7 Most Common HVAC Problems
With something as complex as your home’s HVAC system, there is no shortage of issues that could come up at any given time. Some of the problems can be fixed with a little bit of research and tinkering and some of them will require an expert HVAC technician to come inspect. Whether your problem seems big or small, it’s important to take it seriously from the get go to prevent worse damage from happening.
Here are seven of the most common HVAC issues for you to be on the lookout for:
- Lack of maintenance
- Mechanical wear and tear
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Furnace making noises
- Fan running continuously
- Dirty condenser or evaporator coils
- Tripped breaker or blown fuses
Lack Of Maintenance
When you take care of things and give them the attention they need, they’ll usually last a considerable amount of time. The same is true for your HVAC system. Most issues that arise in an HVAC system could be avoided or at least mitigated with regular checkups and maintenance. This is your cue to get your HVAC system an appointment with the pros to make sure everything is in working order!
Mechanical Wear And Tear
Your entire HVAC system relies on mechanics to work properly, so naturally it’s important to watch for signs of excessive wear and tear around your furnace or AC. If you notice your home is either overheating or not heating enough, or having airflow issues this is a sign that somewhere in your system a mechanical downfall is taking place.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Often one of the easiest fixes in the HVAC realm, your thermostat malfunctioning is an extremely common HVAC problem. Usually the thermostat can be fixed by making sure the batteries in its controller are good, or if all else fails, replacing the thermostat unit altogether.
Furnace Noises
If your furnace is making spitting, spinning, knocking, popping or any other noise that makes you stop and wonder if it’s okay, you need to schedule an HVAC inspection to figure out what the source of the noise is. Furnaces generally run quiet and seamlessly when they’re in tip-top condition, so when you notice something “off”, you should dig deeper to get to the root of the issue.
Fan Running Continuously
A fan that runs continuously is a sign that either a sensor has given out and your HVAC system thinks it needs to keep running to hit a certain temperature, or the unit simply can’t keep up with the demands of your thermostat settings. Test this out by turning your thermostat off, and then back on and switching the setting to slightly cooler or warmer than you normally would and see if the change makes a difference. A fan that runs and runs unnecessarily will end up costing you quite a bit more than an HVAC inspection if the problem persists without being checked.
Dirty Condenser Or Evaporator Coils
Dirty condensers and coils cause your HVAC system to run less efficiently, which increases energy consumption, leading to higher energy costs for you. When the condenser or evaporator coil becomes dirty, it suppresses the heat exchange process, leading to higher operating temperatures and an increased strain on your system’s compressor. This can ultimately lead to premature system failure and costly repairs. Checking in on your coils and condenser regularly, and performing maintenance and cleaning of the condenser and coils can help prevent these issues and extend the life of your HVAC system.
Tripped Breakers Or Blown Fuses
Tripped breakers and blown fuses are common culprits when it comes to HVAC issues. When your HVAC system needs a stronger electrical current than the circuit can provide, the breaker or fuse will trip or blow, causing the system to shut down. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including power surges, electrical problems in the system, or trying to use too many appliances on the same circuit. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the electrical components of the HVAC system can help prevent these issues. If you experience a tripped breaker or blown fuse, it’s important to have a licensed HVAC technician inspect the system to identify and resolve the underlying cause so that you don’t risk a worse issue occurring.
