While a home can come equipped with several types of HVAC systems, most homes still use the basic split system. The furnace lives inside the home, while the AC unit remains outside. In most cases, a fan or blower distributes the heated or cooled air through a ductwork system.
Like any mechanical system, you can expect HVAC problems at some point during your tenure in a home. Some will prove minor, while others will create absolute havoc until you call a heating repair service in. If you’re new to homeownership, keep reading for five common HVAC problems you may encounter.
1. Ignition Problems
If you are part of the nearly 50 percent of people who heat their homes with natural gas, ignition problems are one of the potential HVAC issues that can crop up. Ignition issues can stem from several sources.
Since many furnaces now use electrical ignitors, electrical problems can prevent ignition. A faulty ignitor or ignitor sensor can prevent the furnace from starting. A clogged air filter will also interfere with proper ignition.
Since so many things can cause the problem, you’ll need help from an HVAC company to diagnose and repair the issue.
2. Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can make your home too hot, too cold, or render the HVAC system non-functional. The good news is that there is an HVAC repair you can try before calling the pros. Many thermostats are not hardwired into your electrical system but run on a battery instead.
You can try replacing the battery. If that doesn’t work, you may need a pro to install a new thermostat. Check out snowsfuel.com if you want a reliable business to fix your thermostat issues.
3. Lost Efficiency
Any HVAC system will slowly lose efficiency over time. The machinery wears out a little each time it turns on, but it should prove a very slow process. If you notice a sudden loss in efficiency, it likely means a problem with at least one piece of your equipment.
4. Dirty Filters
Dirty filters don’t just interfere with furnace ignition, they interfere with the proper functioning of your entire HVAC system. That system needs a steady supply of air. Having a low quality filter may mean it needs replacing quicker, so you want to consider a higher quality filter like a 20x30x1 air filter. Regularly check the filter as dirty filters reduce that airflow and make the system work harder for the same results.
You end up with more problems and higher bills. You can consider a company such as DUCTZ of Greenville & Spartanburg if you need a deep clean and keep the costs low.
5. Infrequent Maintenance
Infrequent maintenance is likely the true culprit that drives heater repair and air condition repair most of the time. An HVAC system will often keep working even if there is a problem. A failure to address those problems, such as a necessary part replacement, strains the rest of the system.
HVAC Problems and You
Unless you move into a home with a very new HVAC system and move out again within a few years, you can’t escape HVAC problems. You can minimize them, though.
Regular annual maintenance checkups and regular filter changes can catch or prevent a host of problems that will eventually spiral into very costly repairs. You can also watch out for unusual spikes in utility costs, as though can alert you to an HVAC problem.
Looking for more tips on keeping your home in top shape? Head over to our Lifestyle section for more posts.
*This is a collaboration post
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