Common HVAC System Problems
Hopefully, your HVAC system will work efficiently and without interruption for years and years. More likely, however, is that issues will arise from time to time. Understanding the most common HVAC system problems emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance. Many of the most common repairs can be put off temporarily, at the very least, with a thorough maintenance program.
Blown fuses. Many contractors say this is perhaps the most common reason that an HVAC system stops working, particularly a fairly new system. The fuse is designed to protect against overheating and it is often found in the evaporator coil. Replacing a fuse or resetting the breaker is an easy fix, but remember that very seldom do fuses blow for no reason at all.
Dirty filters. It can be easy to forget to replace the filter every couple of months. However, when dust, dirt and contaminants build up, the air flow is restricted. This can lead to a frozen unit. The lesson to learn here is to regularly replace or clean dirty filters. Even before a filter freezes up your HVAC system, it is impacting the efficiency of the unit and inevitably making your monthly utility bill a little higher than it should be.
Thermostat problems. HVAC contractors say thermostat issues are often very common problems, and in some cases, the issue is that the thermostat has been accidentally turned off and the homeowner didn’t think to check. When you purchase a new HVAC system, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the basics of your new unit, including the location of the filter and the proper way to operate the thermostat. If you are interested in saving money, programmable thermostats are not very expensive and make it possible to raise the temperature of your cooling system when no one is home.
Clogged drain lines. Suddenly there is water – and a lot of it – overflowing form the drain pan of your HVAC system. That can seem like a very serious problem. What commonly happens is that dirt, or sometimes algae, clogs the drain line. When that happens, the drain pan overflows. The repair is fairly easy, and the way to avoid this from happening is with regular maintenance that includes blowing out the drain line to make sure it is not clogged.
Dirty condenser coil. The coil is part of the outdoor unit, along with the compressor. That means dirt, leaves and other debris can often get into the system over time. The coil should be cleaned at least once a year. When it gets too dirty, your HVAC system will struggle to cool as efficiently as normal. This can be fixed with a vigorous cleaning of the coil. However, remember that a dirty coil slowly lowers the life expectancy of your system and regular cleaning helps both the efficiency and longevity of your system.