Your home’s HVAC system is composed of several components that must all function together perfectly in order for it to perform smoothly and efficiently as a whole. This is of the utmost importance because of how your system affects your home’s comfort and indoor air quality, as well as its ability to lower your energy bills. A problem with one or more internal components can spell trouble for the entire system’s long-term health and performance if not addressed promptly. 

HVAC

Learning to identify issues with your heating and cooling system can help you be more proactive when it comes to your home’s comfort requirements and make the most of your unit’s expected lifespan. Here Air Comfort Inc, your local heating and air conditioning service provider, discusses the common causes of HVAC emergencies and ways to prevent them.

Refrigerant leaks. An air conditioner utilizes refrigerant to absorb heat and produce cooled air. It’s vital for the HVAC system’s operation, running through lines connecting the outdoor unit’s compressor to the indoor unit’s evaporator. A problem in the refrigerant lines could lead to a leak, which can have devastating effects on your AC system.

Signs to watch out for include a hissing sound and/or ice buildup on the refrigerant lines and air coming out of the vents that isn’t as cool as it should be. If not addressed, the system won’t be able to reach the cooled ambient temperature that causes it to stop. Instead, the unit will run longer and work harder than usual to reach this point, which can lead to the compressor overheating. Ice buildup on the coils and lines could also cause extensive damage.

Making sure that the coils, compressor and refrigerant lines are in good working order is important in minimizing the chances of leaks. Certified HVAC technicians detect leaks using electronic means, as well as other agents like dye and compressed nitrogen.

Ventilation problems. The ductwork is one of the first things you should check when your home has ventilation problems. Obstructions in your home’s air ducts will prevent conditioned air from being distributed properly into each room. Dirt, dust and loose or fallen insulation are some of the causes of these blockages. If not removed immediately, they can affect your home’s indoor air quality. The vents may also be blocked by a piece of furniture or other indoor item placed on or in front of them.

If your HVAC system is running more than usual or your home has warm and cold spots, you could be experiencing ductwork problems. Before turning on your heating and cooling unit, make sure the vents are clear of obstructions. Remove vent covers and inspect the inside of the ducts to check if it has accumulated dust or debris. Get in touch with HVAC technicians who can perform duct cleaning and repair.

Clogged drain lines. When you turn on your AC, it reduces indoor humidity by pulling moisture out of the room. In this process, water drips into the condensate pan, which then flows down the drain line and out of the unit. Over time, however, moisture dripping off of the evaporator coil can lead to the buildup of dirt and debris, which it picks up on its way down the drain. If ignored, this buildup can cause water to back up, resulting in considerable damage to the AC system’s internal parts. 

If the indoor air still feels damp even when the AC is turned on, or you notice streaks of mold or rust on or near the unit, your AC’s drain lines could be clogged. Check the drain pan and the area around your indoor unit every month. Having the drain line flushed during scheduled routine maintenance may help prevent drain line clogs and ensure the efficiency of the entire unit.

Gas leaks. Heating systems that run on natural gas could be at risk of leaks if they’re not properly maintained. These are often caused by cracks or disconnections in the gas line. This particular problem should be taken seriously, as it can lead to explosions.

If you smell gas or rotting eggs near the furnace, turn off the system immediately and call your certified HVAC technician as soon as possible. The pros can make a thorough inspection of your heating system for potential hazards. In addition to gas leaks, they can also head off carbon monoxide leaks that pose a threat to the health of everyone in your household.

Electrical problems. If your HVAC system doesn’t start running when you turn it on, there could be an interruption in the electrical system somewhere. This is often the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. When this happens too often, the unit could be pulling too much energy. In this case, you need to have it checked by your technician.

In some cases, electrical problems are a result of bad connections or issues with the wiring components inside the HVAC system. Fraying, corrosion and disconnection are a few of the problems that can occur with the wires. In addition to the wiring, the start and run capacitors and the unit’s compressor could be having trouble functioning to the point of mechanical failure. Replacing these components will usually suffice, though in the case of compressor failure, replacing the entire HVAC unit would be more cost-efficient.

The Importance of Preventive HVAC Maintenance

To ensure your HVAC system’s longevity and performance and avoid emergencies that can hinder your home’s comfort needs, having your heating and cooling equipment inspected every year is recommended. If possible, it can be scheduled in the off season so you can better gain access to your local HVAC contractor right away. In doing so, your risk of needing a major HVAC emergency repair is significantly lower.

For your heating and air conditioning repair, replacement and maintenance needs, turn to Air Comfort. As one of the leading HVAC companies in the local area, we’ve established a reputation for quality and honesty. Let our certified HVAC technicians take care of your heating and cooling unit for better home comfort and indoor air quality.

Give us a call at (409) 833-5665 or fill out our contact form to request an estimate or schedule a service call.