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Every season in Auburn brings its own weather challenges, from frosty mornings in winter to humid summer afternoons. While your HVAC system is built to provide comfort year-round, extreme temperatures often expose hidden issues. That’s why breakdowns tend to happen right when you need heating or cooling the most. Knowing the common causes of HVAC failure can help homeowners stay ahead of costly repair needs and avoid the stress of losing comfort during harsh conditions.
Why HVAC Systems Struggle During Extreme Weather
Your HVAC system is designed to maintain a steady indoor temperature, but extreme weather conditions force it to work harder. During extreme heat waves, an air conditioning unit may run nonstop for hours, while in winter a furnace or heat pump cycles continuously against freezing outdoor temperatures. This constant strain increases the risk of system failure, worn-out motors, low refrigerant levels, or clogged airflow issues.
For Auburn homeowners, where outdoor temperature swings between scorching heat and freezing cold, the HVAC system faces higher chances of breakdown without proper cleaning, repair, and regular maintenance.
Top Reasons HVAC Systems Fail During Extreme Weather
1. Overworked Systems
Extreme weather pushes HVAC systems into overdrive. Running continuously without breaks can overheat the fan motor, stress the compressor, and shorten the lifespan of the entire system.
Signs of an overworked HVAC system include:
- Constant running without cycling off
- Rising energy bills
- Uneven cooling or heating
If ignored, this strain can cause the system to stop working entirely, leading to costly repair or even full system replacement.
2. Frozen Coils
Frozen coils are a common HVAC problem during both extreme cold and extreme heat.
Causes include:
- Dirty air filters or clogged airflow
- Low refrigerant or refrigerant leak
- Malfunctioning blower fans
- Outdoor temperature drops affecting defrost mode
When coils freeze, the AC unit may fail to cool or the heating system may fail to warm, causing discomfort until a qualified HVAC technician performs cleaning and repair.
3. Electrical Failures and Power Surges
Extreme weather conditions can trigger power surges that damage electrical components. A sudden surge can burn out capacitors, circuit boards, or even the thermostat.
Warning signs:
- Tripped breakers when the system cycles
- Burning smells from the HVAC unit
- No response to thermostat settings
Because electrical issues can cause fire risks, it’s vital to call a professional HVAC technician for immediate repair.
4. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
One of the most common reasons HVAC systems fail is a clogged air filter. Dirty air filters block airflow, forcing the system to work harder and overheat. This can cause frozen coils, low refrigerant levels, or eventual compressor failure.
Filter care tips:
- Change filters every 1–3 months
- Replace more often with pets or high dust
- Always inspect during cleaning and seasonal tune-ups
Regular cleaning or replacing air filters is a proactive way to maintain your system.
5. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is essential for heat transfer in any air conditioning system. A low refrigerant level or leak forces the system to work harder, increasing energy use and reducing efficiency.
Signs of refrigerant problems:
- Ice on coils or refrigerant lines
- Warm air from vents
- Hissing sounds from the AC unit
A qualified HVAC professional must handle refrigerant repair, as it requires special tools and safe installation.
6. Thermostat Malfunctions
Sometimes, HVAC issues stem from a faulty thermostat rather than the system itself. Extreme weather may cause misreadings that result in short cycling or continuous running.
Common thermostat issues:
- Dead batteries
- Faulty wiring
- Incorrect placement near windows or heat sources
Upgrading to a smart thermostat improves efficiency and helps maintain your desired temperature, especially during hot weather or freezing conditions.
7. Poor Maintenance
The most common cause of HVAC failure is neglect. Without regular inspections and cleaning, the system’s efficiency drops. Dust buildup, worn parts, and ignored refrigerant levels cause eventual failure.
Seasonal maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning coils and blower fans
- Inspecting duct system for airflow
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Testing thermostat accuracy
- Lubricating the motor and moving parts
Skipping maintenance may lead to emergency HVAC services and costly repair during extreme temperatures.
How Auburn Homeowners Can Prevent HVAC Failures
Top Reasons HVAC Systems Fail: Preventing breakdowns is easier than waiting for an emergency HVAC repair.
Prevention tips:
- Replace or clean filters regularly
- Book seasonal inspections for heating and cooling systems
- Install surge protectors
- Keep the outdoor AC unit clear of snow, dirt, and debris
- Consider energy-efficient upgrades like ductless mini-split installation
By staying proactive, you can help prevent the system from overworking and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
When to Call an HVAC Professional
While basic tasks like filter cleaning are manageable, more complex HVAC issues require a professional. Call for expert repair or installation if you notice:
- Weak or no airflow
- Loud banging, grinding, or hissing noises
- Frequent cycling on/off
- Higher energy bills
- System isn’t responding to thermostat
A reliable HVAC company ensures your system is running efficiently and can provide emergency HVAC services, especially during extreme heat waves or freezing cold snaps.
Conclusion
Extreme weather puts HVAC systems at risk of failure. The common causes of HVAC breakdown include overworked systems, frozen coils, electrical issues, dirty air filters, refrigerant leaks, thermostat malfunctions, and lack of maintenance. With proactive cleaning, timely repair, and professional installation, Auburn homeowners can maintain their HVAC system and ensure comfort year-round, even during extreme temperatures.
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