Your HVAC equipment contains various components that need to work together harmoniously in order for the system to run efficiently. When your heating and cooling equipment is in good shape, you’ll not only save on energy bills, but also on air conditioning repair costs. This will also help you maintain a good level of comfort and healthy indoor air quality.
Continue reading to learn what the common causes of HVAC emergencies are and how to prevent them.
What Are the Common Causes of HVAC Failure?
Poorly-balanced dampers. Residential ductwork systems usually terminate at each room and feature dampers in the main supply line, which control airflow throughout the ducts. Poorly- balanced dampers can make some rooms more difficult to cool or heat than others. However, if the dampers are well balanced, every room will receive the same amount of cooled or heated air.
Filthy filters. Replacing your air filter regularly is the easiest way to keep your HVAC system in top shape. Routine filter changes will prevent pollutants from recirculating throughout your indoor space. If your filter isn’t changed, your HVAC system will need to work harder, because dust and other pollutants can restrict airflow.
As a general rule, you should replace your filter every three months. You can even wash it every three months if you have the washable kind. Failure to change your HVAC filter is one of the most common causes of equipment failure.
Refrigerant leaks. Leaking refrigerant is a common issue with air conditioners. It can compromise the performance of the unit or cause it to fail altogether. You’ll need to contact an air conditioner repair professional to take care of this issue. Your air conditioner’s condenser units need refrigerant in order to cool the air in your home. Insufficient refrigerant in the system can cause your AC to stop working properly.
A broken thermostat. Many homeowners aren’t aware that broken thermostats are a common cause of a lot of HVAC system failures. However, this problem can easily be remedied, and doesn’t require costly repairs to do so. Since thermostat issues aren’t as obvious, a lot of people aren’t aware that it’s what’s causing their HVAC equipment to malfunction. Moreover, a professional technician can easily detect and fix this issue.
A tripped breaker. There’s a high likelihood that your circuit breaker was tripped if your HVAC system has completely shut down. After all, the breaker provides the flow of electricity that powers the equipment. In some cases, you can bring back the power by resetting the breaker. There’s also a chance that other issues caused the breaker to trip. If the breaker trips again after resetting, it’s best to contact a cooling and heating service provider or a professional electrician.
Inflated capacitors. When the capacitors of your AC stop working, the unit shuts down as well. The purpose of a capacitor is to start the motor and keep it running. It sends jolts of the energy it stores to the fan, and without these jolts the fan will stop operating. A professional HVAC inspection can tell you if your unit’s capacitors are swollen.
When the conductive electrolyte within the capacitors deteriorates with time or damage, gas is released. Your capacitors can fail even before your HVAC system, which means they’ll need to be replaced. Swelling is an indication that it’s time to get new capacitors. You’ll know if these components are inflated if they change in shape. Typically they look like a can of soda that was left in the freezer for too long.
Burned-out wires. Your HVAC system contains a lot of wires in addition to the power wires connecting the system to its electrical source. There are wires to the compressor and capacitors as well, which can get burned due to overheating or electrical issues. You’ll know if the wires are burnt if you can smell burning wires or if the inside of the unit is charred. If any of these signs are present, contact a professional cooling and heating service provider immediately. This is essential for keeping your HVAC system in good shape and preventing possible fire hazards.
How to Prevent HVAC Emergencies
Invest in preventative maintenance. Many HVAC problems can be prevented with regular maintenance. Like any equipment in your home, your heating and cooling system will eventually need replaced. You can prolong the life of your equipment with routine inspections and maintenance. Keep in mind that addressing problems while they’re still small will cost less than pay for major repairs. If you don’t address minor issues now, you may end up spending more on repairs or a replacement caused by an early failure of the unit. At Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re here to assist with your HVAC maintenance and furnace installation needs.
Be proactive when it comes to your HVAC system. A trained professional will be able to detect and address issues before they can start affecting your indoor comfort. Being proactive when it comes to your HVAC system will aid in maintaining your equipment at optimal efficiency.
With an efficient HVAC system, not only will your family stay comfortable indoors, but you’ll also be able to save on utility costs. When getting quotes for your preventive maintenance plan, ask contractors about the estimated savings you can expect to see over time.
Have your ductwork cleaned. One of the best ways to maintain good indoor air quality is to keep your ductwork clean. Having clean ductwork is especially important if anyone in the family is suffering from allergies or asthma. Did you know that a significant amount of pollutants come from your indoor air? When not cleaned, your ducts can contribute to the distribution of mildew, mold, allergens and other contaminants. With these pollutants, the occupants of your home will be exposed to different health risks.
Let Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning assist with your commercial and residential HVAC needs. We’re one of the area’s best air conditioning and furnace installation companies. You can also count on us for reliable plumbing services. Give us a call at (440) 946-7863 or fill out our contact form to request a quote.
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