Have you noticed that something is off about your HVAC system lately? If so, you might not have the experience (or confidence) to troubleshoot it for yourself.
However, knowing the problem before you contact an HVAC repair team can help you identify the price of the repair you’ll need. You can reach out to HVAC services and have a more in-depth conversation on their treatment procedures.
That all starts with knowing some of the most common HVAC problems and how to identify them. See below for the most frequent HVAC issues and how you can go about troubleshooting them when they occur.
1. Water Leak
Unfortunately, a water leak in your HVAC system is a highly probable situation for you and your family. One faulty piece of piping and you’ve got yourself a puddle of water on the floor of your home, which can cause further issues such as mold growth.
The drain pipes are responsible for ensuring all condensation is disposed of down a drain, thus avoiding your home. However, if the pipe were to be clogged or have a crack in it, then the water will find other ways of escaping.
One way you can prevent this from worsening is by frequently pouring bleach down the drainpipe every so often. However, if the problem persists, then you need to schedule an appointment with an HVAC repair service.
2. Inoperable Thermostat
Have you ever raised or lowered the temperature in your home via your thermostat, but noticed that it never got any hotter or cooler? It could be a sign that you’re dealing with a dead (or faulty) thermostat.
Here’s one way to test whether your thermostat is functioning properly or not: go to your thermostat and turn it up or down three degrees. Wait 30 minutes or so to see if you notice a significant change in temperature.
If not, it’s a sign that your thermometer is either malfunctioning or completely dead. If the light didn’t turn on when you pressed the button, that’s another sign that the thermostat is at fault.
Try replacing the batteries inside to see if that solves the problem. If not, then you’ll need to get it replaced altogether. Most models only last around 10 years or so on average.
3. Dirty Filters
This is one of the most common HVAC issues that people deal with. The filter has a heavy role to play in your HVAC system’s operations, and it needs to be replaced every month to keep up with the performance of the HVAC unit.
Unfortunately, it slips the minds of too many homeowners thus causing the unit to work overtime to produce consistent airflow through the dirty filter. You can avoid this issue by simply remembering to switch it out every month.
Here’s a trick to help you remember. Every time that you pay your rent or pay the mortgage on your home each month, switch out the air filter directly after you’re done paying it.
This will ensure that you’re switching out the filter monthly, which will help your HVAC system operate better.
4. Blower Running Nonstop
Have you noticed that something in your HVAC system sounds like it’s running at all hours of the day? You might not recognize the sound but have noticed it isn’t turning off at all.
If that’s the case, then you’re more than likely dealing with a blower that won’t turn off.
This is common because many homeowners accidentally turn the fan switch on their thermostat without meaning to. When that happens, the blower will turn on until you tell it to turn off.
Another reason it might be blowing constantly is if the fan relay (which is responsible for turning the blower on) gets stuck. If it gets stuck, the blower won’t turn off.
If the blower in your system is continuously running, be sure to reach out to an HVAC service to get it fixed. They can talk you through several solutions and describe what’s going on in better detail.
5. Problems with the Sensor
Have you ever wondered what’s responsible for monitoring the temperature of the heater and the air-conditioner? How does it know when it’s reached a certain temperature?
The sensor in your unit is responsible for reading the temp of the air that passes by it in your unit. It then takes that temperature and sizes it up to the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat, letting the unit know whether to cool down or heat up.
If you’ve noticed that your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air as it’s supposed to, then the sensor might be malfunctioning. Be sure to check and see if the sensor has been moved from its post.
It could be that the sensor is out of position or that the wires have become disoriented. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to reach out to an HVAC professional to get this matter resolved. Leave the wire-handling to the trained professional.
Identify and Fix Your HVAC Issues Today
Now that you know a bit more about how to identify some of the most common HVAC issues, it’s time for you to diagnose the problem at hand.
Of course, tending to your AC unit doesn’t have to be expensive. Be sure to read our article for several tips on how to save money on air conditioning.
For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact page and we’ll be happy to assist you further!