Most of the time, our heating and air conditioning systems work hard to keep our homes comfortable. They hum along in the background of our lives, causing little trouble. Because of that, many people tend to ignore them. When an issue does arise with the HVAC system, though, we quickly take notice.
Any number of things can go wrong with an HVAC system. After all, these are complex machines with numerous moving parts, stationary components, electrical wiring, and sometimes gas connections. Very few homeowners know enough about these systems to resolve malfunctions on their own. With that being the case, it’s always best to turn to the professionals for help with HVAC problems. That being said, it’s important to know some of the common problems to look out for and how to troubleshoot them.
HVAC Not Running
One issue people often face is their HVAC not turning on at all. That’s definitely a reason to panic to an extent, especially if it’s extremely hot or cold outside. Sometimes, this is a basic problem with a simple fix. For example, it may simply be that someone turned off the thermostat without telling you. It could also be that your HVAC system tripped a circuit breaker, and all you need to do is reset it. On the other hand, the system shouldn’t be tripping the circuit breaker, so that’s a good sign that there’s a serious underlying problem. If resetting the breaker or turning on the thermostat doesn’t solve the issue, consider calling a professional.
Moisture
Another common problem is moisture around the HVAC system or vents. This is particularly common with air conditioners. If you see water around the unit itself, the problem could be a clogged drain line. Try to unclog it and see if that solves the problem. If not, you may have a refrigerant leak. You may also see moisture around the vents. That often stems from dirty air filters or clogged or damaged ductwork.
Warm or Cold Spots
People often notice warm or cold spots in their homes as well. That means some areas of your home are being cooled or heated more effectively than others. This can be caused by a variety of problems, including clogged ductwork and filters, blocked vents, and faulty thermostats. It can also be caused by poor insulation or gaps around your doors and windows. If your air filters are clean and you don’t feel air coming in around your doors or windows, consider calling in a professional.
Odd Noises
Odd noises coming from an HVAC system while it’s running is also a common problem. Squeaking and rattling can come from loose blowers or other components. Loud roaring or rattling may stem from a bad compressor. If you hear buzzing sounds, you may have a damaged capacitor. Buzzing can also be caused by potentially dangerous electrical issues. If your HVAC system doesn’t sound right, it’s probably best to contact a professional.
Keeping Your HVAC System Up and Running
Some HVAC issues are simple, and they require little effort to fix. Those include changing filters, setting the thermostat, and resetting the circuit breaker the system is connected to. Other issues require a lot more than a do-it-yourself approach. In fact, trying to resolve more complex problems could be dangerous for you, your HVAC system, and your home. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a professional HVAC repair company for help.
