An HVAC system is often the most overlooked thing in a home, which is why it can take some time to notice it isn’t working properly. Even if you’re not at all experienced with HVAC systems, there are still signs you can look out for to know when it needs to be repaired or replaced. Some things to take into consideration when trying to determine if you want to replace the system or not are cost, age of the system, and efficiency. It’s always good to have someone experienced in HVAC maintenance to help you figure out the best option for you.

Blowing Hot Air

One of the most frustrating problems that might occur with an HVAC system is blowing hot air when it’s supposed to be blowing cold air. This is especially inconvenient in the summer time when all you want to do is stay indoors and be cool. Some of the most common reasons for blowing hot air include:

• Improper thermostat settings
• Malfunctioning compressor
• Cooling cools that are dirty
• Refrigerant levels that are too low
• Frozen AC unit
• Leaking refrigerant

Most of these are easy fixes, but you should still rely on a professional to get the job done safely and efficiently. If you suspect your AC is frozen, you can try to turn it off for one to two hours and let it thaw out.

Making Strange Noises

Strange and loud noises coming from an HVAC system usually causes many homeowners to begin panicking immediately. Some noises you definitely don’t want to hear coming from your unit include

• Screeching
• Squealing
• Thwapping
• Clanking
• Banging noises
• Rattling
• Clicking sounds

If your unit makes any noises that you don’t normally hear, it’s probably a good idea to contact a professional. Having someone experienced with HVAC units will help you determine exactly where the noises are coming from and how to fix them.

Always Running

Another frustrating problem that can occur with HVAC units is it always seems to be running. No one wants to run up their electric bill, so the most common causes of an always running unit are:

• Frozen evaporator coil
• Clogged air filter
• Faulty thermostat
• Low refrigerant charge
• Restrictive air filters
• Blocked condenser
• Fan issues

Depending on how old your unit is, it might be a good idea to replace your entire unit, which will just end up saving you money in the long run.

Dirty Air Filters

Having dirty air filters is annoying, but it’s a very simple fix. It’s important to remember to change your air filters once every 30 days. When you don’t change them once a month, the filters become clogged and cause the unit to have to work harder than it should. When a unit works too hard, it shortens the lifespan of the unit and it makes the motor run too hard. It’s good to have extra filters on hand for a quick fix.

For optimal comfort levels, you want to make sure your HVAC unit runs smoothly. If you suspect there might be some kind of issue with the system, it’s important to contact a professional to help determine the problem and the best way to fix it. If you’re not used to the way HVAC systems work, it’s good to have a checklist so you know when it’s not working right. The checklist can include things such as paying attention to the airflow, the temperature of the air coming out, and if the blower wheel is covered in debris.

Categories: General