Common HVAC Repairs: Ensuring Optimal Performance and Comfort

Maintaining your HVAC system is key if you want your home to remain comfortable year-round. Many people are unaware of all the components of their HVAC system, so when HVAC problems arise, they’re not sure where to turn.

At Bowman Mechanical Services, we want to help you get the most out of your HVAC system and be knowledgeable when it comes to the various HVAC problems that can occur. We’re going to take a closer look at the components of an HVAC system as well as some of the most common HVAC repairs. We’ll also highlight what should be done as a part of your annual HVAC tune-up.

Importance of a Well-Functioning HVAC System

You want to have a well-functioning HVAC system in your home to maintain good air quality. With the proper ventilation and filtration, you can not only be comfortable in your home but also provide a healthy environment.

When your HVAC system is not working as it should, you may notice the air is not only stuffy, but allergens can also get into your home.

Understanding Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system has several key parts that need to all be working properly to provide the right ventilation.

Components of an HVAC system

Thermostat

The thermostat is the most visible part of your HVAC system. It allows you to set a desired temperature. Depending on the equipment in your home, you can have more than one thermostat for different areas of your home.

Furnace and Blower Motor

The furnace and blower are two major parts of your home’s HVAC system. A fuel source will heat incoming air. The blower motor then distributes the heated air through ductwork and out through supply registers. It then pulls cool air back in from the return registers to restart the process.

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger kicks on when the thermostat calls for heat. As the air inside the heat exchanger warms up, heat transfers to the metal walls. The blower motor then takes air into the furnace and blows the air over the outside walls of the heat exchanger. The air quickly heats up and goes back into the home through the supply registers.

Evaporator Coil

This is the internal portion of a split-system air conditioner. Refrigerant will flow through the coil and gets absorbed by the indoor air passing over it.

Condensing Unit

The condensing unit is the metal unit that sits outside of the home. It is responsible for expelling the heat absorbed from indoor air to the exterior.

Refrigerant Lines

The refrigerant lines are made of copper or aluminum. They run between the indoor evaporator coil and the outdoor condensing unit.

Ductwork

Ducts distribute the forced-air heating and cooling throughout the house.

Return and Supply Registers

These are the covers that fit over the ductwork openings. They are typically found in the ceiling, wall, or floor.

How the system works to cool and condition the air

As the liquid refrigerant inside the evaporator coil converts to gas, the heat from the indoor air is absorbed into the refrigerant. It cools the air as it passes over the coil.

What are the most common HVAC repairs?

Malfunctioning air conditioner

One of the most common HVAC problems is a malfunctioning air conditioner. You may begin to hear strange noises coming from your HVAC system. These can include clanking, squealing, and other noises indicating that something is not right. Airflow issues can cause some noises. Whatever the source, this is something you’ll want to get looked at ASAP.

Inefficient cooling or heating

When your HVAC system sends out warm air to different rooms at different rates, you’re going to experience either inefficient cooling or heating or an uneven temperature distribution.

Refrigerant leaks

Refrigerant leaks can occur when the drain lines are either clogged or cracked. Leak sources could be attributed to the collector box, heat exchanger, or evaporator drain pan.

Faulty thermostats

If your thermostat is not working for one reason or another, your home is not going to be at the desired temperature. Sometimes the fix is as easy as getting a new battery in programmable thermostats. Other times, an HVAC professional will need to make the repair.

Damaged compressor

Without a working compressor, your HVAC unit won’t be able to function. When the AC compressor fails, less air will come out from the vents, or the air could be warm. The system may continually run without cooling your home. This can rack up your energy bill and leave you uncomfortable. If your compressor is damaged, you’ll want to call an HVAC technician as soon as possible to fix the problem.

Clogged condensate drain

When air circulates through the evaporator coil, moisture can trap dust, and other airborne particles. Over time, it can cause a blockage as it gets trapped in your condensate drain line.

Electrical component failures

One of the most common HVAC problems occurs when the blower is overworking and trips a breaker. If there is a blockage in your ventilation system, the airflow will be affected. This will cause your blower to work overtime.

A trained service technician can determine whether there is a malfunction of the circuit breaker or if there is a furnace problem.

Enhancing Air Conditioning Efficiency

Importance of Addressing Common Air Conditioner Repairs Promptly

If you haven’t been keeping up with preventative maintenance and notice HVAC issues within your unit, you’ll want to have a trained technician look at your system sooner rather than later. If you notice a problem and ignore it, you’re setting yourself up for more costly issues down the road.

You also don’t want to ignore air conditioner problems because they can cause unhealthy air quality. You don’t want the air coming from your system to be dirty and cause air quality problems inside your home.

Air filter replacement

If you don’t change your air filters regularly, they can impact your system’s performance. Without the right air ventilation, your unit can lose efficiency.

Not changing your home’s air filter can also lead to the evaporator coil freezing up. This produces an unpleasant smell. Dirty air filters can also cause respiratory problems. This is why replacing them regularly is important.

Ductwork inspection and sealing

Having your ductwork inspected regularly will boost the unit’s efficiency. When dust particles and other debris accumulate to a certain level within the ductwork, they can affect the airflow. This can lead to uneven temperature distribution within the home no matter what your thermostat settings are on.

Following regularly scheduled maintenance for your HVAC system can prevent this from happening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the average life expectancy of an HVAC system?

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is ten years. But this will depend on whether you keep up with the proper maintenance. If you perform regular maintenance, its life expectancy can surpass ten years. 

How are common problems diagnosed in HVAC?

Common problems are typically diagnosed with an HVAC diagnostic test. This typically includes a thorough scan of thermostats, electric connections, and all other parts to see that there are working properly. If something does not test well, then your trained service technician knows there is a problem.

What maintenance should be done on HVAC systems?

If you are looking for routine maintenance, it should include a thorough cleaning of the coils, drains, and elements. You also want to make sure that the connections, motor, and thermostat are inspected and working properly. During a maintenance call, the refrigerant pressure should also be monitored.

Schedule an Air Conditioning Inspection and Maintenance Service Today to Ensure Your System is in Top Condition

If you want to avoid costly repairs, be sure to keep up with preventative maintenance from Bowman Mechanical Services. We are Raleigh’s most trusted HVAC services company. Call us today at  919-772-2759 or fill out the form below to schedule an appointment and discover why more people in the Raleigh area trust Bowman Mechanical Services for all of their HVAC needs.