Top 5 HVAC Emergencies: How To Identify & Prevent Them In Your Home
Is your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system suddenly not working as it did before? A heating and cooling unit, like any other machine, is prone to wear and tear as time passes. Components would need to be repaired or replaced depending on the severity of the problem.
Knowing how to identify common HVAC issues will undoubtedly come in handy if you suspect that your HVAC unit is having problems. It will also help you create emergency HVAC plans for when a problem does occur in the future. This way, you will be able to catch any small issue before they escalate into bigger ones. This article discusses common HVAC emergencies that homeowners experience.
Refrigerant Leaks
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Refrigerant leakage happens when the coolant leaks out of holes in the refrigerant line. The tears are because of the vibrations and the weakened connections and joints. The refrigerant level becomes imbalanced due to the leak. As a result, your system cannot complete the refrigeration cycle correctly. When this happens, you will notice that your system won’t be able to release cold air as it should.
Other signs that your air conditioning system is experiencing refrigerant leak include a sudden increase in your electricity bills. You will also hear a hissing sound from the holes in the coil in your indoor air handler. You should also check to see if there is ice buildup in the coils. It is because the refrigerant isn’t circulating correctly, so the condensation around the coils will freeze.
Clogged Drain Line
The cooling process includes water naturally forming in your HVAC system. This condensation is drained off to a drain pan via a drain line. However, when it is not adequately maintained, muck and algae will form in the line and cause a blockage. The clog will cause the water to accumulate and back up to your system. This can damage your HVAC unit and even your home. Some signs that you have a clogged drain line are water leaking out the indoor unit, dampness in the air, and rust or mold on or near your HVAC system.
Negative Air Pressure
When your home is experiencing negative air pressure, it means that more air gets out of your home than what is returned. It is pulled out via gaps around your doors and windows, crawlspaces, attic, and basements, among others. Your HVAC system is, in fact, the biggest cause of negative air pressure in your home.
A few of the signs to look out for when you suspect negative air pressure are random air drafts around your home and unusually hot or cold rooms. You might also find that the doors in your house would suddenly open or close by themselves, or they would be stuck and feel heavy. To make sure that this does not happen, you need to ensure that you draw more air into your home than what is exhausted.
Gas Leak
Out of all the heating problems you might have, a gas leak is the most dangerous. This is because it can lead to an explosion. If you smell gas or rotting eggs around your home and you hear a whistling or hissing sound, get out of your house immediately. Call a professional HVAC technician to get your system checked and repair the damage.
Electrical Problem
An HVAC system experiencing electrical issues usually mean that your system isn’t receiving electricity. When your unit doesn’t turn on, the breaker might be off. The system might also have blown a fuse. In which case, the fuse needs to be replaced. Check your emergency shut-off switch and the electrical contactor as well. After checking all of these and your system still isn’t working properly, contact a professional. Electrical problems are potentially dangerous if you are inexperienced, after all, and you might end up hurting yourself
Preventative HVAC Tune-Up
It is recommended that you get your HVAC system checked by a licensed professional at least once a year. HVAC maintenance is guaranteed to prolong the lifespan of your heating and cooling unit. A certified technician will assess your system and make the necessary repairs and replacements to ensure that your system is in excellent working condition. These maintenance checks should be done off-season. This way, you do not disrupt your home comfort in case there are repairs and upgrades needed to be done.
Call Lawes Company For Your Home HVAC Requirements
When searching for one of the best heating and cooling services in the area, make sure to call Lawes Company. Our NATE certified technicians have years of experience, the right tools, and extensive knowledge to service your HVAC system correctly and on time. We provide superior HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements.
Lawes Company guarantees that we have the most competitive HVAC service costs in the area. If you want to buy a new HVAC system or need an HVAC replacement system, rest assured that you are in good hands with Lawes Company. We can recommend the most suitable system for your home while staying within your budget. Each of our techs provides services that prioritize energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and other home comfort needs. Give Lawes Company a call and receive a free, in-home estimate today.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!