With the fluctuations in weather here in Eden, Georgia, it’s important to have a functional heating and cooling system to keep your home comfortable. When the HVAC system isn’t working properly, you may notice problems like high or low temperatures, poor airflow, or other concerning issues. If you’re experiencing a problem with your system, you may not know what to do next. It’s always best to bring in a professional for serious issues, but the signs can give you an idea of what might be causing the problem at your home.
No Cool Air
During the spring, summer, and fall, you probably run your air conditioner pretty regularly to maintain a comfortable temperature and keep the humidity level under control. If the system is set to cool but warm air is coming through the vents, this could be caused by several common issues. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, making it harder for the system to do its job. Luckily, this problem has an easy fix; simply replace your filter with a new one. Make sure to check the size before you head to the store and install a replacement that is the same.
A lack of cool air can also be attributed to clogged drain lines. When your AC runs, it produces moisture that must drain through the line. A clog here will cause the moisture to build up, which can then cause a leak or flood in your house. Bring in a professional HVAC technician to clear the clog in as soon as possible to prevent water damage and get the cold air flowing again. Poor cooling can also be caused by a malfunctioning sensor, which tells your unit that the temperature is lower in the room.
An air conditioning unit uses refrigerant to cool the air, so warm air coming through the vents can also indicate low levels of this critical substance. Other signs that indicate a lack of refrigerant include condensation on the ground around the furnace, ice on the copper lines that run to the AC, or higher than average electric bills. An HVAC technician can test the refrigerant level and recharge the system to get things working again. If it’s leaking, you’ll likely need a new storage tank, as it is nearly impossible to repair.
Thermostat Problems
If you’re constantly adjusting the thermostat but the temperature doesn’t seem to change, you could have a faulty thermostat. The first thing to try is performing a reset on the thermostat. If that doesn’t work, replace the batteries. When it’s still not reading right, bring in a technician to test the unit and figure out what’s wrong.
You may need a new thermostat, and if you’re in this boat, consider upgrading to a modern option. Smart thermostats offer better control over the home’s HVAC system, with accessibility from anywhere via a smartphone app. Many smart units also track normal usage and make automatic adjustments to conserve energy while maintaining a comfortable temperature, which can help you save money every month. Many smart thermostat owners report substantial savings, even within the first few months of installation.
Poor Airflow
If your HVAC system isn’t pushing out much warm or cold air, this can be caused by a number of problems. Walk around the house to see if any of the vents or registers are closed. Whether the vents get closed by mistake or someone in the house thinks this habit saves energy, it’s important to make sure that every vent stays open. Keep large pieces of furniture away from them, as these items can also block and restrict airflow.
When your HVAC system was installed, the heating and cooling contractor planned the airflow and placed registers and vents in specific places to maintain the right pressure balance. Closing those can alter the pressure, which compromises airflow and efficiency.
Another problem that can cause poor airflow is an obstructed condenser unit, which is housed in the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. Leaves, plants, and other debris can clog up the condenser, which will cause the system to overheat. You can try using a vacuum to suck out some of the dead leaves and plants, or you can rely on an HVAC professional to clear the clog.
If you have ducts within your HVAC system, they could be damaged or cracked. As the air moves through the ducts, it can seep through damaged sections, which will reduce the pressure of the air coming through the vents. Only a skilled HVAC technician should inspect or repair the ducts. During a repair, the technician will seal the cracked sections of the ducts. If they find that the ducts are damaged beyond repair, they will typically recommend a full replacement service.
Another common cause of poor airflow is clogged and dirty ducts. As your heating and cooling system pulls air from the rooms in your home, it often contains dirt, dust, pollen, pet hair, dander, and other debris. The filter can trap some of those particles, but when your filter is clogged, the contaminants will move through the system and settle in your ducts. Over time, the ducts can become overloaded with dirt and debris. This buildup reduces the amount of air that can move through the ducts, which means the system has to work harder.
An air duct cleaning service can eliminate this problem while improving the indoor air quality. During the routine service, a technician will use a high-powered vacuum to eliminate dirt and dust that has built up within the ducts. They can also use a sanitizing spray to eliminate mold growth, which occurs when moisture levels get too high. This service should be done at least once every few years, although those with allergies may want to schedule it more frequently.
No Warm Air
During the winter months, you rely heavily on your heating system to keep it comfortable in your house. Without a working furnace, your home’s temperature could drop substantially, making for a chilly and unpleasant atmosphere. If the air coming through the vents is cold, the first thing to check is whether the system has been switched over to heat. During the fall, fluctuating temperatures can result in homeowners using both the heating and cooling system on the same day. As a result, you could be running the AC when you think you’re raising the temperature.
If the system is set to heat, the cool air could indicate a problem with your furnace fan or blower motor. Both of these components move air through the ducts and into the various rooms of your home. During routine HVAC maintenance, your technician should clean the fan and motor, but if it’s been a while since your last service, bring in a professional to do some cleaning. You should never open up your furnace to figure out what’s causing a problem or even to try to clean the components.
Most modern furnaces don’t have actual pilot lights anymore, but even electronic pilot lights can get switched off. Check this part of your system to figure out of the light is illuminated (or the switch is set to the on position), as a pilot light can impact the heating capabilities of the furnace.
Uneven Cooling or Heating
If certain rooms of your home feel very cold while others feel warmer than average, you may need a full assessment of your system. Uneven heating and cooling can indicate sealing issues, which allow the air to escape before it enters the space. Sealing problems often occur within the ducts, but an HVAC professional can perform an inspection and figure out the next steps for repair or replacement.
You may even consider a ductless system, which won’t allow air to leak out. Ductless HVAC systems are increasing in popularity in residential properties across the nation, offering improved efficiency and reduced energy waste.
These common HVAC problems can feel very overwhelming, especially if you’ve never dealt with issues with heating and cooling in the past. Instead of worrying about what to do next, you can always contact our team of cooling and heating experts at Byrd Heating and Air Conditioning by calling 912-373-8447.
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