Summer in West Valley City brings long, hot days—and when your air conditioner isn’t performing the way it should, those days can feel even longer. A working AC system doesn’t just cool your home; it helps with humidity control and air circulation too. When problems start up unexpectedly, it can disrupt the comfort of your entire home. That’s why getting ahead of common AC issues during the warmer months can make a noticeable difference.
Homeowners in West Valley City often deal with the same set of problems as the temperatures climb. Things like weak airflow, strange sounds, or constant cycling are warning signs that your AC needs help. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to bigger repairs down the road. Spotting them early saves time, money, and discomfort. Here are some of the most common AC problems you’re likely to face this summer—and what needs to be done about them.
Insufficient Cooling
No one wants to step inside on a hot day and discover their AC is pushing out warm air or working harder than usual to cool the home. Insufficient cooling is one of the most reported air conditioning problems during the summer in West Valley City.
There are multiple reasons why the air coming from the vents might not be cold enough. Some of the most common causes include:
– Clogged or dirty air filters blocking airflow
– Low refrigerant levels due to a leak
– Dirty or damaged coils reducing efficiency
– Faulty fans or motors not circulating air properly
Each of these issues affects performance, and in many cases, more than one problem might be working together to make things worse. Homeowners sometimes first notice this when certain rooms stay warmer than others, or when the system runs for longer cycles without cooling the home properly.
For example, if a home’s air filter hasn’t been changed in several months, it can choke the airflow and make it seem like the AC is broken. In many cases, though, the issue goes deeper. Low refrigerant levels or a blocked coil can’t be resolved without a trained hand. Our technicians use the right tools to measure refrigerant levels, inspect internal parts, and get the unit cooling again safely and correctly.
Strange Noises From The AC Unit
Strange sounds from your AC unit usually mean something’s off. Your system might still run, but noises like clicking, buzzing, or banging suggest internal parts are wearing out or loose. While the AC may still appear to function, these sounds often signal a bigger issue waiting to get worse.
Here are common AC noises and what they often mean:
– Clanking or banging – Loose or broken parts inside the compressor
– Squealing – A worn-out belt or issue with the fan motor
– Buzzing – Electrical issues, dirty parts, or a refrigerant problem
– Clicking – A potential issue with the thermostat or control board
If left alone, these noises usually get louder—and the damage more expensive. A noisy system should always be looked at by our professionals before something major fails. One loose part can misalign other components, leading to burnt-out motors or expensive compressor damage.
Our technicians are trained to detect whether the problem is mechanical, electrical, or airflow related. Catching it early prevents a small annoyance from becoming a full breakdown when temperatures are at their peak.
Frequent Cycling
If your AC turns off and on more often than usual, that’s called short cycling. This behavior puts added strain on the system’s components and shortens the life of the equipment. It also means the system is wasting energy while failing to keep your home comfortable.
Common causes of short cycling include:
– A thermostat that isn’t reading the temperature correctly
– A refrigerant leak causing the system to flare up and shut down
– An oversized unit that cools the space too quickly but inefficiently
– Airflow problems from blocked vents or clogged filters
Short cycling creates two main issues—it reduces comfort, and it wears the system out faster. Homeowners might notice that their home never stays at the set temperature, or different rooms feel cooler than others at different times. It can also lead to sharp changes in energy bills.
Our professionals check for refrigerant levels, duct flow, and system sizing errors to find the right cause. Once identified, they fix the issue without guesswork, helping the system run efficiently and consistently again. For homeowners, this means more reliable cooling and less strain on their AC in the hottest months of the year.
Water Leaks Around Your AC Unit
A small puddle near your air conditioner can point to a bigger issue. Water buildup is one of the more overlooked AC problems during the summer, especially in humid months when your system runs often. Leaks often start slow, but with time, they can lead to mold, damaged walls or ceilings, and can even cause electrical problems inside your unit.
There are a few common reasons why your AC might be leaking:
– A clogged condensate drain line can block water from exiting the unit
– A cracked or rusted drain pan no longer holds moisture collected during operation
– A dirty air filter may restrict airflow, freezing the coils, which then thaw and leak
– Refrigerant issues might cause the evaporator coil to ice over
Each of these problems requires a different fix. For example, a clogged condensate line might seem minor, but if left alone, it can completely shut down your AC due to built-in overflow triggers. A frozen evaporator coil can lead to total loss of cooling, with larger repair needs if it keeps happening.
It’s common for homeowners to miss the signs until water damage appears around the unit or near vents. If you notice heavy moisture or hear dripping sounds, those are signs to act fast. Our technicians inspect both the internal drain system and coil performance to stop leaks permanently, and they clean or replace parts to avoid recurring issues. This keeps your AC running safely and your home free from moisture damage.
Unexplained Spikes In Energy Bills
If energy costs go up while your AC use hasn’t really changed, that signals a problem hiding inside the system. Summer heat always brings higher bills, but when costs spike for no clear reason, your AC unit might be working harder than necessary due to internal inefficiencies.
Some common causes include:
– Dirty condenser or evaporator coils making the system less efficient
– Poor airflow from blocked vents, leaks in the ductwork, or damaged fans
– An aging compressor or motor pulling more electricity to do the same job
– Incorrect thermostat settings or placement causing uneven cooling
If your AC hasn’t had routine service in a while, it might be burning more energy to keep up with demand. That pressure adds up throughout the summer. Something as simple as a dirty coil causes the unit to run longer than needed, pushing your power use far beyond reasonable levels.
Some homeowners notice the house feels constantly humid or warm, even though the unit runs all day. That’s because it’s lost efficiency. Regular checks identify where performance breaks down, and our professionals can tune up, clean, and adjust parts before the issue drains more dollars from your summer budget.
Staying Cool Without The Stress
When temperatures climb in West Valley City, your air conditioner should be ready to handle the demand without stress, breakdowns, or high utility bills. That starts with recognizing the signs of common problems and acting early. Whether it’s short cycling, loud noises, leaks, or poor airflow, each warning signal gives you a chance to solve the issue before it turns into something serious.
Many problems get worse because they start small and seem insignificant at first—but over time, their impact snowballs. Ignoring an unusual noise or a warm room today could lead to expensive repairs later. That’s why ongoing attention and periodic expert inspections make such a difference. Staying ahead of these issues doesn’t just extend your system’s lifespan; it protects your home’s comfort all season long.
If you have noticed any issues with your AC this summer, it may be time to have our professionals inspect your system and address the problem before it worsens. Scheduling AC repair in West Valley City can help stop minor issues from turning into serious system failures and keep your home comfortable through the hottest months. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
