4 HVAC Problems and How to Prevent Them

It's time for your system's pre- or post-season check-up. But you're not sure if you really need to splurge on this service. Before you skip routine maintenance, take a look at the top problems that wear, tear, and unrepaired damage can cause for an air conditioner or heater.

Evaporator Coil Leaks and Failure

This is an AC issue that shouldn't cause problems for the heating side of your central forced air system. To better understand how evaporator coil wear and lack of maintenance could damage the AC, you may need to learn more about the system's components.

These coils hold cold liquid refrigerant and remove or absorb hot air from your home. Refrigerant is a chemical that the system converts into a gas, and then back into a liquid again. As the refrigerant moves through the system, it pulls in hot air and releases it during the cooling cycle. Without a functional evaporator coil, the AC system won't effectively cool your home. 

Over time, debris and dirt can coat the evaporator coils and overuse could cause cracks, breaks, or other physical damage. The results of this wear and tear include poor cooling, reduced energy efficiency, and refrigerant leaks. Without the right amount of refrigerant, your central air conditioner can't cool the entire interior area. You may notice warm air coming from the vents, a humid or muggy feeling inside of your home, excessively high energy bills, or a higher than expected reading on the thermostat. 

While clean coils are important, homeowners should never attempt to remove dirt or debris from this AC area themselves. This is a job for a professional HVAC contractor. A routine pre- or post-season service call can include an inspection of the evaporator coils. The technician can clean dirty coils and repair damage before it grows from a minor to a major problem.

Clogged Air Filters

Your HVAC system's air filter catches dust, pet fur, pollen, allergens, and possibly even viral particles during both cooling and heating cycles. But if you leave it as-is, the filter won't stop these indoor air pollutants. Not only will the system re-circulate pollutants around your home through the AC and heating ducts, but the debris can clog the filter and force your air conditioner or furnace to work harder than necessary.

Homeowners can change or clean (if your system has a reusable product) the HVAC system's air filters. But if you have little to no experience with air conditioner or heater maintenance, this is your first home, or you don't know how to find the filter, this service can become part of routine HVAC pre- and post-season maintenance calls. 

Air Duct Damage

The filter isn't the only part of the HVAC system that can clog with use and lack of maintenance. Air ducts transport cooled or heated air throughout your home. Without care or attention, these tubes can clog. Routine maintenance services that include an air duct cleaning can prevent this issue. Failure to remove built-up debris can slow your system down, cause poor levels of cooling/heating, and cost you in unexpected energy-related costs.

Along with clogs, a pre- or post-season check-up can reduce the risks of duct leaks. A leak is hard for most homeowners to spot — but it can cost you money in excess cooling/heating prices. A qualified HVAC technician can inspect the ducts, look for leaks, and recommend a repair or replacement to correct breaks, holes, and gaps.

Electrical Issues

HVAC systems require electricity to power the compressor (for the AC unit), fan, blower, and more. Without working electrical components, you won't have cool air in the summer or warm air in the winter.

Over time electrical controls can wear out. Heavy AC use during hot days, constant heating in the winter, or an improperly sized system can increase electrical wear. This can increase energy bills and cause premature system failure. Routine HVAC maintenance can catch electrical issues in the early stages. This gives you time to decide on the next steps, such as system repair or replacement. 

Do you need to schedule a pre- or post-season HVAC maintenance call? Contact Haining Home Services for more information.