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Answers to the 10 Most Common HVAC Problems

A woman adjusting a thermostat.

Although your home’s heating and cooling systems provide comfort, they can experience the occasional problem. When something goes wrong, it’s usually second nature for homeowners to contact their local HVAC company for a reliable solution.

As you can imagine, HVAC technicians receive many questions every day. Below, we’ll go over the answers to the ten most common HVAC problems so that you can get ahead of any heating and cooling issues when they pop up!

1. What Causes Poor HVAC System Efficiency?

When discussing the most common HVAC problems and solutions, it’s impossible not to mention efficiency. A highly-efficient air conditioner and heating system can help you save money on your energy bills — among other benefits.

Unfortunately, HVAC systems can lose their efficiency over time. In some instances, poor efficiency can be attributed to a dirty filter. The air filter in your HVAC system collects harmful airborne pollutants, such as dirt, pet dander, and dust, before they have a chance to enter your home.

If you don’t change the air filter regularly, the filter can collect a thick layer of debris that makes it difficult for air to pass through. As a result, your HVAC system has to work harder to overcome this problem, which can waste a great deal of energy. Dirty filters can also lead to other issues, including poor indoor air quality.

Do you suspect your air filter is dirty? You can replace the filter yourself or schedule an air conditioner or furnace cleaning in Scottsdale, AZ. Poor efficiency can also be caused by a poorly-sized HVAC system, leaky ductwork, and more, so contact an HVAC expert for assistance.

2. Why Is Your Thermostat Malfunctioning?

Although we’re providing the answers to the ten most common HVAC problems, many homeowners also experience issues with their thermostats. A malfunctioning thermostat can disrupt your heating or cooling system’s performance, so it’s important to get to the root cause of the problem right away.

Thermostat malfunctions can sometimes be easy to fix. Start by checking your thermostat’s batteries and replacing them to see if this does the trick. If your thermostat’s screen doesn’t turn on, you could be dealing with a tripped breaker, loose wiring, or an overheating furnace.

You can check your circuit breaker to see if a tripped breaker is to blame. If there’s another problem going on, you should contact an HVAC technician for a safe and accurate solution.

3. Why Isn’t Air Flowing Out of Your Vents?

Insufficient airflow is a common problem among homeowners — and it can have a simple solution! In some cases, there’s a chance that the vents throughout your home are closed or blocked. Opening these vents or removing any obstructions may fix the issue.

4. Why Does Your HVAC System Keep Turning Off?

There are many common HVAC problems and solutions worth discussing, but this particular question is one of the most worrisome. When your heating and cooling systems keep turning off, your comfort and safety can be put at risk.

So, what causes short cycling? For starters, your HVAC system might be too large for your home. You could also be dealing with electrical issues, a poorly-placed thermostat, or a dirty air filter — among other problems.

5. Why Won’t Your HVAC System Turn On?

Unfortunately, HVAC units can break down or malfunction for any number of reasons. For example, your air conditioning system could have ice buildup, a clogged condensate drain line, or a condenser fan motor problem.

If your heating system won’t turn on, the problem could have to do with a faulty pilot light, failed capacitor, or closed gas valve. The issue can vary depending on the type of furnace you have. Since there are so many possibilities, the only way to get a reliable solution is to contact an HVAC professional.

6. Why Is Your HVAC System So Noisy?

If you ask an HVAC expert for the answers to the ten most common HVAC problems, they’ll probably tell you what can cause loud, annoying HVAC system noises. This is because heating and cooling systems can make a wide range of sounds that indicate various problems.

For example, if your furnace is squealing, this could be due to a malfunctioning or failing blower motor. If you have an older heating system, worn bearings can lead to strange grinding noises.

Is there a loud clanking coming from your air conditioner? There could be a loose component. Is your AC unit buzzing? Frozen evaporator coils could be to blame. Each sound has a cause, so contact a professional technician for help.

7. What Causes Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils to Freeze?

For homeowners, one of the most frustrating HVAC issues they can encounter is frozen evaporator coils. If your air conditioner is experiencing this problem, insufficient airflow, low refrigerant levels, and a dirty air filter could be to blame.

You could also be dealing with dirty evaporator coils. After all, evaporator coils that are covered in dirt and grime won’t be able to absorb heat, which can lead to freezing.

8. Why Do Air Conditioners Leak?

Air conditioning systems can experience two types of leaks: water and refrigerant leaks. Water leaks can be caused by clogged drain lines, a blocked condenser coil, or a damaged drain pan. Refrigerant leaks can be the result of poor installation or regular wear and tear. No matter the case, you’ll want to address this problem as soon as possible to prevent water damage and ensure the safety of your household.

9. Why Is Your Heating System Blowing Cold Air?

When professional technicians discuss common HVAC problems and solutions with homeowners, they sometimes notice a pattern. For example, one common problem homeowners encounter is that their heating systems won’t blow hot air. Instead, the air leaving their vents is cold.

If your furnace keeps blowing cold air, this could be due to a damaged pilot light or a dirty flame detector. You’ll want to contact an experienced technician for a suitable solution, whether that’s a maintenance service or repair.

On the other hand, this problem can also have easy fixes, such as replacing a dirty air filter or switching the thermostat from “ON” to “AUTO.”

10. Why Won’t Your Furnace Ignite?

Furnaces have an igniter that needs to spark in order to provide heat to a home. If your furnace isn’t igniting, this could be the result of a gas line issue, broken flame sensor, malfunctioning igniter, and more. If your furnace is on the younger side, a repair may be able to fix the problem. However, if your heating system is old, replacing the unit could be a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Have an HVAC Problem? Call the Experts!

There you have it: the answers to the ten most common HVAC problems! Some of these issues are easy to fix, while others may require a comprehensive repair or replacement.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the most common HVAC problems and solutions, turn to Plumbing & A/C Medic for help. We specialize in everything from HVAC system replacements to heat pump repair in Fountain Hills, AZ, to meet your needs. Contact us today!

Plumbing & AC Medic

Plumbing & AC Medic

When it comes to keeping your home and family comfortable, no one does it better than Plumbing & A/C Medic, Inc.. Our highly trained and fully qualified home comfort experts are committed to delivering exactly the service you deserve at a price you can afford.

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In 2006, we were established as the leading HVAC and plumbing company in Gilbert, because we are always focused on adhering to ethical business practices and offering exceptional service. From troubleshooting minor problems to replacing entire systems, our team always goes above and beyond to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

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