If your HVAC system is not performing as expected, investigate to establish the cause. That will help you determine if you can fix the issues or call a professional HVAC repairs service. Here are repair tips to enlighten you on detecting major and minor flaws of your heating and cooling system. You will also learn when to have emergency hvac repair Las Vegas for these defects or when to consider a unit replacement.
1. Uneven Cooling and Heating
Examine Your Thermostat
Achieving even cooling or heating levels may not be possible because of various variables. But, significant variance in comfort levels translates to a malfunctioning HVAC system. If some rooms in your house are overly heated or too cold, check your thermostat. Assess to ensure the temperature settings are correctly programmed. Confirm if thermostat readings match the room’s temperature. Any discrepancies will mean that the issue is your thermostat. However, if your thermostat is working properly but fails to achieve the expected heating or cooling temperatures, the problem is the HVAC unit.
Check Your Air Registers
Hot and cold spots in your rooms can be caused by malfunctioning of air registers. Examine the air registers to check for poor airflow or possible blockage of air returns. Make sure nothing is obstructing or blocking the flow of air through the registers. Any dirt or dust on the air registers and the surroundings of your house must get eliminated. This will address the issue of indoor air quality. Thus, air will flow better and free to the registers, and hotness and coldness in some areas will get addressed.
2. Experiencing Hot Air
Examine Your Filters
When air filters are clogged with dirt, they obstruct airflow in your house, limiting the air entering your HVAC system. Your system can also freeze if left unattended.
How do you tell your filters are dirty?
• If there is an upsurge of your utility bills
• Wheezing sound from your HVAC unit
• A lot of dust in the air
Ensure your filters are maintained clean. If you live in a dusty place, keep a stock of air filters to ease your maintenance.
Inspect Your Drain Line
When the drain line is blocked, air will not move through. This happens because condensate is unable to flow from your system. It causes the water to accumulate in the evaporator coil, which ends up frozen. If the problem is not managed on time, the ice block builds on the coil, hindering the AC from producing cool air. You can manage this problem by switching your system off. The ice will melt, and you can clean the condensate drain line with ease.
Inspect Your Refrigerant
Your refrigerant could be low or experiencing some leaks. Examining it can determine if there is a need to refill it or repair the leak. Refilling should be done by a professional to avoid HVAC unit performance problems related to under or overcharging of refrigerant. A qualified technician should also carry out leak testing and repairs. This will ensure the manufacturer’s specifications are observed when charging and repairing your unit.
3. The HVAC system is running but cannot blow air
Check Exterior Unit
If your system is running, but no air is coming out, examine the outdoor unit. Debris or other obstructs like grass or leaves can clog the outdoor unit. Make sure you clean anything that could be obstructing air flow from your exterior unit. If your system is still not working properly, reach out for professional repair service.
Inspect Air Vents
Dirt can accumulate on your vents, affecting the flow of air in your HVAC system. For the efficient performance of your AC, there should be adequate airflow in your home. Ensure your supply and return vents are functioning without any obstruction. Clean away any dust that might have buildup to enhance airflow.
Check Compressor
A malfunctioning compressor means a failed system. The compressor circulates refrigerant keeping your system in operation. If it stops functioning, have it replaced.
Inspect Outdoor Unit Fan
If your outdoor unit fan is not working properly, it could be a power failure issue. This occurs when a circuit breaker trips. Ensure you turn it on to get your system running again. If you notice clunking noise from the fan, reach out for an HVAC professional service.
4. Worrying HVAC System Noises
• There are normal sounds that an HVAC system will make when running. However, unusual sounds should never be overlooked. Noises that may suggest an underlying problem include;
• Clanging sounds indicating a loose component or unbalanced indoor blower.
• Buzzing noise is a sign of an electrical fault, and if noticed, the system should be switched off immediately.
• Hissing sound may be as a result of a refrigerant leak.
• A faulty thermostat causes a clicking sound.
• Rattling sound is a sign of debris in the condenser unit or loose bolts.
• Shrieking sounds can be caused by a defect of the compressor or fan motor.
• Any strange sounds should be examined, and flaws repaired to improve the comfort levels of your home and keep your system running as required.
5. Furnace Problems
Fixing A Furnace That Fails to Start
A furnace will not start if thermostat batteries are dead. Examine and if the issue is drained batteries, replace them. Also, check if the issue is a blown circuit breaker fuse and replace it. If the circuit breaker has tripped, you should turn it on.
Dust can clog on the pilot light preventing your furnace from igniting. Check for any dirt blockage and clean it up. If your furnace has become obsolete, consider replacing it.
The furnace is not producing heat.
Failure of heat from your furnace can be as a result of:
• A defective flame sensor and should be replaced to ensure the burners are well ignited.
• Call an HVAC expert to inspect air ducts leaks as this can blow in cold air affecting the air from your furnace.
• Thermostat settings can also affect furnace heating levels. Make sure the thermostat is regulated to heat and set the fan to auto mode.
• Air filter blockage which shuts the heat registers. Consider unlocking them to improve warm airflow in your furnace.
Ensure your HVAC maintenance schedule is observed without fail. This will keep your unit running effectively and minimize unexpected breakdowns. Consider an HVAC service contract. However, make sure you perform simple repairs within your ability.
