10 Most Common HVAC Problems
Few HVAC issues are only about cleaning coils and filters, something that you can DIY (do-it-yourself). Many of the 10 most common heating and cooling system problems will become much bigger concerns if not addressed early. Most of these can be prevented with regular heating maintenance in California. It is better to get your system checked annually to avoid outages during extreme weather.
No/ Less Maintenance
Frequently scheduled maintenance by a licensed service contractor is mandatory to keep your system in perfect working condition. During heating repair in California, it has been seen that the most common furnace problems can be prevented by proper maintenance by a certified service contractor. You may invest thousands of dollars in your home heating system. Secure that investment. Do not neglect to conduct regular maintenance, else you will most probably witness unforeseen expensive breakdowns, higher energy cost, poor performance and frustration.
Pilot or Combustion Issues
Combustion Issues can be due to a number of causes. A nasty pilot, flame sensor, or burners may lead to a pilot outage, short cycling, furnace lockout, or restricted ignition of the burners. It could also be due to a gas supply problem or simply wear and tear of an ignition part that has to be replaced like the hot surface ignitor or thermocouple. However, it is recommended to have these problems handled by a trained service technician experienced in heating replacement in California, as this deals with critical elements like natural gas and high voltage.
Unclean Filters
Replacing your filter frequently is one of the most crucial things you can do to extend the life and productivity of your furnace. If your filter is messy, it will reduce airflow letting your unit work much harder to distribute air through your home. This imposes needless pressure on your furnace’s blower and will cause comfort issues too. A dirty filter can also let the furnace overheat and shut off on a high limit.
Defect in Thermostat
There are various thermostats, both programmable and non-programmable. Regularly, if a homeowner thinks that their furnace is not operating well, it is a problem with the thermostat or how it is installed. Referring to your owner’s manual and examining the operating instructions may stop you from paying for an expensive or random service call. Programmable thermostats may feature batteries that must be replaced regularly. If still failing, difficulties can be quickly diagnosed by a service technician.
Manufacturing Wear and Tear
There are many automated components your heating system is dependent on. Your unit’s performance can be adversely affected by the regular wear and tear of these components. These include belts and bearings, which may cause overheating, poor heating, or airflow issues. Regular maintenance must include checking for worn or stretched belts and oiling bearings and motors if required.
Strange Furnace Sounds
Few furnace sounds are part of normal operation, while others could be a warning or indication of a manufacturing issue. A whining or squealing motor can indicate that the bearings in an inducer motor or blower motor are worsening. Replacement of the motor may be needed to prevent a furnace breakdown. Other noises could be due to airflow issues or dirty burners.
Do not ignore these signs as they may be a warning of a dangerous operating condition or could cause a furnace failure.
Blower Runs Continuously
There are many reasons for a furnace blower to run continuously. Before calling for service, check the fan switch on the thermostat. The motor will run relentlessly if the thermostat is fixed to the fan on position. Often homeowners casually switch the fan switch on.
There is a fan relay in the furnace that turns the blower on when there is a call for heat. When the relay sticks, the blower will not shut off. There are many kinds of safeties and limits on the furnace. If initiated, the circuit board may bring on the furnace to cool it down. If the limit or safety does not reset, the blower will not power off.
Blasted Fuses or Tripped Breakers
The commonest reason the furnace trips a circuit breaker is that the blower is overworking. If something is restricting airflow to your system, your blower must work harder to compensate. The commonest cause is an untidy air filter. When the air filter is unclean your blower has to work harder to force air through the filter. This intensifies the blower’s energy consumption and can trip the circuit breaker at times. Check your filter and replace it with a clean one before resetting your circuit breaker. If the issue recurs, it is ideal to contact a professional who can safely ascertain if the issue is caused by a furnace problem or if the circuit breaker itself may have crashed.
Dusty Condenser or Evaporator Coils
There are possibilities that regular maintenance on your air conditioner has been neglected. It isn’t cooling as expected. Dirt and debris can congest the coils of your system, remarkably decrease the efficiency and wear it out faster. You can hose off the outdoor coil after switching off the power to the condenser. Power can be put off at the electrical disconnect close to the condenser or the electric panel. The indoor evaporator coil can grow rusty, especially if the furnace filters are not replaced regularly. A dirty evaporator coil can decrease the effectiveness of both your furnace and air conditioner and make your system work harder. Remarkably dirty coils must be cleaned by an authorized service technician.
Water Leaks
Both air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces generate condensate. Drain pipes are used for proper water drainage. Furnaces can leak water if the drain lines are either sealed or broken. A homeowner can help keep the drain lines clean by pouring bleach down the drain periodically. Other potential leak sources could be the collector box, heat exchanger or evaporator drain pan. A service technician must be contacted to decide the source of the water leak and repair options.
For additional information on any of these common issues or any other HVAC questions, you may have, get in touch with the experts. Get your answers today for a more comfortable tomorrow.
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