Most Common HVAC Problems

Most Common HVAC Problems

The following contribution is from another author.

Many of us depend on our heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system because we love the convenience of the ability to make our house warmer or cooler during those long winter and summer months.

But, what happens when you go to turn on your heating or air conditioning, and it does not work? Well, you may need an HVAC repair; most professional companies can come to your home and inspect the problem for you. And, when you are having HVAC problems, it could be a minor repair or a bigger one. The circumstances depend on how well you have maintained your HVAC system and how long the problem has been happening.

These are some common HVAC problems that many homeowners or renters may encounter.

1)  Unmaintained Filters

When you do not clean or replace your air conditioning filters, this can cause dust and other particles to be distributed throughout your home. You should be changing or cleaning your air filter every month or two to help prolong the life of your air conditioning unit. If you do not maintain the air filter, it can cause restriction of the airflow in your home, causing your air conditioner to work harder. Not cleaning your air filters can also cause your system to overheat. When your HVAC system is working hard to provide airflow to your home or is at risk of overheating, this can lead to your HVAC system needing a complete replacement.

2)  Faulty Pilots and Ignitions

Depending on the HVAC system in your home, you can either have a pilot or an ignition. Both yield the same result, which is providing heat to the house. And, we have all been there when you go to turn on the heat, and it will not work. Well, this could be due to a dirty pilot, dirty flame sensor, or dirty burners. Your surface ignitor or thermocouple could be too worn to ignite the flame to produce heat for the ignition. Another issue could be your gas supply is not producing enough gas to light the flame. In this case, checking out a company like https://surnerheat.com/ would be a good idea if you find you are in need of gas delivery. Of course, regular maintenance of these parts can help prevent these things from happening. But, you may want to call a professional for this since working with gas can be dangerous.

3)  Dirty Evaporator Coils

Just like the issues with the air filters, you should be cleaning your air conditioning coils about as much as the air filters. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on your air conditioning coils. When this happens, it causes your HVAC system to work overtime to produce air in your home, which can cause you to have to replace your HVAC system instead of only getting a repair. A way to do some preventative maintenance is turning off the power and hosing down your evaporator coils every month or so. If you wait until you have a big problem, you will have to call in a professional.

Remember, it is essential to maintain your HVAC system to have clean and free-flowing air through your home. If you happen upon a more significant problem, be sure to call a professional.

Author

Eric is the creator of At Home in the Future and has been a passionate fan of the future since he was seven. He's a web developer by trade, and serves as the Director of Communication and Technology for a large church in Nashville, TN (where he and his family are building a high tech home in the woods).

2 comments

  • Unpleasant smells are another things you should never ignore because it usually indicates that something is going on with your HVAC.

    Sulfur(rotten eggs) is the most dangerous smell and typically points to a natural gas leak. If you smell sulfur, contact a professional HVAC technician immediately, as this leak can seriously threaten your family’s health.

    If it smells burning when you turn on your heat for the first time, that’s a typical sign that dust has built up in the system, and it’s burning away. In this case, a simple cleaning inside the furnace and out can solve the problem.

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