5 Common Problems with Residential HVAC Systems (and When to Call a Professional)

As a homeowner, you already have a lot on your plate, and when something goes sideways with your HVAC system, you may start to panic. We’re here to guide you through some of the most common HVAC problems. We’ll also let you know what you can fix yourself and when to bring in a professional.

HVAC System is Constantly Running
Once the desired temperature in your home is reached, your system should shut off. That is unless your fan is set to “ON.” We recommend checking your thermostat to see if the fan is switched to “ON” or “AUTO.” If your fan is changed to “AUTO” and is still continuously running, this could indicate a more significant issue in your system. Give a professional a call to troubleshoot this issue.

Water Leaking From System
It’s common for high-efficient furnaces and air conditioning units to build up condensation, but excessive leakage could be a concern. First, check your drain line for any blockage. If it is clogged, unclogging it can be a simple task. Follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for more information.

If you do not see any blockage in your drain line, contact an HVAC professional. This could indicate a crack in your drain line, AC coil freeze-ups, or even a refrigerant leak.

HVAC is Making Weird Noises
No one wants to hear their HVAC unit working; they want to feel it working. Unusual noises coming from your system could point to a variety of issues. If you hear any squealing, rattling, or banging noises, it could be a sign that some components are worn out. Don’t ignore these noises, as they could suggest dangerous operating conditions and lead to the failure of your HVAC system.

Contact an HVAC professional for an annual maintenance check. Technicians can identify what parts need to be replaced before they cause harm to your system.

Air Conditioner is Blowing Warm Air
Do you have an air conditioner that blows warm air? That is not ideal for any homeowner! If your AC unit is blowing out lukewarm air, check your thermostat settings to see if they are appropriately set. After you check your thermostat, your next step in solving this issue is to replace your air filter. Air filters should be regularly checked and replaced to keep your HVAC system working at its full potential.

Once you replace your air filter, if your system is still pushing out warm air, it’s time to call a professional. Your air conditioning unit could have a compressor issue, or it could be low on refrigerant. Either way, you will need an HVAC technician to do the job.

Pilot or Ignition Issues
If you have a gas furnace, it’s crucial to get ignition problems fixed fast; otherwise, you could be left without heat during winter. A dirty pilot, burners, or flame sensor could be the root of your ignition issues. Other causes may be worn-out ignition components, low gas supply, or even a block to your gas supply. In any of these situations, it’s best to have an HVAC technician come out to resolve the problem since there are many dangerous elements involved.

No homeowner wants to deal with HVAC complications. We hope this guide makes navigating those complications a little easier. The experienced technicians at Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing are here to help alleviate your worries and fix any issues that may arise with your system. Contact us today with any concerns involving your HVAC unit.