A home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a major role in indoor comfort year-round. Unfortunately, common HVAC issues can develop over time due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance.
For homeowners, many common HVAC issues are preventable with regular maintenance. These common issues can be easily corrected by following simple steps to ensure comfortable temperatures in the home.
Clogged Air Filters
A clogged or dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of HVAC system issues. When air filters become blocked, the airflow through vents is restricted. This can cause a range of problems, from decreased air quality to inadequate cooling and heating.
Additionally, dirt can build up on parts including the blower motor and evaporator coils, leading to additional HVAC issues. To prevent a clogged air filter, it’s important to schedule routine HVAC maintenance to check and replace your air filter. Depending on the filter type, manufacturers typically recommend they be changed about every three months.
An HVAC technician will replace furnace and AC filters more frequently if they become excessively dirty before the recommended interval. This will ensure the HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency. If the air filters are clogged, replacing them as soon as possible is important.
Even if no immediate issue is found, restricting airflow through vents can cause lasting damage to the system. An HVAC system won’t work well in parts of your home without adequate airflow. It won’t be able to effectively cool or heat the space. Routine air filter maintenance can ensure the HVAC system is running at its best.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Frozen evaporator coils are another common problem with HVAC systems. Evaporator coils will freeze when the refrigerant in the system is low. Low refrigerant levels cause condensation to form on the evaporator coil and eventually freeze.
The best way to avoid frozen evaporator coils is to have regular maintenance completed on the system. A technician with the right qualifications can examine the system for any issues that may cause the evaporator coils to freeze. They can also make sure the system is running at its best, clean dirty coils, and refill any low refrigerant levels before they become an issue.
If an evaporator coil has frozen, contact a professional HVAC technician. They can also inspect the HVAC system for any other issues to help prevent operation problems in the future.
Poor Outdoor Unit Performance
Poor outdoor unit performance can be caused by various factors including lack of maintenance, incorrect installation, a faulty circuit breaker, or a dirty filter. For optimal performance, it’s important to regularly maintain an HVAC system and replace any worn parts.
An HVAC technician can check the condenser fan to ensure it’s working properly and is not clogged with dust or debris. During the service appointment, they may also replace a dirty or clogged outdoor unit filter to improve air conditioning airflow. This will also ensure the system runs efficiently.
If the outdoor unit’s performance does not improve after taking these steps, an HVAC professional will inspect the unit more closely and check that the outdoor unit has been installed incorrectly. This will allow the technician to re-install the unit if needed to make sure it meets safety standards.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat tops common HVAC issues. This can lead to various problems including inconsistent indoor temperature, lack of airflow, and even total system breakdown.
The best way to diagnose a malfunctioning thermostat is with the help of a professional technician. They can inspect the HVAC unit and determine what’s causing the problem before making any repairs or replacements. They can also identify any other potential issues so that preventative measures can be taken to keep the system running efficiently.
A professional technician can also check that the thermostat is installed properly and functioning correctly. An improperly installed thermostat can lead to dangerous situations like carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.
Be sure to change the batteries in the thermostat regularly. How often depends on the type of system you have installed. Generally, it’s every few years.
Failing to replace the battery can also cause problems. Inaccurate readings from the thermostat may occur. The HVAC system may even malfunction. Replacing thermostat batteries regularly will help maintain efficient HVAC function.
Take Action Against Common HVAC Issues
A home’s heating and cooling system is complex and delicate. It’s important to take the necessary steps to keep it running smoothly. Understanding how to identify common HVAC issues with the help of a trained technician can save both time and money.
Furnace maintenance, air conditioner troubleshooting, and general safety will keep your home or business safe and comfortable. Regular maintenance from a qualified HVAC technician is the key to ensuring an HVAC system works. With the right knowledge and attention, routine service can keep an HVAC system running efficiently.