Ensuring that your HVAC system is working properly means that you will keep yourself and your family healthy and safe. Because of this, you should make sure that you are on top of HVAC maintenance. One way to do this is to familiarize yourself with the most common issues and get information about how to solve them.
To get started, here are some of the most popular causes of HVAC system issues and the possible ways you can solve them.
1. Poor Maintenance
HVAC systems need regular maintenance and cleaning. This is especially true if you live in a heavily polluted area like a big city.
As you are likely aware, your HVAC system does not work properly if it’s clogged with dust and dirt. The dust is a real problem because it can bring microscopic allergens, and the visible ones can quickly pile up.
Clogged HVAC systems can cause headaches and irritate your family, and they are capable of triggering allergy attacks and other health problems. When you hire a service to clean and service your HVAC system, ensure you get a warranty to guarantee your HVAC system is up and running and ready to use.
2. Gas Leaks
Your HVAC system needs a constant supply of gas or electricity to work. An interruption in your gas or electricity supply can cause your HVAC system to shut down. While HVAC systems have safety mechanisms to guard against gas leaks, they do not always work.
If you suspect your HVAC system is leaking gas, you should turn off all the switches and call an emergency heating and cooling service. You must take all the necessary precautions because gas leaks are dangerous.
Gas leaks can range from a slight “gas smell” to a severe gas leak that can cause harm if you breathe it in, so you should treat this issue as a serious matter.
3. Ventilation Issues
As an HVAC system works, it releases moisture into the air. This can be a problem if you do not have the right amount of ventilation, as this can cause moisture to accumulate in your HVAC system. If you are not adding fresh air to your HVAC system, you will have to deal with a moisture buildup.
A problem with ventilation can lead to air conditioning troubles, and the only way to solve the problem is to call for a maintenance specialist.
4. Dirty Air Filters
Cleaning and replacing dirty air filters are part of HVAC maintenance that everyone should do every now and then. Dirty air filters will prevent your HVAC system from working correctly.
A dirty air filter can cause your HVAC system to expel polluted air, which can harm your health. If your air filter is dirty, then you will need to change it right away.
5. Clogged Lines
If your lines are clogged, you will not be getting the cool air that you’re expecting. In addition, you could be putting an undue strain on your HVAC system and leading to a breakdown.
These clogs can also develop because of the use of certain cleaning products or simply because you have been using your HVAC system a lot because of the weather.
If you check your lines regularly, you’ll be able to find out if they are blocked. If there are clogs, gently work a thin wire through these lines to unblock them.
6. Dirty Condensers
The condenser is a part of your HVAC system that is located outside. This means that it is subject to the elements, and dust is liable to get into it.
Once the dust and dirt get into the condenser, this can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system and shorten its lifespan. Your HVAC system will also have to work harder to get the same cold air, costing you more on utility bills.
If you notice that the condenser is dirty, you should get it cleaned by a professional. This will usually take less than an hour. Make sure you clean it regularly so that you can avoid the chances of it getting clogged.
7. Water Leaks
Water leaks are a common problem in HVAC systems, and they can occur due to several factors. If your HVAC system is not working well, you should check your water lines and ensure they aren’t leaking.
If the HVAC does have a water leak, you will have to repair it and then get your HVAC system serviced to work efficiently. If you don’t do this, you could spend a lot of money on your utility bills.
Use a leak detector to check if you have a problem. Keep in mind that sometimes your HVAC system may have a leak, but you don’t notice it. This is because of how quickly water can seep into your HVAC system and into the ground.
8. Strange Noises
When your HVAC system is working well, it should make no noise. If you start hearing strange noises coming from your HVAC system, this can be a sign that there is an issue.
You should get to the root of the problem as soon as possible because this noise can lead to a more severe problem, and if you ignore it, the problem can get worse.
You will first want to check the power unit to ensure everything is working correctly and that there are no issues. If everything is fine, you’ll want to check all the moving parts and ensure they are not rubbing against each other and making noise.
9. Electrical Problems
Electrical problems in your HVAC system can be dangerous, and you should get them checked immediately if you spot any issues.
Before you even think about tackling electrical problems, you’ll need to make sure that you are dealing with professionals. Do not attempt to do electrical work on your own.
Several things can cause electrical problems in your HVAC system. The first thing to check is your thermostat. If that doesn’t work, then you should turn the power off and call a professional.
Final Thoughts
Many issues can occur with your HVAC system. If you are thinking about doing some DIY with your HVAC system because of the cost of repairs and maintenance, you may want to think again. HVAC systems work best when professionals handle them, and you could end up causing severe damage to your system if you attempt to repair it yourself.
For advanced heating and air conditioning tips and guides, check out HVAC Swami. We are the ultimate source to help property owners address issues in a residential or commercial HVAC system, whether they are looking for experts or doing the repairs themselves. Contact us today for more information.
