By September, most of us are ready for fall.
Your air conditioner, unfortunately, is still working on its summer schedule.
Here in Jacksonville, September can bring temperatures well into the 90s, along with the humidity that makes our air conditioners do considerably more than simply cool the air. After running almost continuously through June, July and August, September is actually a good time to pay attention to what your system may be telling you.
One of the first things I tell homeowners is don’t ignore small changes.
If your home used to comfortably stay at 74 degrees and now struggles to get below 77, something has changed. It might be as simple as a dirty filter. But reduced airflow can also come from a dirty evaporator coil, ductwork problems or other issues that make the system work harder than it should.
Humidity is another clue.
An air conditioner removes moisture as warm household air passes across the cold evaporator coil. That moisture becomes water and leaves through the condensate drain. In Jacksonville’s humid climate, an enormous amount of water can pass through that drain over a cooling season.
That’s why a clogged condensate line can suddenly become a wet ceiling, damaged flooring or water around the air handler.
Listen, too.
You know what your home normally sounds like. New rattling, buzzing, clicking, unusually long run times or a system repeatedly turning on and off deserve attention.
And walk outside occasionally. Leaves, grass clippings and vegetation can accumulate around the outdoor condenser and restrict airflow. Give the equipment room to breathe.
The homes throughout San Marco, Miramar, Epping Forest and San Jose range from beautifully renovated historic properties to newer construction, and their HVAC systems can be just as different. There isn’t one maintenance answer that fits every house.
The important thing is catching little problems while they’re still little.
September may feel like the end of summer.
For your air conditioner, there may still be plenty of summer left.
SNC Heating & Air | 904-535-7299
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