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Which HVAC Problems Are the Most Common?

Mar 01, 2022

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential components of any home or commercial building. The best part is we hardly think about them when they're working correctly. However, when HVAC systems break down, we can no longer provide our employees or family with safe, comfortable air, and the repairs are always a headache.


Numerous problems can occur with your HVAC system, but some are more common than others. By developing a deeper understanding of the most common issues, you can be better prepared to deal with them when they arise. Most importantly, you’ll know when it's time to contact a professional HVAC company for help.


Some measures you can take by yourself include: checking the furnace filter, making sure the thermostat is set to the correct mode, checking batteries in the thermostat, and checking the wiring for any damage.


Common HVAC Problems


Let’s explore some of the most common problems homeowners face that require HVAC maintenance.


No Heat


One of the most common problems with an HVAC system is a lack of heat coming out of the vents. Heating issues could result from problems with the furnace unit, the thermostat, or even the wiring. When this happens, it's important to contact a residential or commercial heating repair service to troubleshoot the problem as quickly as possible. Fixing your heating problems as soon as possible prevents additional failures or mounting costs


There are measures you can take by yourself, such as checking the furnace filter, making sure the thermostat is set to the correct mode, and checking the wiring for any damage. If you still aren’t getting warm air, contact HVAC technicians to avoid further damages and get your heat back up and running.


No Cool Air


Problems with central air systems will reduce the cool air coming from your vents. Room temperature or warm air coming from your home or commercial air conditioner could be due to a clogged filter, a dirty evaporator coil, a refrigerant leak, or a problem with the fan. If you notice that your unit isn't providing any cool air, you should connect with an HVAC technician right away.


Clogged filters can be cleaned and replaced, but if the coil is dirty or the fan is damaged, you need to call an air conditioner repair professional. Addressing A/C issues promptly can save you and your family from suffering through the summer heat with uneven room temperatures due to air conditioning problems. You’ll also avoid costly repair and energy bills in the future.


High Utility Bills


One of the most frustrating issues with an HVAC system is increasing your utility bills. This could be caused by many issues, such as a dirty filter, an inefficient system, or even a broken thermostat.


If you're noticing that your energy bills have been increasing without a significant change in habits, take a closer look at your home or commercial HVAC system with a trusted technician. A trained professional can find the source of the problem and take steps to rectify your high use. A simple cleaning or adjustment can often help get your system running more efficiently and save you some money in the process.


Odd or Disruptive Noises


Sometimes, HVAC systems make strange noises. While this isn’t always indicative of an issue, they are often a sign of something wrong. Noises can indicate a problem with the fan, the compressor, the heating element, or even your ductwork.


If you're hearing strange noises coming from your HVAC system, take note and contact a technician for HVAC repairs. Depending on the source, odd noises can help you predict when a particular part of your system is about to fail. It's best to address the problem before it requires more costly repairs or leaves you without comfortable air.


Tripped Breakers


If your HVAC system is constantly tripping breakers, it's a clear sign something is wrong. HVAC wiring or compressor problems can cause your system to overload. When this happens, it’s likely that you have an electrical issue. Delaying repairs could result in a total system breakdown, so it's important to address this problem as soon as possible.


Frozen Components


Frozen HVAC components are another common problem you may experience in winter or summer months. In the winter, your heat pump coils may freeze from a lack of proper airflow. The resulting condensation can cause frost and temperature fluctuations that can damage your entire system.


In the summer, your AC may freeze due to issues with the coils, the compressor, the fan, or a dirty filter. When this happens, the system will not provide any cool air, and it could potentially damage the entire unit. If you're experiencing problems with frozen components, it's important to act right away by calling an experienced HVAC professional.


Water Leaks


Another common problem experienced by HVAC systems is unexpected water leaks. Water may gather around your unit due to a leaky coil, a clogged drain line, or a problem with the condensation pump. If you're noticing water leaks around your HVAC unit, you should take action before your home experiences severe water damage and system failure.


System Breakdown


A total system breakdown can be caused by a number of things, such as a clogged filter, a dirty coil, or even wiring problems. When this happens, call a professional HVAC company to help get your system up and running again. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair it. Your technician will help you arrive at the best solution to protect your home or business and save you money in the long run.


Bring in the Professionals to Ensure HVAC Perfection


You can prevent these issues by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance. A maintenance technician can inspect your system, identify any problems, and address them before they cause an expensive system breakdown.


At Smith & Company HVAC, we have the expertise and experience you need to get your HVAC system running effectively and efficiently once again. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.


10 Oct, 2023
Air conditioning systems are intricate machines that require routine maintenance to keep them running smoothly. A common issue homeowners face is a leaky air conditioner, which occurs for a variety of reasons. Some are easily fixable, but others require an AC repair company. Regardless of the reason for the leakage, it is important to address the issue sooner rather than later to avoid more irreparable damage. The first thing to look out for is frozen evaporator coils. The evaporator coil is a long-finned coil that links the unit to the output point. If the coil is frozen, turn off the unit immediately to avoid system failure. The ice covering the coil will cause the system to work overtime and possibly bottom out. The water leaking is caused by the ice melting after freezing on the coil. The next step will be to call an air conditioning repair company and contract an HVAC professional who can diagnose the cause of the frozen coil and replace it if needed. A clogged air filter likely caused the coil to freeze over. If the coil is not frozen, it is still good practice to turn off the unit to prevent any further water damage caused by the leak. Other reasons for a leaking AC system include: Dirty Coils The coils inside of the air conditioner unit can become dirty without proper cleaning. This layer of grime and dust can cause the normally occurring condensation on the evaporator coil to not flow down the coils and into the drip pan. Since that dirt is impeding the flow of moisture, it is forced to drip on the floor. This is an easy fix and does not require air conditioning services from an HVAC professional. Simply clean the coils on the inside of the unit. Damaged Insulation The insulation around the coils in the interior of the unit might be damaged, resulting in a leak. If the insulation is damaged, the condensation will drip from the coil instead of flowing down the coil as it should. If this is the case, you will need HVAC repair services to fix the damaged insulation or install new insulation. Clogged Trap or Drain Line A clogged drain line or trap is caused by dirt build-up and the lack of routine maintenance of your air conditioning unit. The condensation carried down the coils can bring dirt and debris that then clog the drain line or trap. When the drain line clogs, it doesn't allow for normal draining and creates a drip. This requires a thorough cleaning of the drain line or trap and shouldn’t require an HVAC professional. Detached Drain Line  This issue usually occurs from poor AC unit installation practices. If the drain line that drains the condensation created is not properly connected, it will leak. Although the mess may be big, the fix is easy. You’ll need to call an air conditioning service company to reinstall the drain line. Searching for the “Best HVAC Company Near Me?” Smith & Co Is Here to Answer the Call! Routine maintenance of your air conditioner system is vital to keeping the system running smoothly without leaks. Failure to keep the unit clean will cause dirt build-up, requiring the system to work overtime to keep the air cool. This creates wear and tear on the unit, and you might have to repair the system more often or even replace the system altogether. At Smith & Company HVAC, we understand that AC unit leaks can be frustrating. Don’t hesitate to reach out and have an experienced HVAC professional fix any leak issues.
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