Most common home HVAC problems this time of year
In this article, we will point out the most common HVAC problems we see this time of year. As the warm weather ramps up, so will the wear and tear on most Midwestern home’s HVAC systems, so homeowners should keep a close eye on their systems to ducts. For newer homeowners, it may be difficult to know exactly what to look out for. While diagnosing every issue isn’t easy, these are the most common home HVAC problems happening this time of year, that homeowners will be able to catch early on.
Dusty, Dirty, or Clogged Filters
One of the easiest pieces to address on an air conditioner, and one of the most often overlooked, is the filter. Though it needs to be regularly changed — every 1–3 months, depending on the type of unit — it is easy to let this chore drop by the wayside until your unit’s performance begins to suffer. Letting the A/C continually run with a dirty filter will cause the system to run harder than it needs to, and can lead to overheating.
The solution to this situation is straightforward — replace or clean the air filter, depending on whether or not the air filter is disposable. A disposable air filter can simply be slid out and replaced with a new filter. A non-disposable filter can be removed, cleaned with soap and water, left to dry completely (moisture left behind can lead to mildew growth, so a thorough dry is necessary), and re-inserted.
Thermostat Issues
Since the thermostat directly controls the function of the A/C, it’s important to remember to keep it set to the appropriate settings dependent on the weather and season. This is another easy item to forget, especially with programmable thermostats, as often, you will program the thermostat for the last season, then forget to switch over as the weather warms up.
Alternatively, the thermostat may be malfunctioning — whether the wires have worn down, or it has a bad connection — causing the A/C to run incorrectly. Re-setting a programmable thermostat is as simple as changing the settings, but outright repairing a thermostat will generally require help from a professional.
Blower Fans Breaking Down
The A/C may be running, but if it’s noticeable that no air is reaching the vents, then the likely culprit is the blower fan. One way to help pinpoint the blower fan as the source of the issue is, in addition to no or low airflow through the vents, if the A/C unit is making a high-pitched whirring noise. While this will usually require a technician’s diagnosis, the solution can be as simple as making sure the blower belt is well oiled. Then again, the issue could be with the blower motor and require internal repairs that are more complex.
General Wear and Tear
All regularly used appliances will eventually succumb to the issues of simply reaching their end. Parts are only guaranteed to be in working order for so many cycles, and that cycle limit will eventually be hit for each part. The best way to stay on top of the issues of regular wear and tear is by scheduling an annual maintenance check for the home’s full HVAC system. Allowing an expert technician to open up and assess each part of the system will not only catch the issues caused by regular usage but also alert homeowners to any of the previous issues early on before they become something that needs to be fixed in an emergency repair.
Before letting your home’s A/C succumb to the woes of burnout during the summer months, reach out to the HVAC experts at Duane Blanton Family Home Services. Professionals with over 30 years of service. As a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, Duane Blanton will be able to tackle any A/C issues, keeping your home cool and comfortable. Reach out to the experts at Duane Blanton today, at (815) 781-2567, or schedule an appointment directly from your browser through their convenient online scheduling portal!
