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Is it time to repair or replace your HVAC unit? If you’re like most people, you probably shudder at the thought of having to completely replace your entire HVAC system. Afterall, it is a big investment, so it’s definitely worth considering all of your options before you jump into replacing your unit. Diagnosing your HVAC system yourself is practically impossible and knowing whether something is normal, can be repaired or needs to be completely replaced is best left up to the experts.
If you’re wondering whether or not your system is still running optimally, our team can help identify if there’s anything wrong and whether it just needs a quick fix or you’d be better off with a complete replacement.
Before we get into what to consider when debating replacing or repairing your HVAC unit, let’s first go over some of the most common problems that your HVAC system may face over its lifetime.
1. Reduced Efficiency
One of the most common issues that people experience with their HVAC system is reduced efficiency. Being in the South, people often notice their HVAC systems struggling with efficiency during the warm summer months. If you notice that your system is failing to cool your home or you’re seeing a big spike in your energy bills, then your system may not be operating as efficiently as it should be.
Keeping your system operating at maximum efficiency is crucial to not only save money on your energy bills, but to keep your system working longer. If your system is always in overdrive, then it’s not going to last as long as it could. One of the most common culprits behind reduced efficiency in HVAC systems are the air filters. Regularly swapping out your air filters is crucial to prevent system slow downs. Some factors may increase the frequency with which you need to change your filters. For example, if you have pets, you should change your filters more frequently than the instructions suggest. Similarly, dirty ducts and related components can slow down your system. If changing the filter doesn’t do the trick, then consulting a professional that can properly clean these is your next best bet.
2. Tripped Circuit Breaker
If your system has completely shut down, don’t panic and immediately jump into buying a new one. Sometimes, a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse could be to blame and luckily, this problem can be simple to fix. If a circuit breaker is overloaded with too many devices, then it will automatically turn off, cutting off power to everything it’s connected to, including your HVAC system.
To troubleshoot this problem yourself, you can simply check your circuit breaker box, identify which circuit powers your HVAC system and switch it back to the on position. If this fixes your issue then you should still look into why your circuit breaker was tripped in the first place so that it doesn’t keep happening.
3. Malfunctioning Thermostat
Understandably, the thermostat plays an important role in how your HVAC system functions. Not only does your thermostat give you a clear way to check the temperature in your home, but it also relays important information to your HVAC system. There are different types of thermostats, so depending on which kind you have, it will interact with your system in a specific way. Basically, if something goes haywire with your thermostat then the rest of your system will be impacted.
If you find your HVAC system seems to be working incorrectly, then your thermostat may be a good place to check first. Sometimes, issues with your thermostat aren’t really issues and can be easily fixed, therefore alleviating the issues you’re having with your system. For example, most thermostats run on batteries, so if you’re experiencing issues, it’s good to start by checking if this is the problem. Another common issue is that your thermostat may need to be recalibrated. A symptom of this issue is if your system doesn’t seem to be getting updated information.
4. Water Leaks
HVAC systems produce condensation and moisture as a byproduct of cooling air. This moisture should be pushed through drain pipes and directed away from your home, however, it is possible to experience system leaks if things aren’t working properly. For example, if your HVAC’s drain system becomes clogged or gets damaged, then it could result in leaks. Additionally, problems with the collector box or evaporator drain could result in leaks as well.
While water leaks may not seem like a big deal since they don’t necessarily impact the performance of your system, this is still an issue that should be addressed to prevent further damage. Not treating leaks could lead to electrical damage, mold and even structural damage.
5. Uneven Distribution
One of the most frustrating problems that homeowners may face with their HVAC system is uneven temperature distribution. This is when your system pumps out cool or hot air to different parts of your home at different rates, resulting in an uneven temperature throughout your home. There are multiple factors that determine how your HVAC system is distributed throughout your home, such as the size of rooms, location and amount of air vents, and even the external temperature. One likely culprit of this issue is poor insulation. Windows can also affect how even the temperature is throughout your home. For example, if one room has a lot of windows while another one has less or more shaded windows, then the room with more windows will likely be warmer and harder to cool.
Issues with your HVAC system can be stressful, but determining what the culprit of the issue is doesn’t have to be. Our skilled team of HVAC experts can identify what’s causing your HVAC problem and even help you weigh the pros and cons of a repair versus a replacement, depending on the current shape of your system. We can also help you get on a maintenance schedule that will keep your machine in good working order and stop certain issues before they start.
