Common Heating and Cooling Problems and How to Avoid Them

If your home HVAC system is experiencing reduced efficiency in heating or cooling, problems like clogged filters, leaking ducts, or thermostat malfunctions could be to blame. Some of these HVAC issues can be fixed by homeowners, but others require maintenance by a qualified HVAC technician. Searching the internet for “heating and cooling company near me” can help you find professionals in your area. To help you identify and prevent issues within your HVAC system, here are eight common heating and cooling problems and how you can avoid them:

1. Clogged Filters

Furnace filters gather debris and dirt, which clogs them up over time. When the filters are clogged, the quality of air passing through them is compromised. Your furnace has to work harder to move the compromised air, reducing its efficiency.

Avoid clogged filters by:

• Cleaning and replacing your furnace filter more often, especially during winter
• Adjusting your fan settings to “AUTO”
• Maintaining the cleanest possible environment around air returns

2. Dirty Coils

If you fail to conduct regular maintenance on your system’s evaporator coil, dirt builds up, causing problems within the HVAC system. Dirt buildup can lower the system’s capacity to transmit heating and air conditioning from its central location to other areas of the home.

Avoid dirty coils by:

• Hosing off the dirty evaporator coils on an outdoor HVAC system
• Contacting a heating and cooling company near you to clean coils on an indoor unit

3. Refrigerant Leaks

Your HVAC system’s air conditioning runs on refrigerants. Low refrigerant levels can cause your air conditioner to malfunction. Loose couplings, corrosion in the system’s coils, and holes in the refrigerant pipelines are potential causes for refrigerant leaks.

Avoid refrigerant leaks by:

• Scheduling frequent HVAC inspections
• Hiring a trained service technician to carry out the mandatory checks and cleanings

4. Duct Leaks

A system of ducts distributes air from your furnace throughout the rest of your home. If any of the ducts leak, HVAC systems experience lowered efficiency. That means your air conditioner and furnace have to work harder to cool and heat your home. Duct leaks can be challenging to locate, but if you can successfully identify where the air is leaking, seal the leak with aluminum tape or silicone caulk.

Avoid duct leaks by:

• Sealing all the duct joints properly
• Cleaning and examining your ducts regularly

5. Drain Pipe Blockages or Leaks

The heating and cooling of the air in your home creates condensation, and that condensation is removed using drain pipes. Puddles of water near your HVAC equipment could be a sign of a blocked or leaky drain pipe. If you are unable to locate the leak, contact a heating and cooling company near you.

If the drain pipe has a blockage, a musty aroma is sometimes present. Pouring bleach or vinegar into the clogged pipe helps to loosen the blockage and drain any stuck water, and eliminate the musty aroma. A pipe cleaner also works to loosen blockages.

Avoid drain pipe blockages and leaks by:

• Scheduling regular HVAC system maintenance

6. Ignition Failures

Furnace ignition failures might result in losing heat in your home. Common reasons for HVAC system ignition failure are a dirty pilot light or a clogged gas supply.

Avoid ignition failures by:

• Hiring an HVAC specialist to examine the ignition component during regular maintenance

7. Thermostat Malfunctions

The thermostat is the brain of the HVAC system. Any malfunction within the thermostat can impact the system’s overall operation.

Avoid thermostat malfunctions by:

• Upgrading your outdated thermostat
• Reading the owner’s handbook to achieve the ideal thermostat settings for your home
• Getting a thermostat inspection to identify issues with the thermostat sensor

8. Tripping Circuit Breakers

A circuit breaker protects your HVAC system. An overworking HVAC system causes the circuit breaker to trip repeatedly. The following can result in an overworking system: air filter blockages, dirty condenser coils, electrical component failures, or fan motor malfunctions.

Avoid tripping circuit breakers by:

• Scheduling routine HVAC maintenance and examinations to determine if your system is overworking

Heating and Cooling Company Near Me

The best way to prevent common HVAC system issues is to have an HVAC professional complete routine maintenance and checks. Invest in preventative maintenance to save your system from failure. Search for “heating and cooling company near me” to find a qualified HVAC technician in your area.