When your heating or air conditioning seems to stop working, it can certainly be panic-inducing. Dollar signs start floating before your eyes as you imagine a contractor telling you the whole system needs to be replaced. Relax! More often than not, these problems are much smaller and less expensive than you might think. Below are some of the most common HVAC issues we encounter. And we promise—none of them are as painful as they may seem.
The thermostat is broken: This is actually one of the quicker, more affordable fixes but, too often, homeowners ignore the problem and avoid calling to get it repaired. This just ends up wasting money by running a system that’s not working properly.
The filters are dirty: Filters need to be changed out or cleaned regularly to keep them from building up all sorts of dust and gunk. When the filter is dirty, it causes the whole system to work harder to produce the desired results, which eventually wears everything down. Luckily, this issue is quick and cheap to prevent. Those filters you can buy at the hardware store for a buck or two? Change them out EVERY MONTH. The higher end ones can last up to 6 months. If you have a permanent filter, be sure to clean it every month, as well.
The refrigerant is leaking: This is just for your air conditioning system. If the air your unit is producing isn’t cold enough, it could be because not enough refrigerant is getting through to the condenser. If this is the case, you should get it checked out immediately, since it makes the condenser work overtime and can lead to much bigger problems.
A fuse is blown: Check to see if a breaker is tripped in your fuse box—if so, that could be your problem. Fuses are designed to protect your unit from overheating though, so if the breaker trips again, call a service professional. It could be an indication of a larger problem.
Improperly balanced airflow: Air travels to the rooms in your house through a system of ducts. If the dampers aren’t balanced, this could lead to uneven distribution of heated and cooled air and could cause issues for the system, as a whole.
Other common problems: Your equipment may be the wrong size for your home, your ducts may be leaky, there may be an electrical failure somewhere. HVAC systems are complex animals that need love and attention. The best way to prevent any of these issues is to schedule routine maintenance. Be sure to check out our Platinum Maintenance Plans under the Services tab at www.appelheat.com.