While a homeowner can take care of some minor HVAC issues, any bigger problem should be fixed by a professional. They have the knowledge, skills, tools, and parts to solve the issue in a professional and safe manner. These are the seven most common HVAC issues that you’ll need a technician to fix.
1. Thermostat Problems
Besides replacing dead batteries, you’ll need an expert to solve a problem with your thermostat. It’s often the case that it was installed incorrectly or in the wrong place, such as in direct sunlight. The wiring could be faulty, or the sensor thinks your home is hotter than it actually is. A technician can troubleshoot the problem and make your home comfortable again.
2. Dirty Coils or Condenser
Dirt and other debris build up in an HVAC system if it’s not properly maintained. Debris built up on the coils or condenser will eventually cause your HVAC system to malfunction. One sign that this has happened is your energy bills are unusually high. To prevent this problem, schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system.
Hy-Mark in Owen Sound, Ontario performs preventive maintenance on HVAC systems. Besides cleaning the coils and condenser, other services in our tune-ups include tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, inspecting the burner, and more.
3. Strange Noises
While HVAC systems make some sounds when operating normally, you shouldn’t hear any strange noises. If you hear screeching, rattling, grinding, banging, or the like, have an expert repair your system. You should turn off your HVAC system and have it repaired as soon as possible as something like a loose part can damage other components of your HVAC system. While a strange noise could indicate a big issue, it could also be a problem as simple for a technician to fix as a broken belt or a fan blade that needs to be tightened.
4. Tripped Breaker
If your HVAC system trips a breaker once in a while, that’s normal and likely just caused by a power surge. If it happens regularly, you need to call an HVAC company to diagnose and fix the problem. Your HVAC system is either working too hard, or there is an electrical problem. When your system works too hard, the breaker trips to prevent it from overheating. An electrical problem can be caused by a number of things, such as a loose connection.
5. Water or Refrigerant Leak
A water or refrigerant leak needs to be handled by a professional. If you have a high-efficiency furnace, it has a condensate line that drains water from it to outside your home. A sign there’s a problem is if there’s a puddle of water under your furnace. A technician can clear the condensate line so that it drains water as it’s supposed to.
Air conditioners and heat pumps use refrigerant. If there’s a leak, neither will operate as they should. It’s very important to have a technician solve this problem as fixing the leak and recharging the refrigerant is definitely not a DIY solution. Your HVAC system needs the correct type of refrigerant to be at the right pressure, among other things, to do its job. It’s also not safe to work with refrigerant unless you’ve been trained to do so.
6. Constantly Running Blower
The blower should only run when your HVAC system is running. If it is always running, first check that the fan setting on your thermostat is set to “AUTO” and not “ON.” If this thermostat setting is set correctly, you’ll need an expert to diagnose what the problem is. There may be a stuck relay or sensor. The problem could also be that your HVAC system is incapable of reaching your desired temperature for some reason, such as it being too small.
7. Ignition Problem
If your HVAC system doesn’t turn on, it could be an ignition problem. If you have an old furnace, it is likely a pilot light issue. There are several reasons for ignition problems, such as a dirty flame sensor or a burner malfunction.
Hy-Mark replaces, repairs, and tunes up heaters and air conditioners. This includes furnaces, heat pumps, ductless systems, hydronic heating, and boilers. We’re also the HVAC company to turn to for air quality services, sump pumps, appliance installation, and a full range of plumbing services. Find out more by calling our office today!
