3 Common HVAC Problems Homeowners Experience

Did you know that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can save lives? After all, according to the CDC, extreme heat and cold can be deadly or, at the very least, cause illnesses. HVAC systems, in turn, can protect people and pets from such events.

That’s enough reason never to ignore HVAC problems. Otherwise, your system might break down when you need it the most.

So, to help you prevent such hazards, we created this list of the most common HVAC issues you may experience. Read on to discover what you can do and when to call the pros for help.

1. No Power

Check the thermostat first if your heating and cooling system doesn’t turn on. Its batteries might have run out, or someone might have powered it off by accident.

If that’s not the issue, check your service panel next. Then, look for the HVAC circuit breaker to see if it tripped. If it did, slide the switch back to the ON position.

If that’s still not the case, the culprit might be an overheated motor that seized up. That can result from a damaged heat exchanger or a refrigerant leak.

In that case, it’s best to call a heater or AC repair company immediately. A technician may have to fix or replace those damaged components ASAP.

2. Not Enough Cool or Warm Air

Clogged air filters often lead to impaired airflow, one of the most prevalent HVAC issues. The more dust and debris that covers the filter, the less air that could pass through the system. As a result, you might feel too little cool or warm air circulating throughout your home.

So, before calling an HVAC company for help, inspect and clean the air filter first. This device is usually inside or beside the indoor air handler. If you have a return air register in each room, a filter may also be behind every one of them.

It’s wise to clean or replace air filters every three months. However, if you’re one of the 137 million folks in the US who live in areas with poor air quality, do it more often.

If clean filters don’t help, it might be time for professional HVAC service. One reason is that interior components, such as the coils or burners, might have become filthy. Cleaning them requires disassembling the parts, so it’s best to leave this in the hands of a pro.

3. Blowing Hot Instead of Cool Air

Some HVAC models, such as reverse cycle systems, provide heating and cooling. So if this is the kind you have, ensure that your thermostat isn’t on HEAT mode. Set it back to COOL if it is.

However, if it’s already on COOL mode but still blows warm air, you likely have a clogged outdoor unit.

You can try removing debris from the outdoor unit to see if that helps. If it doesn’t, or there’s too much dirt build-up inside it, call the pros for help. The last thing you want is to damage its fragile metal fins, leading to even more problems.

Get Those HVAC Problems Fixed ASAP

As you can see, there are some DIY fixes you can try first if you encounter common HVAC problems. That includes checking the thermostat and replacing its batteries. Likewise, cleaning or replacing your air filters may also be enough to resolve the issue.

If none of those tips help, then that’s the time to call an HVAC repair company for help ASAP.

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