You can do many things to address problems with your HVAC system if you know what to look for and what causes the problem. Many times, for instance, it could be that the filters need replacing or cleaning, or the coils need to be maintained. Your HVAC system is designed to run with minimal wear and tear for a long time – and that’s why it is costly to install! But it’s good to know that you can fix some issues before they get worse – so here’s how to identify and fix some usual problems with HVAC systems.
- Normal wear and tear
Your heating system relies on several mechanical parts and elements. This is why your HVAC system’s performance can be negatively impacted if these mechanical parts malfunction or don’t work well anymore. So what are these parts? They can include bearings and belts, which can overheat or suffer from a lack of heat, or these parts could have faulty airflow. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain these parts, and maintenance includes checking for stretched or worn belts and regularly oiling the motors and bearings.
- Strange or unusual sounds in the furnace
While it’s true that furnace sounds or noises are normal and are part of the usual operation, some sounds are not normal and are signs of a mechanical issue. For instance, the motor can squeal or whine – which may indicate that the bearings in a blower or inducer’s motor are no longer functioning properly. The motor may also need replacement, as the technicians from McNally HVAC suggest. The entire furnace may need to be replaced, and you could have a new furnace installed. Other unusual or strange sounds or noises can be caused by dirty burners or issues with the airflow. The experts further agree that it’s best if you don’t ignore strange sounds or noises because they could be a warning of something worse.
- Dirty evaporator or condenser coils
Without regular maintenance, it’s easy for your HVAC system to get dirty, particularly when it comes to debris and dirt, which can end up clogging your system’s coils and reducing its efficiency. Furthermore, if your system is continuously clogged, this will cause it to wear out and break down sooner than expected. Once you shut off the power, you can easily hose down the system’s condenser coil. Also, the evaporator coil indoors can become full of dirt, especially if you don’t change the filters frequently. If the evaporator coil is dirty, it will make the system work doubly hard, and it can decrease your furnace’s efficiency. When the coils get too dirty, they must be cleaned by a technician.
- Water leakage
Another common HVAC system issue is water leakage. Both the furnace and air conditioner will produce condensate. To drain the water, drain pipes are used. But if the drain pipelines are cracked or clogged, it can lead to your furnace leaking water. You can maintain the cleanliness of the drain pipelines if you regularly pour bleach on the drain. If there is still a leak, it could stem from the heat exchanger, drain pan, or collector box – and if this is the case, it would be wise to contact a technician so they can check the source of the leak and work out how to repair it.
