HVAC units are pillars of your home’s internal systems that keep us at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. Unfortunately, all mechanical systems are eventually bound to fail, albeit the reasons vary. Today, we are sharing with you the top 11 reasons for HVAC repair and what you can do when a concern arises.
The Top 11 Reasons for HVAC Repair
Lack of Maintenance
The most common reason for HVAC repair stems from negligence of the system. HVAC systems of all types need regular maintenance, some performed by the homeowner and some by a trained professional. When there is a lack of maintenance performed, problems go unnoticed. Such problems are then costly endeavors to repair.
Dirty Filters
When a filter gets dirty, it restricts the unit’s airflow, forcing it to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. Not only does this put unnecessary strain on the furnace’s blower, but it ramps up your energy consumption costs. It can even go so far as to force a shut-off if the furnace overheats. Therefore, we highly recommend replacing your filter on a strict schedule.
Dirty Condenser or Coils
Just like with the filters, condensers and evaporator coils can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris. Once dirty, you will lose efficiency and increase the unit’s wear and tear. Therefore, we recommend that homeowners regularly clean the condenser and coils. However, if the unit has sustained extensive dirt and debris, we recommend getting it professionally cleaned by an HVAC technician.
Ignition Issues
If you have a gas-powered HVAC unit, there are various reasons behind why you may have an ignition issue, including a dirty pilot, flame sensor, or burner. It could also be due to a gas supply problem. Plus, there is always the possibility that it is simply because the ignition component is worn out. Whatever it is, an ignition issue can be hazardous. We recommend seeking a trained professional to diagnose the problem and perform a gas HVAC repair properly. If you don’t end up going with a professional hvac maintenance provider like Apollo Heating and Air, be sure to read our blog on Top HVAC Installation mistakes that are made during HVAC Installation!
Thermostat Failures
Whether your thermostat is programmable or not, it is still an electronic system that can fail. Sometimes one can fix the failure simply by changing the battery. Other times, it may be a wiring issue. Beyond that, it may simply go bad due to age, wear and tear, or an accident. If you cannot fix the problem yourself, we recommend getting it quickly diagnosed and repaired.
Mechanical Deterioration
Another common reason for HVAC repair is mechanical deterioration. HVAC systems are not designed to last forever. As the years progress, components of the unit will wear out, often at different rates. Typically, you can expect belts, oil bearings, and motors to be some of the first to have issues.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this beyond performing regular maintenance. That is why it is recommended to get annual inspections, so a trained technician can identify and repair failing mechanical components before they blow out. For more information, read our blog on the longevity of an HVAC system.
Blown Fuses
Occasionally, your HVAC unit may blow a fuse and trip your breaker. This issue mostly stems from a dirty filter that forced the blower to overwork and overheats. When this happens, high energy consumption commences, and most breakers can’t handle the additional strain. If your HVAC unit blows a breaker, that is an easy red warning sign that you need an HVAC repair somewhere in your unit.
Water Leaks
HVAC units produce condensation, especially when they are located in humid regions. Due to this, there are drainpipes to drain the water away. However, if those drain lines become clogged or damaged, it can cause a water leak. Other possible areas where a water leak may occur are the collector box, heat exchanger, or evaporator drain pan.
Whatever the reason, if you see water coming from your HVAC unit, call a technician for HVAC repair immediately.
User Error
When it comes to machines, user error is often a reason behind a required repair. There are numerous ways a homeowner or their family can hurt an HVAC unit, from leaving the blower running to improperly addressing a repair. If you notice your HVAC acting up after interacting with it in some way, it may need repair due to user error.
Accidents
Similar to user error, one may require HVAC repairs due to an accident. Sometimes accidents happen at no fault of your own, such as an unfortunate roof leak that damages your system after a bad storm. There isn’t much you could have done to prevent that. However, some accidents can be prevented, such as a child kicking a soccer ball into the unit. To avoid unnecessary HVAC repairs, we recommend minimizing the chances of accidents happening.
Aging
Lastly, the final reason for HVAC repair is aging. Even if you were to maintain and address all of the components above correctly, your unit will eventually pass the point of no return and need to be replaced. Depending on the HVAC system you have and how well you take care of it, the lifespan could range from 10 to 30 years. We recommend looking at your manufacturer’s guide to get an estimate of its lifespan and then asking your HVAC inspector for their estimate.
Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning – The Best HVAC Repair and Installation Team in Tri-Cities
The easiest way to prevent the top reasons for HVAC repair is to perform regular maintenance on your unit. Regular maintenance ensures that your unit is clean and running at peak performance. Plus, through regular inspections, you can rest assured that you are aware failing, or soon to be failing, components so to allow you the time and planning you need for HVAC inspection, repair and replacement.
Would you like to schedule a service call for an HVAC Unit? If you are located in the Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and Columbia Basin regions, Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help you. Since 1981, we have committed to providing our customers with premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation.
Please review our website and services for more information on Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning. Got questions? You can get a free quote using our HVAC calculator, or you can give us a call at (509)-396-2653.
