HVACs play a big role in our homes and businesses, especially during winter and summer periods. However, it is important to understand how these systems work in order to make them efficient. Understanding how your HVAC works makes it easy to identify any issues and correctly address them before they affect their normal functioning.
Most of the HVAC issues have to do with the cleaning of filters and coils. But those issues can worsen if not addressed early enough. You can easily avoid most of the problems by conducting regular inspections and repairs. It is recommended that you have your HVAC system checked at least once a year to keep it safe.
Below are common HVAC issues and how to solve them:
1.    Lack of maintenance
Lack of maintenance is one of the major causes of HVAC problems. Most of the common furnace problems come as a result of a lack of proper maintenance. The fact that your HVAC system is operating doesn’t mean that everything is okay. Your AC needs to be regularly maintained by a licensed service contractor. Purchasing and installing an HVAC is expensive, and that’s why you should try as much as possible to protect it. Failing to maintain your HVAC can lead to high energy bills, inefficiency and unnecessary breakdowns.
2.    Dirty filters
Your HVAC system has many components, and a filter is one of them. It is one of the components responsible for the efficient functioning of your AC. As such, you need to regularly check your furnace and replace the filter if it is not in good condition. A dirty filter will limit airflow, making your HVAC work extra hard to maintain the required temperatures. Besides, a dirty filter can cause your furnace to overheat and shut off unexpectedly.
3.    Thermostat malfunctioning
There are different types of thermostats found in an HVAC. They can either be programmable or non-programmable. In most cases, when a furnace is not functioning properly, the issue is usually with the thermostat or how it has been set. The best way to handle this problem is to review the operating instructions or refer to your owner’s manual. This can save you a lot of money in terms of repairing or replacing the entire system. Programmable thermostats come with batteries that must be replaced regularly.
4.    Pilot or ignition problems
Ignition issues can emanate from several causes. Flame sensors, a dirty pilot, can lead to a pilot outage, furnace lockout, short cycling or delayed burner ignitions. It can also be caused by gas supply issues or a worn-out ignition component that requires replacement. Regardless of the cause, it is important to have a qualified technician inspect and recommend the best cause of action. A licensed technician will be able to assess the ignitions and determine whether they require any attention or not.
5.    Mechanical malfunctions
There are several mechanical components that your HVAC depends on to operate normally. The performance of your unit can be negatively affected by the normal functioning of the system. These may include bearings and belts that may be caused by poor heating, overheating, or airflow issues. The best solution to this problem is to conduct regular maintenance that includes the checking of worn-out or stretched belts.
6.    Unusual furnace noises
While some HVAC noises are part of its normal functioning, there are some that are a sign of a mechanical problem. A squealing or whining motor may be a sign that the bearings inside an inducer have failed or are about to fail. The only way to avoid furnace breakdown is by replacing the motor. Some noises may be a result of a dirty burner or airflow issues.
7.    A dirty condenser or evaporator coils
If you experience this problem, the chances are high that proper maintenance hasn’t been done on your HVAC. Debris and dirt can easily clog the coils of your unit and reduce its efficiency significantly. You can solve this problem by switching off the power of the condenser and hosing off the outdoor coil. The indoor evaporator can get dirty if its filter is not changed regularly.
In general, there are many common issues your commercial HVAC unit can face. The most important thing that you have to do is get them checked out by a professional regularly so that you can have a longer life.
