Top 5 HVAC Emergencies: How To Identify & Prevent Them In Your Home
HVAC systems help ensure that you receive adequate heating and cooling in your home. This way, your home remains comfortable and safe throughout the year. Remember that HVAC units are complex systems made of different components. These components work together to provide you with efficient and effective operations. However, like all equipment, an HVAC unit experiences wear and tear over time. This article includes five common HVAC emergencies your system might go through as time passes.
Top Five HVAC Emergencies: Identify & Prevent Them In Your Home
Contents
This article discusses the top five HVAC emergencies that many homeowners experience. This way, you will know how to identify these issues and can use your knowledge to prevent them from escalating any further. In many cases, you can even prevent them from occurring at all.
Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant is a vital chemical in cooling your home. It transports the indoor heat outside so that your air conditioner can distribute cold air throughout your home. Unfortunately, coolant leaks can occur. There are various reasons that cause them, including vibrations or weak connections and joints across the refrigerant lines. When there is a leak, adequate cooling is not achieved as your system isn’t working properly, and there will be a surge of warm air from your air conditioner instead.
These are only some of the signs that point to having a refrigerant leak problem. Besides blowing warm air, your air conditioner’s indoor air handler will also produce a hissing sound. This noise is caused by any cracks or holes in the coil. Other signs of a refrigerant leak include a sudden spike in your energy costs and frozen evaporative coils. The latter is caused by the improper circulation of the refrigerant through the coils, causing condensation around them. This moisture can then end up freezing the coil.
Clogged Drain Line
The moisture from the evaporator passes through the drain line to be released in the drain pan. Muck, grime, and algae can clog the line over time, especially if you leave the drain pan full of water. The clog can lead to bigger problems like water damage to your home and system. A few signs that point to a clogged drain line include higher-than-usual indoor humidity and mold or rust around your unit.
Electrical Issue
Interruptions in the electrical system can lead to electrical problems with your HVAC system. Check the breaker to see if the circuit breaker tripped. It could also be because of a blown fuse so check the fuse box. If this is the case, replace the fuse. Always inspect the emergency shut-off switch as well. If the problem persists, call a qualified HVAC technician to help you. The problem could be with the electrical contractor. An electrical issue can mean you won’t have heat at home. This could be a hassle and even life-threatening if it is in the middle of winter or you live in an area with a cold climate.
Negative Air Pressure
Negative air pressure happens when a higher amount of air is pulled out of your home than the amount returned. The air can be escaping via gaps around doors and windows, the attic, crawlspace, basement, electrical outlets, and light fixtures. Some heating systems, such as fireplaces and furnaces, also draw air in and force it out. In fact, it is often the HVAC unit’s exhaust system that creates most of the negative air pressure in your home.
Signs to look out for if you suspect that your home is experiencing negative air pressure are hot or cold spots, random air drafts around your home, whistling sounds, and doors that open and close by themselves. These symptoms might make you think that there’s a ghost haunting your home, but have an HVAC professional check your system first before you jump to conclusions.
Negative air pressure is best removed by bringing in more air than your home releases. To do this, you need to have a duct incorporated into the return duct of your system. This will allow air to be brought inside throughout the day. Consider adjusting the heat recovery ventilator/energy recovery ventilator (HRV/ERV) to draw more air inside your home as well.
Gas Leak
Gas leakage means that you are in danger. It can cause an explosion if not detected right away. Some of the signs that gas is leaking in your home are a rotten egg or sulfur smell permeating your home, a whistling or hissing sound, and dead houseplants. Have a professional inspect and maintain your system regularly to avoid leaks from happening.
Preventing HVAC Problems
One of the steps to take to ensure that you have a fully operational HVAC system is to replace the filters and have the ducts cleaned regularly. Make sure that the coils, fans, grilles, indoor handler, housing, and motors of your HVAC equipment are cleaned as well.
Many follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when changing the filters. However, not every home is alike so it is best to check monthly and replace the filters when they are dirty. The air filters trap dirt, dust, and other contaminants. This way, they do not get distributed throughout your home. It also serves as a protection to prevent damage to your unit. Therefore, it shouldn’t be blocked. The evaporator coils should also be free from any dust, grimes, and other debris. You can use a water and mild detergent solution to clean it. Put it in a spray bottle, then spray it on the component. Let it sit for around two minutes before wiping it off. The dirt should easily wipe off with it.
Carefully inspect your air conditioner for indicators of water damage or blocked lines. Some of the signs include hissing sounds coming from the refrigerant lines and ice buildup. Contact your local, trusted technician to fix it. Make sure to schedule yearly maintenance as well to ensure your HVAC system operates without any problems.
Call R.F. Ohl For Your Home HVAC Requirements
R.F. Ohl is the company to call when you need superior HVAC services in the Poconos and the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. We have professionally certified and highly skilled technicians for all your heating and cooling service needs, including maintenance, replacements, repairs, and installations. All our trained, experienced, and knowledgeable techs can service any HVAC make and model correctly.
Our company offers the most competitive HVAC service prices in the area. We can recommend the best HVAC replacement system that fits your home’s needs and budget. All our services prioritize your comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and more at all times. Book an appointment and call R.F. Ohl today for a free, in-home estimate.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.