Whether you live in a cold region where you rely on heating to keep winter from breathing down your neck, or in a hot climate where cooling your home keeps the scorching summer weather at bay, or part of the world that gets both throughout the year, your HVAC system is integral to keeping you not just comfortable, but safe and well.
So, what do you do if your heating or cooling is on the fritz? Here are a few common HVAC issues and how to handle them when they pop up in your home.
Leaks
Refrigerant in your HVAC system is both a gas and a liquid in the system, but when it leaks out, it will always be a gas. Sometimes the compressor oil will leak with the refrigerant and leave an oil stain, however, with all refrigerant leaks, a professional will need to be hired with specialized leak detector tools to pinpoint the exact spot your equipment is loosing it’s charge.
Common problems that lead to refrigerant leaks are things like evaporator coil corrosion or loose fittings or, more obviously, holes in the pipes. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent an issue from happening in the first place.
If a leak occurs, you should call a professional HVAC repair person. They can figure out what caused the problem and either patch or replace the part in question, or advise you on the best course of action.
Temperature changes, such as heating or cooling your home, produces condensation. This water needs to go somewhere, and generally pipes carry it out of your home. But if you’re finding puddles of water beneath your HVAC unit, that generally indicates that the drains are blocked.
If you feel comfortable accessing those drains and clearing the blockage yourself, you can save yourself a service call, but only perform maintenance on your own devices if you’re certain you can do it without causing more problems, and remember to take all safety precautions.
Not all leaks are liquid! If you have an HVAC system that requires ductwork, such as central air conditioning or forced air heating, you want to be sure your vents are not leaking that climate-controlled air anywhere you don’t want it such as into your attic or crawlspace.
Dirt
If you live in a home with dust or pets, checking your vents in particular (but within your ducts where possible, as well) for cleanliness is a good way to improve your HVAC unit’s efficiency as well as general health within the home.
One of the most common culprits of home HVAC problems is also, luckily, one of the easiest to fix on your own. A dirty air filter can impact the function of any unit, and all you have to do to rectify the problem is remove it and replace it with a clean, fresh one. There are a lot of air filters on the market that range from one inch to five inches thick, depending on the filter cabinet in your home, the replacement schedule can be from 30 days to 12 months, so be sure to ask an expert on how often your filter media needs to be changed and stick to this schedule.
A dirty coil can present a little more of a problem. In some cases, such as certain outdoor units, they can simply be cleaned with water outdoors. This equipment has a 230v electrical panel on it and caution must be used when clean, professionals shut of the breakers before performing this service. Check your unit’s needs and requirements before deciding to do this on your own. And in the case of indoor units, this is a job for a pro.
Thermostat and Blower Motor
If your blower motor is running constantly, or nearly constantly, the first thing to do is check your thermostat and make sure you don’t have it set to run the fan. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to make a service call.
Your thermostat itself may be both the cause and the answer to problems with your HVAC unit. Make sure you’re setting your environmental controls to both meet your needs and not tax your system. These specifics will vary from location to location and building to building, so this may take some time to narrow in on.
If you feel your thermostat is malfunctioning then, as with the blower motor, it’s time to make a call.
Call A Professional Right Away If…
…you have pilot or ignition problems. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent these problems, but if they do pop up calling in an expert sooner rather than later is the right way to go.
…you have to constantly reset the circuit breaker for your HVAC. Constantly tripping circuit breakers are always a problem that requires professional attention, but if it is the breaker for your HVAC unit you may feel safer calling both an HVAC repair person and the electrician.
Your HVAC Unit is Important
Comfort alone is important enough for most people to take the care and maintenance of their heating and cooling units seriously, but it’s not the only reason. Having a home that can be cool during heatwaves or warm in the depths of winter can keep you and your family healthy, safe, and well. Regular maintenance, easy repairs, and knowing when to call in a professional will make all the difference.