It’s important that you reach out to a trustworthy service technician when you come across signs that your AC unit isn’t working as well as it should. To make that happen though, you need to recognize the signs. Here are common HVAC issues—and how they look like or what their signs are—to help you. By knowing what to watch out for, you’ll know right away if you need to reach out to an HVAC service technician as soon as possible.
Clogged Filters
This is a common HVAC problem. Signs include compromised airflow. If there are hot and cold spots in your room or stuffy air, that’s a sign that you have clogged air filters. You’ll need to replace the filter to fix this issue. However, it’s easy enough to do. Have pros do this every two to three months on average. You can do this yourself but if you aren’t sure what to do, it’s better to hire pros of an HVAC repair company in Peoria to do the job.
Obstructed Condenser Unit
The condenser unit is typically located outside your home. However, being outside means it could get crowded around the unit. If there plants around the condenser, then that could cause the unit to get overheated. Is the unit always hot to the touch? Is it smoking? Don’t let it worsen. Before those things even happen, clear out the clutter around the unit.
Outdated HVAC Design
When you renovate your home, it’s smart to upgrade your HVAC unit too. An outdated HVAC system won’t be able to handle the needs of your home. If your unit isn’t cooling the room as well as before, or it doesn’t get as cold as before, then it’s time to replace that with a new one.
Slow Fan
Blower fans should work efficiently. If yours is slow and sluggish, that could be due to the grime and dirt that’s accumulated on the fan. This can also be one of the reasons why you’ve got poor airflow. Have a pro clean the fan to restore its smooth, efficient operation.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If your AC is leaking, that’s usually a refrigerant problem. Signs of this are compromised airflow and reduced cooling comfort. If this isn’t fixed right away, it could lead to the unit’s gradual decline in performance.
Related Read: Why You Shouldn’t Tackle Do-It-Yourself HVAC Maintenance
Blocked Vents and Registers
These are other common problems that HVAC owners find themselves dealing with sooner or later. One way to fix this is to check if you’ve misplaced rugs or furniture. Check if anything is blocking your vents or registers and then remove them.
Wrong Size
Big isn’t always better. You need a unit that’s just the right size for your property or rooms. Anything that’s too small won’t be able to provide the level of cooling comfort that you want. On the other hand, if you pick an oversized unit, it might often cycle on and off and might not remove the humidity in your space. The result is that you’ll end up feeling like your room is even stuffier or more uncomfortable than before. Pick a unit that’s properly sized.
Leaky and Blocked Ducts
Are your ducts leaky? Are they blocked? That’s another common problem that you’ll want to look into. Dust and dirt build up over time. That’s why you need to hire pros to check the condition of your ducts. If the airflow is impeded, then that means there’s a blockage that needs to be removed. It’s easy enough to get your ducts cleaned. Also, some ducts might have cracks or holes. That will affect the airflow of your unit as well. A professional service technician, though, will know what to do to repair the damage. Don’t try to DIY by putting duct tape on the cracks or holes, since it doesn’t really work well and is only a temporary measure. Stop-gap measures won’t help you in the long run. You’ll need to hire a professional to deal with the problem. Also, old ducts require a light touch. That’s another reason why you’ll need pros with expertise and the proper tools to make sure the ductwork isn’t damaged any further.
Related Read: Why Should I Purchase An HVAC Service Agreement?
Dirty Coils
Dirt on the coils can lead to airflow issues. That’s why it’s best that you check the coil for dirt since dirt and dust build up over time. If there’s too much dirt and dust, the coil won’t be able to release the heat effectively and that’s why the air’s cooling comfort is compromised. If you don’t want that to happen, then clean those coils regularly. Hiring a pro to take care of this is convenient, though, as you can ask the technician to take care of all the other issues that need to undergo troubleshooting. To make it easier, you might want to come up with a list of the issues that you think your unit has. That should give the technician a bit of a guide on where to get started.
