal.

Frozen Septic or Sewer Lines

The waste inside sewer lines can freeze as the ground around the lines freezes. The waste expands gradually as it freezes and may eventually burst a line or the septic tank. Have your tank pumped before the cold winter months to remove waste and prevent this problem. Schedule a comprehensive plumbing inspection if your sewer system has had any issues during the year.

Proactive maintenance goes a long way toward preventing plumbing emergencies. For assistance with any immediate plumbing issues or maintenance in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.