HVAC problems are common in Texas as harsh temperatures and constant comfort control demands make your system work hard. It can be challenging to identify the source if you’ve never had HVAC problems. That’s why knowing how to recognize common HVAC problems is crucial in getting immediate repairs to prevent replacements and ensure your home stays comfortable.
Minor HVAC concerns can become significant issues. Consider Lubbock’s expert air conditioning repair company when your unit stops working. Keep reading to learn about seven of the most common HVAC problems many Texas residents should anticipate.
1. A Faulty Thermostat
Thermostat problems are among the most common HVAC problems many Texas homeowners mistake for mechanical issues. Some thermostat problems don’t require professional assistance. Check your thermostat before contacting a technician to save money.
Old thermostats with batteries rely on your home’s electricity and battery power. Therefore, low batteries may prevent your system from working correctly.
Alternatively, your thermostat may not have the proper temperature settings. Ensure the unit is on, then set the thermostat’s temperature to a level lower than the room’s temperature to activate your air conditioner.
If the unit still doesn’t respond, the thermostat may have faulty wiring, or another problem may be the cause. You’ll need an HVAC expert for further troubleshooting.
2. Dirty Coils or Air Filters
Dirty evaporator coils or air filters collect dust, pet hair, and other debris without regular cleaning and HVAC maintenance. These components facilitate heat transfers between your home and the outdoors.
Dirty air filters can contribute to a dusty and unhealthy home interior. Filters will eventually clog and stop attracting pet hair, dander, dust, and other contaminants. When this happens, some biological pollutants may get inside the system’s interior and cause poor air quality.
Homeowners can replace dirty air filters while cleaning dirty condenser or evaporator coils requires an HVAC technician. Getting regular maintenance can prevent these common HVAC problems.
3. Leaks
Leaks are very common issues that have many causes. Whether you have a refrigerant leak or a water leak, you’ll need an HVAC technician to locate the source and stop it:
- Water leaks: Most water leaks arise as frozen condensation melts off dirty condensers. Other causes of water leaks include clogged drain lines and drain pans. In addition, as debris gathers inside the unit, it can prevent water from draining out of the system.
- Refrigerant leaks: Refrigerant cools warm air as it passes through your air conditioner. Due to the unit’s closed-loop design, your cooling system’s refrigerant levels stay consistent. With a refrigerant leak, you may notice a puddle around your unit, and it may overheat or blow hot air due to the reduced cooling capability.
HVAC technicians have the necessary training to repair water and refrigerant leaks. Routine preventative maintenance can also prevent the causes of such leaks or catch minor damage before it worsens.
4. Loud, Unusual Noises
While your HVAC system will make some noise, common HVAC problems also include sounds like:
- Banging
- Whining
- Squealing
- Grinding
While maintenance is instrumental in extending your system’s longevity, it isn’t foolproof. After years of consistent operation, your HVAC system’s moving components eventually wear out. These sounds indicate mechanical problems.
Other causes of unusual sounds may include airflow problems. Dirty or clogged air filters are a primary cause of reduced airflow in your HVAC system. You may hear a whistling sound as air struggles to pass through the filter.
Mechanical problems causing loud noises can become severe quickly. Getting repairs promptly can help you avoid needing a replacement. If your system makes strange noises, check that the issue isn’t due to a dirty air filter, then contact professionals for help.
5. Blower Runs Continuously
It’s not normal for your HVAC system’s blower to constantly run. This behavior could indicate that your unit is too small to maintain your home’s temperature, or you may have the unit on the wrong settings.
HVAC systems that are too small for your Texas home must work harder to reach the right temperature, causing some units to run constantly. Professional assistance is necessary if your cooling and heating system shows this symptom.
A blower with a thermostat on the wrong settings may also cause the system to run continuously. Check the thermostat to ensure the fan isn’t in the “on” position. If the unit doesn’t respond to your thermostat’s changed settings, it’s vital to contact professionals immediately to save money on energy bills and reduce significant repair needs.
6. Improper Temperatures
Furnaces blowing cool air or air conditioning systems blowing hot air are also common HVAC problems. If your heating system blows cold air, you likely have a problem with the compressor. AC units producing warm or hot air indicate overheating issues.
The compressor controls the refrigerant coil that facilitates heating. Malfunctioning components in your heat pump could prevent the unit from turning off as your indoor environment never reaches the set temperature.
7. Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker is a common reason your unit won’t start. If your HVAC system is using maximum energy and still struggling to control your home’s temperature, the breaker may flip. Power outages and surges may also trip your HVAC system’s circuit breaker.
It’s easy to repair a tripped circuit breaker and restore HVAC power. You should wear protective gloves to prevent the risk of electrical shock while inspecting your breaker box. To fix the problem, flip the appropriate switch to the “off” position, then turn it on after waiting around 30 seconds.
Furnace Maintenance Services
Regular maintenance prevents your furnace from breaking down during Texas’s winter weather. On the Double Heating & Cooling provides comprehensive furnace maintenance services that catch common HVAC problems before they turn into repair demands. Our licensed technicians perform an extensive checklist of maintenance tasks.
Are you curious to know how we can help you maintain your furnace? Contact us to learn about what comes with our furnace maintenance services and learn about other ways you can prevent common HVAC problems. Call the HVAC team at On the Double Heating & Cooling in Lubbock, TX, today at 806-549-5973.
