Top 5 HVAC Problems Southeast Georgia Residents Face
When you live in southeast Georgia, your HVAC unit is working hard for most of the year. We love being comfortable in our homes and when it’s hot and humid almost year-round with only mild winters, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems never get a break. Let’s explore the top five HVAC problems we see for those living in the Golden Isles and surrounding areas.
1. High Humidity
It’s no secret that southeast Georgia is known for its high humidity levels. Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air, so when an area has high humidity, the excessive moisture can cause damage to HVAC systems. It can promote mold growth within the ductwork and the actual unit. It also causes your AC to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and overall wear on the system.
There are a few things you can do to fight humidity in your home. Consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier to help mitigate the humidity found inside your house. This is something Air Concepts installs frequently for local customers. Also, make sure your AC unit is properly sized to handle the humidity load of this area. We can take a look at your current system to see if you may need an upgrade. Lastly, get schedule for routine maintenance that can also help keep humidity-related issues at bay.
2. Frequent Cycling
When it’s always hot, there is a constant need for your HVAC system to keep things cool. This forces the unit to turn on and off more frequently than is optimal. Rapid cycling puts extra strain on your HVAC system, leading to increased wear and tear, higher energy bills, and also, reduced comfort.
This is another time when you should ensure your HVAC system is properly sized for your home. Check for clogged air filters or blocked vents that might be causing the system to overwork. Routine maintenance can also help prevent this issue.
3. Clogged Drain Lines
Excess condensation is caused by high humidity which we’ve already talked about. This moisture can cause problems if not properly drained. Clogged drain lines could cause water to back up into your home, potentially leading to water damage and mold growth. Those who are susceptible to asthma or allergies can especially become affected.
Regular cleaning of the drain line can prevent clogs – this is part of our routine maintenance package. Also consider installing a float switch that will shut off the AC if the drain line becomes clogged.
4. Corroded Outdoor Units
Outdoor HVAC components are more susceptible to corrosion in coastal areas because of the salty air. Corrosion can damage your outdoor unit, leading to reduced efficiency and potentially costly repairs or a full replacement.
To combat this, regular cleaning and maintenance of outdoor units is crucial. Consider installing a protective coating on your outdoor unit if you live in a coastal area or invest in routine maintenance to ensure the unit is clean and running efficiently year-round.
5. Inefficient Performance Due to Poor Insulation
While southeast Georgia winters are generally mild, poor insulation can still lead to HVAC inefficiencies no matter the season. Inadequate insulation allows cool air to escape in the summer and warm air to escape in the winter, causing your HVAC system to work harder than necessary.
Conduct an energy audit of your home to identify areas where insulation can be improved. Pay special attention to attics, crawl spaces, and around windows and doors. A properly insulated home will save you on monthly utility bills and prolong the life of your HVAC unit.
So, these are the top five HVAC issues that we commonly see – fighting high humidity, frequent cycling, clogged drain lines, corroded outdoor units, and inefficient performance due to poor insulation. Most of this can be prevented with routine maintenance. Call Air Concepts today to learn about preventing many of these issues and extending the life of your system with our maintenance plan: (912) 261-9013.