For any homeowner, dealing with emergency repairs can be a stressful ordeal, particularly HVAC emergencies. However, these incidents can best be dealt with when you know the common HVAC problems and how you can deal with them. If you are moving to a new home, make sure to check the HVAC system. Here are some of the most common HVAC emergencies that you should be aware of:
Leaking Refrigerant
Your air conditioning system relies on refrigerants to make sure that it can provide your home with cold air. These refrigerants are responsible for absorbing the heat. The refrigerant line runs from the compressor to the evaporator coils. Any damage on the line can cause leaks, which in turn will cause your system to run continuously because it cannot reach the ambient temperature that would signal it to stop. When prolonged, your compressor can overheat. You may suspect a refrigerant leak if you experience any of the following:
Overrunning HVAC System
- Hissing refrigerant lines
- Cooling of air from the vents is inadequate
- Building up of ice on refrigerant lines
To prevent this from happening, you must do routine checks of your HVAC system, so it would be easier to identify leaks before they can cause irreparable damage to your system.
Clogging Drain Lines
Aside from refrigerants, air conditioning units also have drain lines, which are necessary for draining water coming from the evaporator coils. Over time, water can pool and cause clogging of drain lines. Often, these clogs can cause water to back up on your system, which may cause severe water damage. In particular, water damage can pose dangers to your home’s foundation, so make sure that your HVAC does not have any clogged drains. Ideally, you should check your drain pan at least once a month. Make sure also to do an annual flushing of your drain. If you notice that your indoor unit has any leaks or you have molding or rusting near your unit, you may already have clogged drain lines.
Malfunctioning Ventilation
Most HVAC systems often suffer from issues in the air ducts. It could either be due to a blockage in the tubes, or it could also be due to a damaged pipe, both preventing heated or cooled air from properly distributing through your home. How would you know if you have a malfunctioning ventilation system? You may notice that your home’s space has an uneven distribution of temperatures. The indoor air quality is also reduced, and you could even see your unit run continuously.
You can prevent this by checking your vents and making sure that they are free of any blockages. Clear debris, if any.
Non-Working Electricals
Once your HVAC system suddenly stops functioning, it may be due to an electrical system issue. If you are not comfortable with working on electricals, it might be best to ask help from professionals like Service Express. However, if electricals are within your expertise, then you may start checking on the circuit breaker to check if there are any blown fuses. A burning smell can be used as a gauge to check for electrical issues. Electrical issues in your HVAC system can be easily prevented by doing regular checks of the electrical components. If there is worn wiring, replace it as soon as possible.
Leaking Gas
Perhaps one of the most problematic HVAC emergencies is a gas leak. If your HVAC system uses natural gas to run, then you should always make it a point to check your gas lines to prevent explosions.
HVAC systems rarely need repairs if they are correctly maintained. However, issues can also happen if the HVAC system has served its lifespan. Regular maintenance is necessary to make sure emergencies do not occur.
