Even when an HVAC system is well-maintained and filters are replaced on a regular basis, problems will arise. Whether your HVAC unit doesn’t emit cool air or the system stops working altogether, repairing it quickly means that the damage won’t get worse. Many issues that impact HVAC systems can turn into bigger and more expensive problems if you don’t tend to them early on.
1. Lack of Airflow
When the outside temperatures are comfortable, you might find it difficult to notice a lack of airflow. However, this issue is readily apparent during the coldest and hottest days of the year. If you aren’t receiving enough airflow during the winter, the indoor air temperature will start dropping below the one that’s displayed on your thermostat.
In this scenario, it’s possible that your HVAC unit is less efficient than it once was. When an HVAC system is inefficient, it can make your home less comfortable and increase your monthly energy bills. There are numerous reasons why an HVAC unit might not properly cool or heat your home, which means that troubleshooting may be required before you can make the necessary fix.
Possible Solutions
The solution for a lack of airflow depends on the cause of the problem. For example, it’s possible that a clogged and dirty air filter is the reason why the airflow is tepid. In this situation, cleaning or changing the filter may restore your airflow.
There might be debris in the unit itself, which can be removed by a professional HVAC technician. Debris can be found in ducts, grills, and vents as well. If the ducts in your home are dirty, HVAC efficiency can worsen. Special tools are required to effectively clean these areas, which means that an HVAC technician will need to perform repairs.
2. Broken Thermostat
The only way that your HVAC system knows when to turn off and on is because of the signals your thermostat sends to it. If your thermostat is broken, you should notice that your system won’t turn on. Whether you have a non-programmable or smart thermostat, it’s possible for the device to break for any number of reasons.
If something happens to the device, you should have it repaired immediately. Keep in mind that repairs to thermostats can usually be completed in a couple hours or less, which is why technicians usually check the thermostat first whenever the HVAC unit starts acting up.
Possible Solutions
There are many potential reasons why your thermostat might not be working. For example, the device’s batteries could be dead. It’s also possible that some of the wiring is faulty. Regardless of the problem, you’ll need to get in touch with an HVAC technician to fix it. If the thermostat is still on but isn’t working properly, they’ll do a short calibration test. They may also clean the thermostat interiors to remove dirt from the sensors.
3. Water Leaks
No matter the age of your HVAC system, you might encounter water leaks. When an HVAC system is running, it creates a considerable amount of condensation. If your unit is working properly, the moisture will push through your drainpipes and out of your home.
It’s possible, however, for the drain system to become damaged or clogged, which may cause the system to leak. These leaks might come from the collector box, heat exchanger, or evaporator drain. Even small leaks need to be fixed immediately to avoid electrical issues, structural damage, or mold growth.
Possible Solutions
If the water leak is caused by a clog in a drainpipe, the fix is likely easy and should only take a few minutes. However, you could damage the pipe if you attempt to make the repairs yourself, which is why it’s best to call a repair technician. These technicians often use heavy-duty water sealants when leaks are caused by small cracks. The professional you hire can also check for low refrigerant levels, malfunctioning condensate pumps, and pipe cracks.
4. Strange Noises
There are numerous sounds that indicate your HVAC system isn’t running properly, the most common of which include rattling, whining, or squealing. While HVAC systems can be relatively loud, the sound you hear shouldn’t suddenly change or grow in volume. If it does, there’s a good chance that a component is damaged or broken.
A whining sound indicates that moving parts have been damaged. If you hear a rattling sound, this could mean that there’s loose debris or components in your system. When these types of issues aren’t repaired, they can cause additional damage to the unit.
Possible Solutions
If you contact an HVAC technician, they’ll look at all the system’s moving parts, which extend to belts, blades, and bearings. It’s possible that lubrication is enough to get rid of the noise you’re hearing. If the source of the noise is a loose fastener or bolt, tightening this component could fix the problem. There are times when the noise will continue even after obtaining repairs. In this situation, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model.
5. Poor Temperature Distribution
If you have a central HVAC system in a large home, there’s a chance that some areas won’t receive as much hot or cold air as needed. However, this issue is normal if the central air conditioner is smaller than your home requires. If you’re receiving warm air in one area of your home and cold air in another, you may need to obtain repair services.
Possible Solutions
In many cases of poor temperature distribution, the cause is bad insulation in specific areas of the home. Two solutions that are regularly used to correct this problem include replacing air filters and adding more insulation.
An HVAC technician can also install dampers in the ducts to regulate airflow. If your existing system is getting old, you could also consider installing a zoned HVAC unit, which is capable of more efficiently heating and cooling your home.
6. Dirty Coils
Your HVAC unit’s performance and efficiency could also be hurt if the evaporator coils are dirty. Over time, these coils will likely become clogged with debris, dust, dirt, and other contaminants. If these substances continue accumulating without being removed, they may block heat transfer and absorption. When this occurs, the system will need to put in more effort to regulate your home’s indoor air temperature. If you don’t have the system repaired quickly, the unit could malfunction.
Possible Solutions
Regularly changing your air filters can keep debris and dust from getting into the unit’s evaporator coils. You should also look into obtaining high-efficiency air filters to trap more particles. HVAC technicians can clean dirty coils with relative ease. However, a replacement may be necessary if the coils have been damaged by the clogs.
Here at Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas, we’re able to provide Nanaimo, BC residents with timely HVAC repair services. If your HVAC system isn’t working or you notice a leak around the unit, give us a call. We’ll look for the cause of the problem before giving you an estimate and providing the necessary fix.
Our team has the experience and knowledge needed to repair gas furnaces, heat pumps, ductless mini splits, and any other type of HVAC unit. We also offer many plumbing services, which include drain repair, leak detection, and drain cleaning. Call Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas today to request an estimate or schedule HVAC service!
