Being a homeowner goes hand in hand with having a never-ending to-do list. From cleaning the gutters to mowing the lawn. Some chores can be put off until a later date, but when it comes to HVAC, emergency heating repair can’t be ignored.
Not every issue is an emergency. However, with HVAC, there are certain problems that require an expert touch. Even more importantly, an immediate fix.
See, Smell, and Feel: Signs That Point to an HVAC Problem
Use your senses to gauge whether it’s time for a thorough inspection of your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. These are the signs to watch out for, smell, and feel.
See
Puddles of water near your HVAC system are a clear sign that something is wrong. The excess water extracted from the air should be siphoned away from your home so it does not collect beneath the unit. Also, chemical leaks suggest that one or more of the components need to be examined for damage.
Smell
Following on from leaks, if the liquid has a chemical odor, then it is likely to be a refrigerant leak. While a musty odor suggests moisture buildup and hints at a clogged system. The smell of burning or smoke indicates an electrical fault and poses a fire hazard.
Feel
If the system isn’t cooling or heating as efficiently, you can feel the difference. Poor performance is an early sign that parts of the unit are failing. Address this straight away to avoid running into more complex repairs or total replacements.
Don’t Ignore These Common HVAC Problems
Knowing what to look out for, the HVAC red flags, will save having to fork out for extensive repairs or even buy whole replacement systems. Here are the most common HVAC problems homeowners are likely to encounter.
Leaking refrigerant
Perhaps your air conditioning unit just isn’t cooling as it used to? Or maybe you’ve spotted an icy buildup or chemical odor. These are typical signs that there may be a refrigerant leak in your HVAC system. You’ll also notice the increase in your energy bills as your system works longer and harder to cool your home.
Resource: YouTube
While leaking refrigerant is classed as low toxicity, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. In confined spaces with poor ventilation, they may pose a health risk.
Compressor failure
No one likes a noisy HVAC system, especially one that operates so loudly it interferes with your daily life. While some older models may be noisier than today’s silent equivalents, a rattling or grinding noise is a sign to watch out for.
When the compressor, the component that circulates refrigerant throughout the unit, fails, this can put pressure on other parts of the system. Ignoring a struggling compressor could lead to total system failure. A more costly fix than just replacing the compressor.
Electrical issues and blown capacitors
The smell of smoke is never a good sign. If a burning odor appears when your HVAC system is in use, this signals that something is very wrong with the unit. When there are electrical faults or blown capacitors, this smell might waft out of the unit. This is likely to be followed by tripped circuit breakers and system shutdown.
An electrical issue with your HVAC system is dangerous, so keep a safe distance from it. A DIY fix could put you at risk of electric shock or start a fire.
Clogged drain lines
Is water pooling beneath the HVAC system, or does the area appear damp? This may indicate a blocked drain line. Drain lines take away the humidity collected from the air. Over time, these can get clogged with dirt and debris. Obstructions force the excess water back up the line and out of the system onto your floor. Routinely checking that the drain line is clean and free of buildup can prevent overflows.
Frozen evaporator coil
A vital component that helps cool your home, the evaporator coil can actually freeze. If this happens, due to low refrigerant levels or a blockage, other components can start to fail.
So, spotting the signs early enough will help you to avoid buying a whole new replacement system. Icy buildup, low cooling performance, and a weak airflow suggest that there may be a problem with the HVAC system’s evaporator coil.
What to do if you have an Emergency Heating Problem
You may be thinking, “Do I attempt a DIY fix or call a professional?” In the case of regular maintenance and cleaning of the HVAC system, it is safe to dust around and keep the area debris-free. However, with the issues above, an expert’s eye is needed.
Attempting to fix a refrigerant leak, for example, could put you at risk of skin irritation and mild respiratory issues. Meddling around with the compressor or electrics when you are not sure what you are doing could damage the entire system. Calling in the technicians can not only save your HVAC system, but they can do so safely. So, if in doubt, leave it to the professionals.
