3 Most Common HVAC Issues to Avoid
The HVAC system is one of the most expensive investments in a home, and in a warmer climate like Georgia, it's essential. Homeowners have to be vigilant about air conditioner maintenance to avoid costly repairs, not to mention the discomfort in the home if the system fails.
Fortunately, you can keep a lookout for potential issues and catch them before they become a problem. Here are some of the most common issues to watch out for.
1. Insufficient Drainage and Clogs
An HVAC system has a system of drainage to remove the excess moisture that builds up. In a functioning system, the moisture turns to condensation, which is sent through a system of pipes and drained outside the home. From time to time, the drainage system can clog and cause the moisture to back up into the system.
The moisture can then get into other parts of your air conditioner and can even cause water damage to other parts of your home, such as ceilings, walls, and floors.
To prevent this problem, you should have the condensation drains checked regularly. You should have your overall system checked by a professional a couple times a year for regular maintenance.
If you do not typically schedule maintenance checks, at least have a technician come to check the drainage systems, especially if you notice any water damage or dripping from your air conditioner inside the home. Not doing so could ultimately cost you a lot more money than a typical maintenance check.
2. Fans Not Blowing Properly
The HVAC system has two fans that work together to get the air into your home, so they should work efficiently. One fan pushes the air through the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout your house. The other fan, outside in the condenser unit, removes the warm air from the unit so the system does not overheat.
If either of these fans malfunctions or get too dirty, your HVAC will not work as well as it should. The system could quit working altogether if the fans are in particularly bad shape. Check the fans by looking at and listening to them.
You can easily check the outdoor fan by looking at the condenser unit. If you see that the fan is not spinning when the air is on, turn off the air conditioner and call your HVAC technician, as you do not want to burn up the unit.
You can tell if the fan inside is not working just by listening. When you turn on the air conditioner, the fan will start. If you do not notice a sound when the air cycles on, there is a chance the fan is not working. This is another issue for your HVAC technician to check out.
3. Leaks from The Refrigerant
Another common issue for HVAC systems is leaking refrigerant. The air conditioner requires a certain level of refrigerant to create cool air. The system needs a certain amount of refrigerant to cycle through the coils, absorbing heat from the air and creating cold air for the house.
Over time, the coils can crack or leak, causing the refrigerant to leak out. If you notice that the air flowing through the vents of your home is warm when you have the thermostat set low, chances are you have a refrigerant leak. Not only will a leak make your home uncomfortable, but you will also have a dangerous chemical leaking outside. An HVAC technician can find and repair the leak.
If you notice any of these issues, please contact Parks Davis Air Conditioning & Heating. Our experienced HVAC contractors will come to check your air conditioner for all potential problems and make the necessary repairs.
