Your HVAC cooling system is designed to work efficiently at keeping you comfortable all year round, whether it’s winter or summertime. Unfortunately, HVAC and AC problems are common and sometimes inevitable.
But, as a responsible homeowner, it is your job to keep up with system maintenance and repair. But some homeowners fail to do so, which can cause their system to run faulty. This guide will provide you with some of the most common problems with your HVAC and AC systems to help you determine the root cause before calling in a professional.
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Common HVAC Problems
If your furnace is leaking water, or you are hearing weird noises coming from your system, it may signal a huge problem. But these are just a couple of the problems that can arise out of several. Here is a list of additional issues you may run into with your HVAC unit.
Furnace Not Heating at All
If your furnace isn’t heating at all, it could be due to various things. Fortunately, in many cases, it is due to forgetting to turn the thermostat to the heat setting. However, this isn’t always the case and could be due to other problems.
Some of these problems include an issue with the pilot light, gas, or power. It may be helpful to check the circuit breaker. You can also inspect the safety switch to see if it’s functioning properly before calling in a professional.
Reduction of Air Flow
Sometimes a reduction in air flow can signal a problem with your furnace. Many times, the fix is simple. It may be due to a clogged or dirty air filter. It is highly recommended to change the air filters frequently, since dirty filters can damage internal components.
Not Producing Enough Heat
Another common furnace problem that you may encounter is that your furnace isn’t producing enough heat. If this is the case, it could be due to a clogged or dirty air filter. In this type of situation, your heater is unable to efficiently warm up your home. As a result, airflow is reduced, which can cause your system to overwork.
Moreover, a furnace that isn’t producing adequate heat could also mean that your furnace is the wrong size for your home. With that being said, you may need to consider replacing it.
Blower Runs Constantly
Does your furnace blower constantly run? If this sounds like your case, it may indicate a problem with the limit switch. In these types of situations, it is best to have it checked out or repaired by a professional HVAC technician.
Common AC Problems
Now let’s take a look at some of the most common AC issues.
Reduction of Air Flow
Not only can your HVAC system experience a reduction in air flow, but your AC system can do the same. But what does this generally mean? A reduction in air flow is generally caused by a clogged or dirty air filter. As mentioned earlier, it’s critical that you have these filters changed frequently to avoid damage to your AC unit.
Leaking Fluid
Do you notice fluid leaking from your AC unit? If you notice leaking fluid, it is most likely due to a refrigerant leak. These types of leaks are also present in clogged drain lines. It can also occur if your drain pain overflows.
Fans not Working Efficiently
If you notice that your AC system’s fans aren’t working as they should, it may indicate an issue with the AC capacitor. If your capacitors aren’t functioning properly, it could cause the compressor to malfunction as well. If you are experiencing this type of issue, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional right away.
AC System Not Cooling
Finally, your AC unit may not cool enough or at all. If your system is turned on and you don’t notice your home is actually cooling down, you may want to check your thermostat. There are also things that could cause your system to fail, such as inadequate refrigerant levels, compressor issues, and a possible issue with the fuse or breaker.