HVAC systems are designed to keep your house cozy and comfortable. These units are not only effective but also efficient when it comes to distributing cool or warm air around the house. But like other household electronics, HVAC units tend to run into some problems as well. In many cases, you can avoid these problems as well if you schedule HVAC maintenance provided by air conditioner repair services. So, let’s take a closer look at some fall HVAC problems and try to find out what it takes to keep your AC running smoothly for the season.
Dirty Air Filters
A common issue that happens with HVAC systems regardless of the time of the year is dirty filters. This problem is simply laziness on the homeowner’s part as cleaning and replacing the filters is not rocket science. You just need some simple tools and following the user manual to access and inspect them.
You might think that air filters are minor components and don’t carry much importance when it comes to inspection and maintenance. What you fail to realize is that these filters are designed to purify the air before it is circulated inside the house. So, dust and other contaminants are held back by the filter.
So, if the filter happens to be choked, it will not be able to purify the air and it will be circulated with even more contaminants inside the house. This can cause chronic breathing problems in children and the elderly. To avoid such a problem, you should regularly inspect the filters and make sure they are clean at all times.
Dirty Ductwork
Dirty ductwork is yet another issue that clouds homeowners especially when the HVAC unit has been sitting dormant for a while. If you live in a region where the HVAC unit is only needed for the summers and not winters, you will have to make sure the unit is properly covered to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from accumulating inside.
One of the most common issues with a dormant HVAC system is that birds, insects, and critters tend to take accommodation during the winter season as they hunt for a warm place. This could become a serious situation when it is time to turn on the HVAC unit.
This calls for an annual inspection and maintenance before the system is turned on again. If the ductwork happens to be dirty, there will be airflow issues. The air will find it difficult to push through and the HVAC unit will have to work harder than usual, which will consume more electricity. Such minor factors can easily be avoided if you are willing to spend some time and effort into keeping things clean.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can be an irritating problem just when you need the HVAC unit. The problem with electronic devices like thermostats is that they do not show any signs & symptoms before malfunctioning. So, you might encounter an issue just when you least expect it.
Modern HVAC units come with pre-fitted thermostats. If your HVAC unit was recently serviced, it could be that the thermostat was reset. Therefore, you should consult an expert who will then calibrate the thermostat. But, if you have installed an aftermarket thermostat that runs on batteries, the batteries may be drained. You should replace them.
If that does not solve the issue, it means the thermostat is most likely gone and you will need to install a new thermostat. You can try calibrating the thermostat using a multimeter but if the readings are still inaccurate, it means it is time to change it.
Tripped Circuit Breakers And Blown Fuses
If your HVAC unit is experiencing problems, the problem may not be with it but with other related systems. For instance, circuit breakers are known to trip when there is electric fluctuation. Both circuit breakers and fuses inside are designed to be safety features that protect the unit from expensive replacement or repair.
If you observe that your HVAC unit has suddenly turned off in the middle of operation or does not turn at all, you will need to check the circuit breaker. If it is tripped, you should flip it to the ‘ON’ position. Moreover, you will need to check for blown fuses too. A blown fuse indicates that the circuit experienced voltage fluctuation.
Replacing the fuse and switching the circuit breaker on should solve the issue. If the HVAC unit suddenly turns off again and the circuit breaker has tripped, it means the problem is somewhere else. You will need to consult HVAC repair services Stony Brook in this case because it may be difficult to detect the cause of the problem yourself.
Dirty Condenser Or Evaporator Coils
Evaporator and condenser coils tend to be among the most important components inside the HVAC unit. These components are designed to disperse heat produced as a result of the cooling process. Since both coils are installed in the outdoor unit, they are bound to become dirty with time.
Believe it or not, these components are also the most ignored in terms of maintenance because they are crucial to the HVAC’s smooth running. Fortunately, cleaning the coils is as easy as cleaning and replacing the air filters.
In this case, all you need is access to the coils. Use a soft cloth and a cleaning agent. Spray the cleaner on the coils and leave it for a while. After a few seconds or a few minutes as mentioned in the box of the cleaning agent, use the cloth to wipe off the layers. This is important because accumulations can prevent the coils from dispersing heat.
So, the coils will overheat and also corrode. Replacing the coils can be an expensive process and you can easily prevent this from happening by ensuring they are clean.
Lack Of Maintenance
The most important factor contributing to HVAC problems is lack of maintenance. As mentioned earlier, most of the HVAC problems can be avoided if you were to regularly inspect and clean the unit. Personal maintenance is one thing but you will need to schedule expert maintenance as well.
The reason is that expert maintenance will go deep inside the unit and thoroughly clean the unit inside out. Also, the expert will use special tools and techniques to ensure the HVAC remains unharmed. On the other hand, if you intend to do it on your own, you might be able to clean the coils and filters at most.
At the same time, you also run the risk of injuring yourself or damaging components during the process. So, while expert maintenance is a bit costly, it will ensure that your HVAC system runs smoothly for years to come. Avoiding it will only invite trouble and that too an expensive one.
Conclusion
HVAC problems are not limited to the time of the month or year. They can take place anytime, leaving you helpless and frustrated. The tips mentioned above are helpful all year round and will help you keep the HVAC system running in perfect condition. Make sure that you invest in expert maintenance and keep an eye out for unusual signs. If you notice an issue, it’s better to have an expert from AC repair services Smithtown who properly fix it.
