Common Problems With HVAC System
What are some common problems with an HVAC system to look out for?
- Clogged filters and pipes
- Uneven room temperatures
- Broken thermostat
- Odd noises
- Refrigerant or water leaks
- No visible problems, but HVAC won’t turn on
HVAC systems are one of the most important components of any building. HVAC stands for “Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” and as its name suggests, it’s responsible for maintaining the circulation and temperature of a building. However, HVAC systems are so widespread that if one part of the setup is faulty, it might affect the rest. Plus, if left to get worse, the system may break and cost a lot of money to replace or fix. In order to prevent costly damage, conduct regular inspections and maintenance for your setup. You can do that by identifying the common problems with your HVAC system. Here are a few issues to look out for:
Clogged filters and pipes
Clogged pipes and filters can block the air from circulating through your HVAC system effectively. The restriction in airflow causes the unit to work harder than it should and, if left unchecked, can eventually cause overheating. That’s why it’s important to clean the pipes and filters.
Check out our tips to maintain your HVAC system’s pipes and filters in our previous blog post here. You’ll also find other tips to maintain your HVAC’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Uneven room temperatures
Various rooms in a property will heat or cool differently, so expect some small discrepancies in temperatures among them. But significantly different temperatures in different rooms can mean that is something wrong with your HVAC system.
Check first if the difference in temperature is caused by certain room conditions. Big windows, for example, will circulate a lot of heat at certain times of the day. If you think the problem is not caused by the HVAC, you can find other solutions like putting up curtains or blinds. But if you notice that even without sunlight, the room is still uncomfortably warm, it might require repairing the HVAC system.
Broken thermostat
In all kinds of heating or cooling appliances, a thermostat is responsible for checking the temperature of a room and determining what to do to make the heat level comfortable.
Oftentimes, a broken thermostat is responsible for most of the issues you may encounter with your HVAC system. The good news is that there are a few quick fixes—changing the batteries, reprogramming the settings, doing a calibration test (setting the temp to 10 degrees higher or lower to see if there’s a noticeable difference), and cleaning the thermostat with a soft brush or cloth.
Odd noises
Any sound of creaking, whining, or other unusual noises coming from an HVAC system is a cause for concern. These usually indicate a mechanical problem.
A whining motor can be from the failing bearings in an inducer. Other noises can be caused by dirty burners or airflow problems. If you’re lucky, it might be coming from specific parts that are fixable or replaceable. Otherwise, it might mean your HVAC system needs to be replaced.
Refrigerant or water leaks
Condensation on your appliances is normal, but there is a distinct difference between condensation and leaks. Leaks can be another result of clogged pipes or broken ones. Once you spot a leak, don’t try to fix it yourself. Contact a professional immediately, especially if you notice a chemical smell—it might be potentially harmful to your health.
No visible problems, but HVAC won’t turn on
Make sure to have your circuitry and ignition system checked if the HVAC won’t turn on. Because the system is so complex, there can be a number of reasons for this occurrence—including but not limited to flame sensors, pilots, burners, or circuitry.
A quick look at the mechanism might confuse you rather than help solve the problem. We also don’t recommend attempting to fix it yourself unless you have the specific knowledge required.
Key Takeaway
Now that we’ve discussed some common problems with HVAC systems, remember to conduct your check-ups regularly to prevent issues and retain the quality of not just your HVAC system but also the air it circulates around your home.
For more helpful tips on cleaning your pipe systems, check out our blogs at Supreme Pipe Corp. And, if you’re looking to put together a new HVAC system or upgrade your HVAC system and want the best quality materials for it, look no further than our pipes. You’ll be making the right choice, as well as a long-time, worthwhile investment!
Supreme Pipe Corp. is a reputable steel pipe supplier in the Philippines that offers a wide range of pipe products, including black iron pipes, galvanized pipes, red-painted pipes, and lightweight scaffolding tubes. Contact us for other inquiries!