HVAC emergencies can range from inconvenient to downright dangerous. To avoid HVAC emergencies, you should be aware of what causes them, how to prevent them and what to do if an emergency arises.
Read on as Air Products & Services discusses everything you need to know about HVAC emergencies.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It is used to regulate the temperature in residential and commercial buildings. Whether you’re cooling off your home in the height of summer or warming up in winter, HVAC systems are necessary for keeping things comfortable.
Several components work together to create an HVAC system capable of heating and cooling your home. A furnace, blower motor and fan provide heating in cold weather. An evaporator coil, a compressor, refrigerant lines and an expansion valve combine to cool your property. While you may get more mileage out of the AC components, it’s necessary to know how to properly care for your systems.
Understanding the key contributing factors to HVAC emergencies can help you better plan ahead on maintenance and AC repair services. Here are the top causes of emergency situations.
A power outage is one of the leading culprits for HVAC meltdowns. Over the summer, take care to abide by any mandated energy-saving initiatives to avoid a lapse in power. Emergency repairs to correct an issue with electric components due to a weather event, such as high winds or thunderstorms, can be avoided by investing in an emergency generator or surge protector.
Electrical issues can also be a cause of HVAC-related headaches. These issues range from minor problems such as loose wiring or burned-out fuses to more serious electrical faults that could potentially damage the system and start fires. Improper installation, overuse and aging components in the system usually cause electrical failures. Regular maintenance and servicing can help reduce the risk of an electrical failure leading to an emergency situation.
Clogged or dirty filters can restrict airflow and create an imbalance between the return and supply of air. This reduces efficiency, resulting in higher utility bills and potential damage to the indoor components of your system. If left unchecked, these dirty filters could lead to expensive repair bills down the line.
A thermostat may need occasional maintenance or a complete replacement in some scenarios if you find it inaccurate or unresponsive. Always double-check whether or not the wiring is attached properly and securely to prevent potential system failure due to inadequate temperature control.
Check for dirt, dust and blockages that form over time in the insulation or pipes. These obstructions can restrict airflow around the system, leading to emergency breakdowns that require immediate repairs from a professional service technician.
An HVAC system can experience a range of mechanical failures. From minor issues such as a broken belt or loose connection to more serious problems like a worn-out compressor or failed motor, mechanical failures could render your HVAC unusable. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent these types of issues, but it’s important to be aware that they may still occur despite your best efforts due to regular wear and tear.
Taking the necessary steps to prevent HVAC emergencies is crucial to maintaining your equipment for a long time. By understanding the most common causes and taking preventive measures, you can ensure your equipment keeps working throughout the year. Here are some prevention tips to follow.
Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent HVAC emergency breakdowns. Cleaning filters, testing thermostats, checking the wiring and looking over the entire system should be part of your preventive plan. Calling a professional service technician once or twice per year can also help you identify potential issues before they happen.
Determining the issue right away can help you save time and money. To ensure that air can move throughout without any potential blockages, make sure to check your building’s ventilation system regularly. Look for any debris, dust or obstructions that prevent air from flowing freely in and out of vents. You should also remove any overgrowth of trees and shrubbery. If you suspect clogged and blocked ducts, consult a professional HVAC technician for inspection and AC troubleshooting system services.
Use your knowledge of HVAC systems to find underlying problems promptly. As soon as atypical behavior occurs in the system, meet with a technician to discuss potential solutions and get preventive maintenance assistance.
Part of preventive maintenance is using quality parts and accessories for optimal HVAC performance. Cheap components can reduce the system’s life span, which may cause problems that require emergency repairs or replacements.
An HVAC system can’t work effectively without adequate ventilation. Make sure to check for leaks and blockages in the ducts, as this prevents air from entering or leaving specific areas of your home.
Insulation helps keep airflow consistent and moderates temperatures, making it a useful tool in preventing overheating or cooling breakdowns. Ensure your system’s insulation is adequate for your area’s climate and replace worn-out material whenever necessary.
To avoid potentially life-threatening HVAC emergencies like fires, repairing your HVAC unit is a must. Air conditioning replacement should be left to the professionals. Attempting to DIY a solution could result in more harm than good.
If you’re experiencing an HVAC emergency, it’s best to reach out to a professional as soon as possible. At Air Products & Services in Van Nuys, CA, we are dedicated to providing emergency HVAC services and other heating and cooling solutions to our clients. Discuss your needs with us today. To schedule a consultation with our experts, call us at (818) 989-2030 or fill out our contact form. We also serve homeowners in Tarzana, CA.