HVAC systems aren’t designed to last forever. However, with proper care and maintenance, a person can extend the lifespan of their system. Furthermore, every homeowner should know how to do basic repairs on the system. Doing so ensures the home remains the desired temperature year-round.
If a problem arises, and the following remedies do not resolve the situation, call in an HVAC tech. They will be happy to assist homeowners in getting their systems up and running again. What are some common HVAC issues a person might encounter, and how can they be resolved quickly and easily?
Failing to Heat or Cool the Home
The biggest complaint many homeowners have is that their HVAC system is failing to heat or cool the home properly. They might automatically assume they have a broken HVAC and reach for the phone to call a technician for help. Before doing so, the homeowner should check the filter in the system to see if they are clogged. Changing the filter may be enough to resolve the issue and get the home back to the selected temperature.
If this does not resolve the issue, check the thermostat and reset it to see if the problem lies there. It’s also possible that the thermostat needs new batteries. Finally, before calling a technician, head outside to inspect the area around the outdoor unit for debris. Check that debris is not blocking the airflow, which can cause the home not to heat or cool properly. Remove the debris and see if this resolves the issue.
Unusual Noises and Odors from the System
If the HVAC system starts making unusual noises or emits an unpleasant smell, it’s best to call a technician. The one exception to this is when starting the system for the first time in the winter. The system often gives off an unusual odor as it burns off any dust that has accumulated during the summer months.
If the smell persists for more than a few minutes, however, a motor could be burnt out within the system. Turn the HVAC system off and call for help immediately. An odd noise coming from the system is a sign that there is an internal issue, likely with the compressor, blower, or fan blades. Contact an HVAC technician to identify the underlying problem and make the necessary corrections.
Temperature Fluctuations
One of the most frustrating things homeowners encounter with their HVAC system is rooms that aren’t heating or cooling equally. An uneven temperature distribution could be the result of several issues. Examine the vents in the affected rooms to determine if they are blocked or closed. Removing any blockages and opening the vents may resolve the issue.
Poor insulation throughout the home may lead to temperature fluctuations as people move between rooms. Similarly, gaps in windows and doors can cause temperature fluctuations, particularly if they occur in certain rooms but not in others. However, the problem could also be an undersized system or an older system that can no longer meet the household’s demand.
Short-Cycling
Homeowners may not realize that their system is short-cycling or constantly turning on and off. They have become so accustomed to the system running in the background that they don’t notice these changes until they receive an electric bill that has suddenly jumped significantly. An air filter blockage or dirty coils can lead to the system short-cycling, or it could be the result of a low refrigerant level. Clogged filters, an old system, or an improperly sized system can also lead to this issue. If replacing the filter does not resolve the problem, it’s best to call an HVAC technician for help.
Many homeowners immediately call an HVAC technician for help when they discover they have an issue with their system. It’s best to take simple steps to see if the problem can be resolved quickly and easily without needing a professional. However, anyone who is not comfortable taking these steps should never hesitate to reach out for help. Prompt action when the HVAC system develops an issue will help keep repair costs down and extend the system’s lifespan.