A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit is in charge of distributing conditioned air around your home. This is to ensure that you are comfortable even if it is scorching hot or freezing cold outside. However, it is not uncommon for your HVAC system to experience a few issues as time passes by. Like any other machine, wear and tears might develop with continuous use.
If you suspect that your heating and cooling system is having problems, then you must know how to identify the problem. This way, you can prevent an HVAC emergency from happening in the first place.
The most common HVAC emergencies include refrigerant leak, clogged drain lines, electrical issues, ventilation problems, and gas leak. These problems are listed below so you can better identify and avoid them in the future.
Your HVAC system utilizes a cooling agent called a refrigerant to provide your home with cold air. Refrigerant lines connect the indoor air handler with the compressor in the outside unit. A hole or gap in these lines can cause the refrigerant to leak. Refrigerant loss can affect your system negatively. It would result in problems such as your unit running more often because it isn’t reaching the temperature that would trigger it to stop. When this happens, the compressor might overheat or burn out. Lines and coils could also freeze and cause irreparable damage to your system as well.
If you notice your system overrunning and the air coming out of the air registers is not as cold as it should be, then it could be because of a leak. Check to see if there is any ice buildup on the lines. You should also listen carefully for any hissing sound from the refrigerant lines. Another telling sign is a sudden escalation in your electricity bill as well.
Routinely checking your HVAC system’s coils, compressor, and refrigerant lines would help you see stop any leaks before it causes damage to your unit. Catching it early means you can even prevent leakage before it begins. Refrigerant leak detection is vital as you can identify the issue before the problem worsens.
All cooling systems are equipped with a drain line to drain off the condensation from the evaporator coil. The cooling cycle means that the moisture would accumulate naturally. Unfortunately, the drain lines can become blocked by algae or muck. Clogged drain lines indicate that water can back up into the unit. This can cause severe water damage not only to your system but to your home as well.
Signs that you have a clogged drain line include rust or mold on or near your HVAC system, and water leaking from the indoor air handler. If the air is also unusually damp inside your home, then you might be dealing with a clogged drain line. Inspect the drain pan and the area around the indoor unit at least once a month. This way, you can prevent clogs from happening and help keep your AC running smoothly.
Ventilation problems are usually prevalent in the ductwork. Dust, loose or fallen insulation, and other particulates block the air ducts and prevent conditioned air from circulating correctly throughout your home. The air registers might also be blocked. You might have moved a piece of furniture or some equipment in front of the vent. There might also be some debris stuck in the grilles and causing an obstruction as well.
Signs that point to you having ventilation issues include poor indoor air quality and a system that runs more frequently than usual. Any blockage in the vent or ducts will also cause the uneven temperature in your home. If you feel any cold or hot spots around your home, conduct preventative sight checks on vent locations to ensure that there aren’t any obstructions.
The most dangerous risk of operating a natural gas-powered heating system is a gas leak. It happens when a crack or disconnection in the gas line occurs. The most obvious symptom of a gas leak is the smell of gas or rotting egg. If you suspect that you have a gas leak, get out of your house immediately and call a professional. Otherwise, you might suffer from health problems, or it can even result in an explosion. Have a licensed technician check your gas lines for potential problems and to prevent any leaks in the future.
Electrical interruptions somewhere within your HVAC system can keep it from running as it should. When you suspect that this is the case, check your breaker first as it might have blown a fuse. It could also be because of the contactor. The contactor is the device used to switch the circuit on and off. It might stick and keep the system running. It could have also worn out and interrupt the current from making its full circuit.
If your system isn’t turning on or if it is running continuously, then you might have electrical HVAC problems in your hands. You might also smell a burning scent. Routine maintenance of your system’s electrical components can help keep your system from experiencing electrical problems. It’ll ensure that all worn parts and wires are changed and that your system is running properly at all times.
There are a few things you can do to ensure that your HVAC system is in tiptop shape. However, the best way to go about it is to ensure that your system gets annual tune-ups from a licensed professional. A certified HVAC technician has the knowledge and experience to catch even the smallest issue in your system. This way, it won’t escalate into bigger and more expensive problems.
For superior heating and cooling services in the area, call Tower Energy. We have NATE certified HVAC contractors who offer top-quality HVAC maintenance, repairs, installations, replacements, and more. Rest assured that our techs are equipped with the right tools and years of knowledge and experience to service your HVAC unit in a correct and timely manner.
Tower Energy has the most competitive HVAC service rates in the area. When you are searching for a heating and cooling system to replace your old one, our techs can help you choose the best-suited one for your home while making sure that you are within your budget. Our services prioritize energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and more. Book an appointment with Tower Energy to receive a free, in-home estimate today.
Contact us now or call us at (860) 677-7347 to find out more.
