The efficiency of your heating, ventilation and air conditioner (HVAC) system largely determines your indoor comfort levels. An efficient HVAC system will keep you warm during winter and cool during hot and humid Florida summers. It also manages humidity levels and filters dust and small particles from the air to improve its quality.
As a homeowner, you need to know how to troubleshoot the common issues these systems can experience. By understanding how these complex units work and how they may fail, you might be able to fix minor problems on your own and will know when to reach out to a professional.
This post lists the common cooling and heating problems and tips to resolve them.
Poor airflow is one of the most common HVAC problems. If the system struggles to heat or cool your home, you might notice decreased airflow near the vents. There are a few reasons your system may have lost efficiency.
In some cases, the air filters may be dirty. Replacing them with new ones can restore optimal airflow. Locate the air filters between the return duct and the air handler. In some models, the filter is located behind a grill, beneath or in front of the unit.
Once you have found the filter, note its size to find the right replacement. Ideally, you should change the air filters every few months to prevent this issue.
Blockages in the vents, ducts and grills can also impact airflow. Clearing these components of any dirt or debris might improve your system’s efficiency.
When some areas of your home are warmer or cooler than others, there might be an issue with your insulation. Poor insulation in certain rooms can result in uneven temperatures — windows and doors might be letting in air leaks.
Duct leaks can also cause this issue. Inspect the ducts for signs of wear and tear. Otherwise, clogged air filters and ducts could be the cause. Replace the air filters and clean the vents to remove all dust and debris.
When a cooling and heating system starts acting up, it can emit odd smells. Moldy odors and chemical smells are among the more common.
The most common is a musty or moldy smell. If there is a lot of condensation and the AC can’t drain the moisture properly, it can seep into the ducts and cause mold and mildew to grow.
The solution is to find and remove the mold. Mold removal can be tricky, so it’s best to contact a repair service to inspect the ductwork thoroughly.
Refrigerant leaks can cause chemical odors to seep from the vents. This issue can be caused by metal erosion, unit defects and incorrect installation. The unpleasant scent will be more pronounced near the unit. Refrigerant leaks can also cause other issues, like hissing sounds, high humidity and a longer cooling time.
If you notice this strange smell, turn the unit off right away. These chemical fumes are a health risk. It’s best to contact a repair service to repair the leak and service the system.
If your air conditioner is blowing hot air when it should be cooling your home, there is a problem. Often, this problem is caused by dirty air filters, a faulty compressor or insufficient refrigerant levels. These issues can restrict airflow, putting strain on the unit and causing it to blow warmer air.
The compressor unit compresses the refrigerant and cycles it through the condenser, resulting in cool air. If this part is damaged, it won’t be able to cool the air efficiently, and when the refrigerant levels are low, the air won’t cool either.
While you can replace the air filters yourself, it’s best to let a repair technician resolve issues with a faulty compressor or refill the refrigerant.
Rattling and squealing are just a couple of strange noises you might hear coming from your cooling and heating system. Noisy operations can result from various issues, but loose components or dirt and debris inside the system are usually the cause.
To fix this issue, inspect the unit and look for loose screws and fasteners. Be sure to check all the components to find any loose fasteners. Loose ducts can also cause rattling sounds. You may need to repair them or replace the insulation.
If there are no loose components, clean the vents and replace the filters.
If your heating and cooling system turns on, runs for a short while, and then turns off, this issue can lead to a steep increase in your power bill. This problem can stem from clogged air filters or a faulty thermostat. Electrical issues, a frozen evaporator coil and refrigerant leaks can also cause cooling equipment to short cycle.
To diagnose the problem, replace the filters and inspect the air conditioner lines for leaks and ice build-up on the evaporator coils. If you spot these issues, contact a repair technician. A professional technician can identify electrical issues and a faulty thermostat to stop the unit from short-cycling.
If your system is not heating or cooling your home efficiently, although you don’t notice any other issues on this list, there could be an issue with the thermostat.
Often, the thermostat could simply be in the wrong setting. If this isn’t the case, remove the cover and check the device’s batteries. Otherwise, check the circuit breaker in the electrical box. Resetting the breaker might resolve the issue.
If these quick solutions don’t restore function, the thermostat might be faulty. Contact a repair technician to have the part replaced.
Cooling and heating systems need ongoing maintenance to function efficiently all year round. While some issues are caused by damaged parts or incorrect installation, most are due to general wear and tear and dirt build-up.
Professional annual maintenance services include:
Strada Air Conditioning & Heating can help you resolve your cooling and heating issues and restore comfortable indoor temperatures to your home. We provide comprehensive residential services for air conditioning units, heat pumps and ductless split systems. Whether your unit requires regular maintenance service or repairs, our expert technicians can diagnose and resolve the problem.
Contact us online today or get in touch directly at 860-200-2854. We are open seven days a week and offer 24/7 phone support to take your call at your convenience.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
