4 Common But Preventable HVAC Problems
Residential AC and heating systems have become an essential part of everyday living that an unexpected breakdown can impact your daily routine. In today’s post, Air Products & Services explores some of the most common HVAC problems and how they can be prevented.
- Insufficient airflow. Poor airflow can result in uneven heating or cooling, as well as trapped odors and indoor air pollutants. Factors that hinder airflow include clogged air filters, leaking air ducts and even improperly-placed furniture. Fortunately, this is the easiest one to remedy, as air filters can be replaced and furniture can be moved. Air ducts should be maintained by having it cleaned and resealed every five years or so.
- Malfunctioning thermostat. Sometimes a thermostat may start acting up — it may become unresponsive or the HVAC system may not respond to it. Often, the remedy is as simple as performing a factory reset or replacing its batteries. Some manufacturers provide additional troubleshooting steps in the user guide. If the thermostat turns out to be faulty, take it as an opportunity to upgrade to a programmable model.
- Leaking refrigerant. Your air conditioning installation produces cool air by cycling a substance called refrigerant, transporting heat from the room and cooling the coils located in the indoor unit. Sometimes the refrigerant lines can spring a leak. When this happens, the air conditioner’s workload is increased, resulting in additional strain to the system that can lead to high energy bills and a premature breakdown. Signs that indicate a leak include low cooling output and frost in the indoor unit. You may also notice an oily substance leaking from the refrigerant lines. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance can help prevent refrigerant leaks. Call an HVAC technician if you notice the signs described above, as they will need to fix the leak and recharge the refrigerant.
- Unpleasant odors. Odors coming from the vents are usually caused by mold and bacteria growing within the air ducts. Having the air ducts cleaned regularly can help keep them free of mold and bacterial growth. Replacing your regular air filters with high-efficiency ones, as well as running an air purifier or scrubber, can help reduce the amount of odor-causing particles that may make their way into the ductwork.
Our team at Air Products & Services can help you with your residential heating and commercial AC maintenance needs. Give us a call at (818) 989-2030, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Tarzana, CA, and the surrounding communities.