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A functioning HVAC system that has received heating and AC repair is an essential fixture in homes; it not only regulates the temperature in your home but also works to improve your health and that of your family. The HVAC system reduces the humidity in the air, preventing excessive moisture buildup. High moisture is a breeding zone for mold and dust mites that can be a safety hazard for health by causing respiratory ailments. The system can also eliminate allergens and pollutants in the air that are a cause of allergies.
You do not have to be a professional to know that you need heating and AC repair services for your unit. For instance, once you have lowered the temperature on your thermostat, and there is no supply of cold air in your home, it is an indication that the system is not functioning as it should. Timely heating and AC repair and maintenance services can prolong the life and efficiency of the HVAC system. Here’s a look at the things that warrant urgent repair and maintenance checks.
Unusual noises
Air conditioners tend to make mild noises during operation. However, banging noises can allude to the occurrence of loose or broken parts causing a need for heating and AC repairs. A loose connection in the rod, piston pin, or crankshaft inside the HVAC system can cause a banging noise. Your indoor blower could also be unbalanced. Additionally, a constant clicking sound can stem from a defective control or a failing thermostat. A buzzing sound from your outside unit can indicate that there are loose parts, debris stuck in the system, fan blades are out of balance, or air filters are faulty.
Outdoor fan motors and indoor blower motors squeal when they are malfunctioning. A humming sound can arise from loose parts in the refrigerant piping that cause excessive vibrations. If the compressor hums and does not turn off, the motor could have a malfunction. Additionally, the HVAC unit has lots of electrical parts that require homeowners to seek professional heating and AC repair services. The mechanics of dealing with the various HVAC components can be quite daunting to an untrained eye, so why not get expert help from seasoned plumbers?
Foul odor
Your HVAC system could be releasing an electrical odor, indicating that it is overheating. The problem may be with the motor or wiring, which requires a professional HVAC technician to repair and fix the issue. Your HVAC system could also produce a rotten egg smell, and in such a case, it indicates there is a natural gas leak. Natural gas is odorless on its own, and most utility providers add a sulfur aroma to alert users of leakages. A leak at a pipe fitting or within the equipment can cause a foul smell. Excess moisture in the system is also a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold produces a musty smell, which can affect your respiratory health if you do not take care of it immediately. Regular heating and AC repair services ensure your system is ever clean to prevent mold infestation.
Oil leakage can also emit a funny smell. It is wise to get a professional to look out for signs of oil leakage and tighten fittings in the tank, oil line, or filters. If there are no signs of oil leakage, the oil burner could be faulty due to clogging or a malfunctioning fuel pump. When seeking heating and AC repair services, your local Chattanooga, TN, technician can diagnose the problem efficiently and recommend lasting solutions.
A rise in indoor humidity
Signs of condensation on cooler surfaces such as windows, mirrors, and pipes are clear indicators of excess moisture in your home. One of the reasons for high humidity is your AC being oversized, hence it does a poor job in controlling both humidity and temperature. The compressor could also be too powerful, and therefore, it turns on and off frequently, so the HVAC unit does not run long enough to get rid of the humidity in the air. It is critical to calculate the value of the system carefully using a load calculation process to get the proper AC size. Professional heating and AC repair service providers can help you by ensuring you install the right system for your home needs. An HVAC system that is limited to a single speed can have a hard time controlling indoor humidity. When the unit is only limited to one speed, it runs full blast until the air reaches the set temperature and then turns off until the temperature goes above the thermostat threshold. That means that the unit does not run long enough to get rid of excess humidity.
Negative air pressure as a result of a poorly designed ventilation system can cause excess humidity accumulation since the air tries to balance itself by drawing in more outside air any way that it can. Additionally, using the wrong thermostat settings causes the fun to run continuously even when the AC is not in use. To get rid of all humidity woes, get emergency heating and AC repair services to have a professional clean the system, repair problematic parts, and replace those that are irreparable. You can also consider installing a dehumidifier to complement the HVAC unit.
Issues related to power
Your HVAC system may fail after a power outage causes an electrical surge that ends up tripping the circuit breaker. The unit uses large amounts of energy during operation, which requires it to have a circuit breaker of its own. When the breaker does not match your home’s electrical voltage or is loose, you may start experiencing various electrical issues. That may require you to seek emergency heating and AC repair services to tighten the unsteady breakers or install new ones. Another common sign of power related issues is when the AC does not turn on and off properly. The problem could be with the relays, which play a crucial job in transmitting electrical power into your system’s motor. When you forcefully open them, electrical power may not reach the motors, hence hindering the system from turning on. Also, if the relays get stuck, they prevent the HVAC system from shutting off.
Frost can also accumulate inside the HVAC system. After a while, the internal temperature will drop very low. The condensation will freeze inside, causing ice to form on the inside of the HVAC system. That ultimately results in a shutdown of the entire system. The electrical components are prone to corrosion and wearing as well, which requires homeowners to seek regular heating and AC repair services.
