Did you know the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world is based in Guangdong China?
Have you ever spent a hot summer in a house with a broken air conditioner? If that’s the case, this isn’t something you want to go through again.
Your HVAC system is a mechanical system comprised of numerous components that must all function properly for the system to function properly. Your HVAC system should run smoothly if these components are properly maintained.
However, it’s unfortunate most homeowners are not very passionate about their HVAC as they should be. As a result, most keep experiencing HVAC failure from time to time.
Don’t leave your comfort to chance. Read on to learn the common causes of HVAC failure and what you can do to prevent them.
Low Refrigerant
The refrigerant is the component of your HVAC system that removes humidity and heat from the air. However, if the system develops leaks near the refrigerant lines, you may end up with insufficient refrigerant to cool your home.
Unfortunately, simply replacing the refrigerant does not solve the problem. You should hire HVAC repair services to detect and repair any existing holes in the refrigerant lines.
This can be quite a time-consuming and costly exercise, especially with multiple leaks. Do you suspect your HVAC failure might be due to low refrigerant? Reach out to https://www.coolhuntsville.com/ today for professional help.
Faulty Circuit Breaker or Fuse
If your HVAC system is over four years old and cycles on and off recurrently, it’s at a high risk of experiencing premature failure. Normally, the first malfunction you will experience is a faulty circuit breaker or fuse.
This is a common issue that most homeowners decide to repair by themselves. Although this may be easy to DIY, it can be somehow risky if you aren’t conversantly dealing with electrical contacts and connections.
Ensure you have clear and concise instructions on what to do before replacing the faulty circuit breaker. Again, make sure you turn off your electricity system.
You can also decide to minimize the risk by contacting an HVAC professional. Trained technicians are the best since they inspect related issues like tripped high-pressure limit switches and rectify all errors during the service call.
Clogged Filters
Filters on your air conditioner work all year round, circulating warm and cold air. However, dirty and clogged filters result in poor airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder than it should.
This, in turn, hurts the system’s efficiency and greatly reduces its ability to circulate air. Similarly, since your HVAC has to work harder, you’ll be subjected to paying high electricity bills.
Are you considering opting for a DIY solution to fix your old filters? Great! Ensure you determine the right filters for your system and learn how to replace the old filter.
However, if you don’t have time to prepare for the DIY solution, ask a residential HVAC contractor for help.
Worn Out Parts
Wear and tear slowly affects the performance of an HVAC system. If your air conditioner is several years old, it’s essential to call in a professional to inspect the condition of its components.
Parts like the fan blades and electrical connectors malfunction from time to time due to regular use. Failure to replace worn-out parts can lead to high bills due to HVAC system breakdown.
Old Windows
Do you keep tampering with your AC since the room doesn’t seem to cool down or warm up? Or do you have to set the temperature to the maximum to feel changes?
Maybe your AC is functioning well, and you might want to check your windows. If your windows are more than ten years old, there is a high chance of air leaks through your windows.
Again, single-paned windows turn into radiators after soaking up the sun’s heat all day. Replacing your windows will save you the trouble of fiddling your AC from time to time.
Wrong Setting
Homeowners with a programmable thermostat should use it to their advantage. Not sure how to? No worries, we got you covered.
Set your thermostat to your desired temperature 30-40 minutes before getting home. Make this a routine to save on bills.
Leaving your air conditioner set the whole day to get comfortable when you get home from work translates to a lot of wasted energy. Again, this overworks your system, meaning there is a high chance it won’t last long as it should.
Broken Thermostat
The broken thermostat is the most common issue causing HVAC system failure, especially if you use the old dial thermostat. Most tend to be incorrectly calibrated, meaning the air conditioner doesn’t get the right instructions.
Luckily, this is a straightforward and cheap repair to carry out. However, replacing your thermostat isn’t something obvious you can execute by yourself. You’ll need to hire a professional technician.
Leaking Ducts
The ductwork in your ceiling and wall carries cooled air throughout your living space. However, when there are openings in your ducts, the cooled air ends up inside your walls or ceiling.
This is a waste of expensive air, considering it does help you in any way. Again, this causes your AC to work harder, resulting in high energy bills.
Fan Problems
Do you know a standard air conditioner has two fans? Well, now you know.
Your AC has a fan that blows indoor air over the unit’s coil to cool the air and another one that blows air over the outdoor condenser to expel heat. If one of these fans isn’t working correctly due to a lack of lubricant or as a result of a faulty motor, you’ll experience poor airflow.
Failure to rectify the problem can result in compressor failure, which results in an HVAC system breakdown. This is a risk you cannot afford. Call in HVAC experts to rectify your fun before the situation gets out of hand.
Neglecting Annual Maintenance
If you have been skipping annual inspection and maintenance, it’s time for a change. Neglecting maintenance can void your air conditioner’s warranty and shorten the lifespan of your unit.
Again, dirty coils and filters diminish the performance of an HVAC system. It’s important to have your system inspected and cleaned at least once a year. HVAC technicians unearth and fix problems before they occur.
Sensor Malfunction
The thermostat sensor detects room temperature and signals the HVAC system to turn on or off. However, a malfunctioning sensor places excessive wear on the system contributing to early failure.
Common signs that your sensors are not working properly include;
• Irregular cycles
• Failure to maintain the desired temperature
• Spaces that are too hot or cold
It’s important to note sensor malfunction occurs when the sensor is knocked out of position. Adjusting it back into position does the trick.
Electrical Malfunction
Worn out wiring and faulty circuit boards also cause HVAC Failure. At times the malfunction further affects the compressor, demanding costly repairs.
Electrical malfunctions can be prevented through periodic maintenance. HVAC technicians look at your furnace and related components to point out any underlying issues.
Tips to Prevent These Common Causes of HVAC Failure
Whether you recently installed a new HVAC unit or use an old but well-maintained model, taking great care of it will ensure it performs well. Below are tips on how to prevent HVAC failures.
Be thorough about maintenance: Ensure you schedule preventive maintenance for your cooling system at least once per year. Annual servicing optimizes efficiency and prevents your unit from overworking. Again, proper maintenance prevents all sorts of unexpected breakdowns.
Replace the air filters frequently: You are probably not aware, but clean and functional air filters greatly affect the health of your unit. Clogged filters subject your motor to excessive strain, and it can end up damaged. Again, clogged and dirty filters are bad for indoor air quality. Cleaning and replacing your air filters frequently mitigate the risks involved.
Maintain the area around the outdoor unit clean: Periodically check and clear any debris accumulated around your outdoor unit. Eliminate nearby foliage to ensure the outdoor unit has good clearance to prevent airflow blockage.
Inspect your condensate line for blockages: Although your service technician will check and clean the condensate during annual maintenance, check it from time to time to ensure it is performing well.
Install a programmable thermostat: Eliminate issues with an old dial thermostat by installing advanced thermostats. These thermostats are precise and can be controlled remotely.
Enhance Your Home’s Comfort by Preventing Common Causes of HVAC Problems
Are you having trouble figuring out the cause of your HVAC failure? Well, you are not alone.
Most homeowners can’t figure out why their HVAC units have failed. In such a scenario, it’s best to call in HVAC repair services to help you determine the underlying issue.
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