The Five Most Common HVAC Failures in Summer and How to Prevent Them

Summer is the season when your air conditioning system works the hardest, and unfortunately, it’s also the time when it’s most likely to fail. As an HVAC expert, I’ve seen firsthand how small issues can escalate into big problems if left unchecked. Here are the five most common HVAC system failures during the summer and how you can protect your home from them.

1. Dirty Air Filters

A clogged air filter is one of the most frequent causes of HVAC issues in the summer. Air filters trap dust, pollen, and other debris, ensuring clean airflow throughout your home. However, when filters are neglected, they restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and potentially overheat. This can lead to frozen coils or even total system failure.

Solution: Replace your air filters every 1-3 months during peak usage. If you’re part of a Planned Protection Agreement like Cogburn’s Energy Savings Agreement, *air filters are shipped directly to your home and replaced during regular maintenance visits, ensuring optimal performance.

2. Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coil is responsible for releasing heat from your home to the outside. Over time, dirt, grass clippings, and other debris can accumulate on the coils, reducing their efficiency. A dirty condenser forces your system to overwork itself, leading to overheating and higher energy bills.

Solution: Schedule regular maintenance to clean your outdoor unit’s condenser coils. Professional technicians can ensure they’re free of debris and operating efficiently.

3. Clogged Condensate Drains

Your AC removes humidity from the air as it cools your home. The moisture collects in a pan and is drained outside through a condensate line. Over time, these drains can become clogged with dirt, algae, or mold, causing water to back up into your system or even leak into your home.

Solution: Inspect and clear your condensate drain lines regularly. A wet-dry vacuum can help remove blockages. With a Planned Protection Agreement from Cogburn’s Heating & Air Conditioning, professionals will inspect and clear these lines during routine maintenance.

4. Weak Run Capacitor

The capacitor is a small but critical component that powers the motors in your AC unit. Over time, capacitors can weaken due to electrical stress or power surges common during summer thunderstorms. When a capacitor fails, your AC may struggle to start or stop working altogether.

Solution: Capacitor issues require professional attention due to their electrical nature. Regular maintenance checks under a Planned Protection Agreement can identify weak capacitors before they fail.

5. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is essential for cooling as it absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. Low refrigerant levels caused by leaks result in reduced cooling efficiency or no cooling at all. Ignoring this issue can damage your compressor—a costly repair.

Solution: If you suspect a refrigerant issue (e.g., warm air blowing from vents), call Cogburn's immediately. Under Cogburn’s membership plans, technicians will inspect refrigerant levels during maintenance visits and address any leaks promptly.

Why Choose a Planned Protection Agreement?

Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid these common summer HVAC failures. With Cogburn’s Planned Protection Agreement:

·        You’ll receive two annual maintenance visits.

·        Priority service ensures quicker response times.

·        You save money with discounts on repairs.

·        *Air filters are shipped directly to you for convenience.

·        Technicians will proactively address potential issues before they escalate.

By investing in regular care for your HVAC system, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long.

Don’t let summer heat catch you off guard! Contact Cogburn’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about their membership plans and schedule preventative maintenance for your system.

*Filters can be ordered from our Shop at a discount of up to 25%