Water leakage
A clogged condensate drain line is the most common reason for water leakage in your HVAC system. Sludge and debris tend to clog the condensate drain line if not cleaned with time. You can contact a professional plumber for emergency heating and AC repair services, and they can use a special vacuum to suck the blockage material out. A rusted drain pan can also cause leakage since water will fall right through.
The condensate pump could also break, leading to water back up into your home since the fixture mainly pumps the water outside. It fails to work if it is damaged and needs heating and AC repair. Additionally, low refrigerant causes a lower pressure in the HVAC system resulting in a freeze-up of the evaporator coil. And when the coil melts, water overflows over the drain pan and leaks into your home. An indication of low refrigerant is a hissing or bubbling noise and the air conditioning not working effectively.
Rapid cycling
Short cycling drains massive amounts of power and causes the HVAC to wear down early. A faulty thermostat can make the air conditioner’s compressor turn on and off rapidly. It could also develop a miscalibration that results in an incorrect reading of the indoor temperature, hence rapid cycling. The problem may also generate from the compressor, which pumps the refrigerant through the system by putting it under pressure.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause insufficient airflow in the system, resulting in it running twice as hard as it should. If the airflow drops too low, the system might overheat and trigger an automatic shutdown to prevent compressor damage. Homeowners in Chattanooga, TN, should have their air filters regularly changed during their routine heating and AC repair sessions.
Faulty capacitors
Capacitors tend to fail occasionally since they have a tough job of supplying and storing electrical energy. When the HVAC is on, the capacitor supplies high voltage to the compressor fan and blower motor. Worth noting is that heat is the most damaging element for the AC capacitor. Exposing the HVAC system to heat over a long time shortens its lifespan and causes significant damage to the unit. Capacitors have a voltage rating that informs the technician which capacitor is right for your HVAC system. Some homeowners may try to cut costs by getting an untrained handyman to install a capacitor that might end up not being the right fit for your HVAC system.
An undersized or oversized capacitor may shorten the lifespan of your system. It is only a seasoned expert who will have the technical know-how of the capacitor with the right voltage rating per your unit needs. Also, capacitors may have a shorter life span hence need replacements with time. However, various factors may result in wearing quicker than expected. You can get full perception from your local plumber during the maintenance and repair checks.
Clogged filters
Dirty air filters can damage your HVAC system. Air filters collect sediments and dust and so pollute the air in your house. The presence of allergens in your home can result in respiratory illnesses, especially for persons with allergies. Frequently replacing your air filters ensures that your HVAC system functions well and that you have a clean supply of air throughout. Failure to change a faulty air filter can lead to burning out of various components in the unit.
It is vital to have heating and AC repair services regularly since you get to replace your air filter when needed. Clogged air filters result in a spike in utility bills since the system is being overworked. As the filters get dustier with time, there is no room left for air to reach its destination. That’s why you ought to seek urgent heating and AC repair services from your plumber in Chattanooga, TN.
Problematic thermostat sensor
The thermostat should not be in line with direct sunlight and should be no more than 5 meters from your door. It is critical to place it in the right position since it controls how the HVAC system operates. For instance, if you position it in the path of direct sunlight, it will read that your house is much warmer than it is, making your HVAC unit run more than it should. The thermostat also needs a thorough cleaning from time to time since grime can build up inside. In such cases, it will not gauge the temperature of the air in your house effectively. Additionally, the thermostat will not work as you intend it to if it is not in level. Mercury bulb thermostats require it to be at level to function. Older thermostats are also at risk of breaking, and so you should consider replacing them with programmable ones.
It is also prudent to have batteries in the thermostat in case you get a low power warning. Improper installation can also warrant the need for urgent heating and AC repair services to fix the problem. A sign of improper installation is if the wires are loose and not tightly affixed to the thermostat. Program defects are also a common problem in modern thermostats that come computerized. In case you experience any of the above issues, consult a professional to guide you on the way forward.
Vents are blowing warm air
When the AC emits warm air during the time it’s supposed to blow out cold air, it is faulty. The duct in the system may be damaged or disconnected, leading it to pull in hot indoor air. You may have a situation where the power to the blower or fan and indoor component is active, but that to the outdoor compressor unit is not active. That may result in warm air blowing through the vents as opposed to cold air. Also, a dirty evaporator coil could cause the vents to emit cold air.
When the system fails to cool your home, it beats the purpose for which you bought the unit. At this point, get help from a well-versed plumber for proper diagnosis and fixing of the problem.
Contact the experts
Founded in 1989, Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air provides top-notch heating and AC repair services to residents in and around Chattanooga, TN. We have experienced and professional staff that strives to achieve customer service. Whether you need budget-conscious heating and AC repair services or premium renovation solutions, we will offer services that meet your specific needs. Do not hesitate to give us a call whenever you face an HVAC problem, and we will send an expert your way.
