No matter what time of year it is, you’ll want your HVAC system to be working in the best shape possible to keep you and your family comfortable in your home. That means you’ll want it pumping ice cold air in summer and toasty warm air in winter, with little-to-no variation from those temperatures.
While it would be great to say that you will never have to worry about having any issues with your system, that's usually never the case. Like any machine, over time, your HVAC system can develop a number of different issues that can cause it to malfunction or break down entirely.
The bright side (yes, there is one) is that you are not the only one to experience these issues. In fact, there are a number of common HVAC issues that many homeowners face that are (luckily) easy to fix.
Dirty Filters
One of the most common issues we find in residential HVAC systems is a dirty filter. While the filter itself isn't the problem, failing to replace it regularly can cause a number of other issues within the system — thanks to the build-up of dirt and grime
In order to avoid these problems, it's essential to change your filter (or clean it if it's a reusable one) each month.
Poor Maintenance
Similarly to a dirty air filter, a lack of maintenance doesn't cause an HVAC issue itself. However, if you fail to schedule professional maintenance at least twice a year, you likely won't catch small problems before they become bigger (and more expensive) ones.
By scheduling regular maintenance appointments, your HVAC technician can do a thorough sweep of your system and spot and repair any minor problems before they get worse.
Wear-and-Tear
Your HVAC system works year after year to keep you and your family comfortable — and after all that hard work, there are bound to be certain components that wear down from use. Typically, these are your belts and bearings, and if left unchecked, they can cause air flow issues and potentially cause your unit to break down.
Strange Noises
Since it is a machine, it's not uncommon for your HVAC system to make a few noises here and there. However, not all noises should go ignored. If you notice that your system sounds like it's clanging, grinding, squeaking, or shrieking, those are all causes for concern.
Each noise is typically caused by a different issue, with some being indicative of more dangerous issues. Grinding is typically a sign of a worn belt, while rattling or clanging can indicate a loose part. If your HVAC system sounds like it's screeching, turn it off immediately as it could be a sign of a dangerous air pressure problem. No matter the sound, your system needs professional attention in order to resolve them and avoid bigger problems.
Dirty Condenser
Just like your air filter can become dirty over time, so can your condenser or evaporator coils. When this happens, the airflow in your system is inhibited and you can experience a build-up of condensation or uneven heating/cooling.
You'll need to have the condenser and/or coils cleaned in order to remedy this issue — something that is typically done during regular maintenance visits.
Leaking Water
As your air conditioner runs during the summer, it produces a good amount of condensation. While there are mechanisms in place to properly get rid of that condensation, a clogged condensate pipe or a drain pan can result in your unit leaking water. In order to fix this issue, the clog will need to be removed, or thawed if it's frozen.
If you find yourself struggling with any of these common HVAC issues, contact the experts at Air Treatment, Heating & Coolingtoday. Our team can perform the necessary repairs to get your system back up and running all year round. Give us a call today for more information or to schedule a service.