Most homeowners overlook the simple maintenance needs of their HVAC system and HVAC Problems .
What happens, cooling and heating systems fail to deliver the expected comfort when they are needed the most, once summer or winter hits. And it comes at the most unexpected moment with HVAC Problems .
Although, you cannot prevent the chaos you can reduce the chance of these situations from happening.
Table of Contents
Water Damage and Leaking Ducts- HVAC Problems
Drip, drip, drip… HVAC leaks can cause serious damage to your system, other equipment, and your house too. If left unchecked leaks, become a pool of water that can cause severe damage. The most common sign is marks of water stain on the ceiling that turns yellow – not a good look.
You can save yourself from a major headache when you know the causes of water dripping and acting on it sooner than later.
Air leak around the vent- HVAC Problems
Normally, air flows through the grates when it escapes around the AC vents, you will notice a condensation build-up and drips follow.
Reach up to your air vents and feel if there is any air discharge besides the grates. If there is, plug the leak with caulk.
Obstructed condensate drain line
If you notice drips, check the drip pan of your HVAC system. An overflow is a sign that you have a clogged condensate drain line on your hands. The presence of rust on the furnace means that you have a serious malfunction and this can be dangerous.
Call an AC repair service provider, they have the skills and proper tools to handle the situation.
Dirty air filter
Heating and cooling coils are covered with dust and specks that would normally be blocked by a clean air filter. This causes your HVAC unit to freeze over and the frost melts when it is switched off and drains on your AC vents.
Changing the air filter allows the cooling unit to function properly.
Uninsulated ducts
When cool air passes through warm spots in your home condensation is promoted in your ductwork. This drains in your AC vents and eventually become leaks. You also have to contend with high energy consumption in cooling and heating your home and temperature drops.
Duct insulation will remedy the issue.
Poor Quality Airflow
You have an HVAC airflow issue if you experience hot and cold spots in your space, poor airflow in your vents, and your cooling unit emits hot air.
Ignoring the problem can lead to compressor failure and when it conks out, you will need a replacement.
However, there is an easy way out to improve HVAC airflow and the problems are easy and won’t cost you much to fix.
Obstructed condenser
Debris, leaves, and other materials that have amassed around the condenser obstructs the air flowing to the HVAC system. The system will overheat if not much airflow reaches the unit.
Clean the area around the condensing unit to improve the HVAC airflow.
Blocked vents and registers
Vents and registers should be free from obstructions to allow the passage of HVAC airflow. This is a common issue in an office, some people find the setting to be too cold and moves a filing cabinet to block the breeze. You might feel warm because the airflow was compromised.
Clogged filters
Filters collect dust and dirt to keep it away from the equipment and ducts. It does not serve its purpose when it gets clogged and dirty instead it hinders your HVAC airflow. You might experience hot and cold areas and stuffy air.
Follow your manufacturer’s manual on changing filters it could mean changing filters every month.
Thermostat issues
The thermostat conks out because of excessive use, aging, faulty wiring and other issues that can interfere with the operation of your HVAC system. It refuses to start, can’t be turned off, unresponsive, and the areas throughout the house have different temperatures are signs that it is defective.
Check if your HVAC system has power. A battery change or a simple dusting are simple fixes that can make your unit run smoothly. Keep the thermostat away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Make sure that the thermostat is perfectly level otherwise the mercury switch will not function properly.
Low on Refrigerant
If your HVAC system is low on refrigerant it will not work properly and will blow warm air instead. There are signs that will show that the refrigerant is not enough.
- Compare your electric bills from the same time from the previous year, electric consumption should be about the same.
- It takes more time to chill your home and the air that blows from the vents is warm.
- Check for ice build-up in your unit’s exterior.
- There could be a leak, listen closely for a hissing sound or a bubbling noise.
Heat Pump Issues
Heat pumps keeps your home warm during the bitter cold of winter and provide your home with cool air during the scorching heat of summer. They are energy efficient, homeowners enjoy savings from lower electric bills.
However, even with proper care and maintenance it is possible that something could go wrong. There are indicators that show your heat pump has problems.
Unexpected loss of heat
Check your thermostat, be sure that the heat pump is kicked on and turned to heat. Maybe someone turned it off and forgot to switch it on.
If the thermostat was replaced, the new one might be the wrong kind or it was wired incorrectly. An improperly wired thermostat can damage electrical components and put you in danger. If you do not have some basic knowledge of electrical safety, it’s best to hire the services of an HVAC technician.
Your HVAC unit might not be receiving power, check your circuit breaker it might have tripped and needs to be reset.
Incorrect cycling
A heat pump that turns off and on too often has a dirty air filter or a defective blower. Cleaning or changing the filter will solve your problem for the former and a replacement of the blower for the latter.
It could be also your thermostat that is the cause of the incorrect cycle, a simple adjustment or battery replacement will resolve the issue.
Odd noises
A rattling sound from the heat pump might be due to loose hardware. See to it that cover panels and the air handler are screwed tightly.
Turn off your heat pump if you hear grinding sounds, this could be due to worn-out motor bearings. Call an HVAC technician immediately.
