Common HVAC Issues
The most common issues that occur with a Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) System are:
- Restricted or poor quality airflow
- Water damage and leaking ducts
- Failure of the system to cool properly
- A heat pump that runs constantly
For the most part, the causes of these common HVAC issues are straightforward and relatively simple to fix. The trick for homeowners is spotting them. We recommend that you investigate the situation carefully, because there is often a simple solution.
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Restricted or Poor Quality Airflow
If you are not receiving adequate ventilation throughout the house or are experiencing a restriction in airflow, the problem is probably due to clogged air filters. These are designed to trap and collect dust particles and other pollutants from your HVAC system. Once they are overloaded, you will experience a drop in airflow.
Solution: Change your filters every month.
If the problem persists after the filters have been changed, the evaporator coils may have frozen up and stopped working properly without sufficient ventilation.
Solution: Replace the filters and defrost the coils.
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Water Damage and Leaking Ducts
Overflowing ducts and drain pans are usually the results of surplus water overwhelming the system, especially if humidity levels are increased rapidly. This is usually caused by melting ice from frozen component parts due to the HVAC system being shut down. System inactivity melts the ice, which flows out of the system. Once signs of water damage appear on the walls or ceiling, it may be too late to fix the unit.
Solution: to avoid this, perform monthly or bi-monthly maintenance checks on your HVAC system. Ensure that there is no excess water or disconnected ducts. If there are, call for a repair.
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Failure of the HVAC System to Cool Properly
This is a common HVAC issue, especially in summer months. It is usually caused by low refrigerant, the solution that draws heat from the air and passes it through your HVAC system. Without the correct amount of refrigerant, the system cannot perform properly and simply expels the same warm air that it takes in.
Solution: run diagnostics to see if your refrigerant needs to be topped off. Since refrigerant does not disappear, it is best to have an HVAC professional to check for leaks and make the necessary repairs to ensure that your system runs well.
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Heat Pump Runs Constantly
Depending on outside conditions, this may or may not be a problem. If weather conditions are severe, the heat pump has to work hard. If it’s mild outside and the heat pump is running constantly, however, there could be a problem with the component itself.
If the unit is older, it is wise to seek professional help. The HVAC unit may simply need cleaning and servicing to optimize system performance. If it is a newer unit, however, this problem could be the result of inefficient construction causing heat to escape through poorly maintained or over-sized ducts, forcing the heat pump to run longer to reach your desired temperature.
Solution: first, try having the unit cleaned and serviced. If that does not solve the problem, it is probably inefficient construction. In this case, seal any gaps in the unit’s ductwork or consider replacing it completely.
Working With Hanover Supply Company
Because the weather in Northern Jersey is seasonal, it is wise to service your HVAC system and your furnace at least once a year. At Hanover Supply, we have all the supplies necessary to keep your HVAC system in great shape. Contact us to find out more about how we can be of service for all your heating and cooling needs.