The HVAC system is one of the most important parts of your home. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and it helps you save money on energy bills.
But it’s no secret that HVAC systems need regular maintenance to keep them operating efficiently. As we all know, good maintenance isn’t always enough.
When it comes to HVAC service calls, most people think about a problem with the unit itself—but in reality, there are many other reasons that can lead to an HVAC service call. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), nearly half of all heating and cooling equipment failures are caused by improper maintenance or careless operation.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of 30 common ways you might be causing your HVAC unit to break down before its time. By avoiding these common mistakes and putting the tips from this article into practice, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars on HVAC repair costs!
30 Most Common Reasons Behind HVAC Service Calls
At CDO Heating and Air Inc., we know that you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and livable. That’s why we take service calls very seriously.
In fact, we’ve compiled a list of the most common reasons that people call us for HVAC service:
Thermostat problems
Your thermostat is the brain of your heating and cooling system. If it’s not working properly, your entire system can be affected. A bad thermostat can cause your blower to run constantly and wear out quickly, or it might not let the heat come on when it should.
Lack of maintenance
A well-maintained heating and cooling system will last longer and use less energy than one that isn’t. Regular maintenance checks and tune-ups will help keep your system running at peak performance for years to come.
Dirty air filters
Dirty air filters are the number one reason your HVAC system needs to be serviced. Dirty air filters can cause a decrease in the efficiency of your HVAC system and lead to increased energy consumption. If you have dirty air filters, it can also cause your system to work harder than it should, which can result in frequent service calls and higher repair costs. When you notice that your HVAC system isn’t working as well as it used to, make sure you check the filter first!
Electrical Issues
Electrical problems often cause frequent HVAC service calls because they can cause fires or other hazards if left unchecked. To avoid these issues altogether, have an electrician check your wiring once a year and make sure that all connections are in good working order before calling in an HVAC service technician!
Refrigerant leaks
It’s no surprise that refrigerant leaks are one of the most common causes of HVAC service calls. Refrigerant exists in your system to keep it cool, so if you find a leak in your air conditioner or heat pump, it’s imperative that you call for service immediately. This is because refrigerant has an extremely low boiling point and is easy to ignite—not exactly what you want to have happening in your home!
Refrigerant leaks are also dangerous because they can cause other problems with your HVAC system. For example, if there’s a leak in the compressor, it may overheat or even explode. This can lead to further damage and worsen the problem by forcing more refrigerant out through the leak.
Frozen evaporator coils
When the outside temperature drops below freezing, ice crystals can form on your heating and cooling system’s evaporator coils (the part of your air handler that removes moisture from the air). These ice crystals then melt into water and drip back down into the coil, where they freeze again before eventually building up enough weight to break through the protective coating around them and start leaking into your home!
Faulty fan motor
The fan motor is the main component of an air conditioning unit that helps keep the air inside your home cool and comfortable. If your air conditioner’s fan isn’t running smoothly, or if it’s making noises that sound like something is wrong, you might have to replace the motor.
Clogged condensate drain
Condensation from water vapor can drain into a pan on the bottom of an outdoor unit and then overflow into a collection tank on top of the unit. This collection tank must be emptied periodically to prevent mold from growing in your indoor air ducts and vents. If the collection tank becomes clogged with debris, it can cause water leaks into your home or damage equipment components beyond repair.
Sensor problems
Sensor problems are common in HVAC units, particularly in older units. When sensors fail to work properly, it is hard for the unit to function properly. The most common sensor problems include:
– Humidity sensors that fail to detect moisture levels correctly
– Thermostats that do not detect the correct temperature or humidity levels
– Pressure sensors that do not detect pressure changes correctly (in particular, high pressure)
– Carbon monoxide detectors that do not detect carbon monoxide levels correctly
Ignition/pilot control issues
Sometimes there’s something wrong with the ignition control system on your furnace. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace parts such as spark plugs or the whole ignition module entirely!
Dirty or malfunctioning heat exchanger
A dirty or malfunctioning heat exchanger is another common reason for an HVAC service call. This can lead to air conditioning issues, as well as compressor failure. The heat exchanger is the part of your system that transfers heat from one place to another. It’s responsible for transferring heat from the outside air into your home and vice versa when you’re running your heater.
If this part is dirty or malfunctioning, it can cause problems with how much energy your system uses and how effective it is at providing conditioned air. If you notice that your system is using more energy than usual or feels like it’s working harder than normal, this could be an indication that you need to have your heat exchanger replaced.
Ductwork leaks
If your ductwork system is leaking, it could be causing your HVAC to work harder than necessary, which will increase your bills and potentially shorten the life of your unit. The most common areas for leaks are around valves and fittings, but they can also occur at seams where two sections of pipe meet. If you suspect a leak, check for wet spots on the floor or ceiling and follow those with a bright light source to find where moisture may be seeping into your home from inside the walls near where it meets them (if possible).
Capacitor failure
This is a common reason behind HVAC service calls. The capacitor is a component that provides energy to the blower motor, which makes it spin. If your system is showing signs of trouble, it’s likely that the capacitor has failed and needs to be replaced.
Malfunctioning blower motor
The blower motor is responsible for moving air through your ductwork and into your home. If it malfunctions, you may notice that your airflow isn’t as strong as usual or that your unit isn’t running at all. Your local HVAC technician in Doylestown will check this out first thing when they arrive at your home for an HVAC checkup or repair appointment.
Faulty limit switch
Limit switches are responsible for keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. If a limit switch breaks, it can cause all sorts of problems with your system. For example, if your air conditioner is set to turn on when the temperature reaches 70 degrees, but the limit switch fails, and the air conditioner turns on at 75 degrees, you might find yourself with a lot of extra heating bills!
Tripped high-pressure switch
The high-pressure switch is responsible for turning off your HVAC system before it gets too hot or cold in your home. If this switch is tripped too often, it could mean something wrong with your ductwork or insulation; in some cases, it could even indicate mold growth!
Malfunctioning control board
When the control board stops working in the proper way, it can cause all sorts of problems with your HVAC system. This is usually caused by a power surge or lightning strike, but sometimes it can be caused by a faulty fuse or capacitor.
Dirty condenser coils
The condenser coil is responsible for cooling down the refrigerant before it enters your home. If this coil gets dirty, it will reduce its efficiency and make your cooling system work harder. You should clean these coils at least once yearly to ensure they’re working properly!
Gas supply issues
If you have gas heating or cooling units, you need to ensure enough gas in the tank to keep your unit running. If your gas supply runs out, it could mean that your compressor will fail as well.
Compressor failure
This is one of the most common reasons for HVAC service calls, and it usually means that your compressor has run out and needs to be replaced. This can be quite expensive, so getting this fixed quickly is important!
Excessive system cycling
If your system is designed to run on an internal timer, it may cycle on and off frequently. This can result in excessive wear and tear on your system’s components, which can lead to higher energy costs and poor air quality. For example, if your air conditioner turns on for only a few minutes before shutting off again, there’s no way for your home’s interior temperature to stabilize.
Uneven heating and cooling
If one room feels warmer than another or if one side of your home is colder, this could indicate something wrong with your HVAC system. The problem may be as simple as a leak in an outside wall or ductwork that needs fixing. It might also be caused by improper installation of equipment or improper maintenance of filters and coils over time.
Strange noises
Strange noises may sound like you’re hearing things, but the truth is that your HVAC system is probably just making a funny noise. There are a few different types of noises that could indicate problems with your system, including rattles and hums. If you hear these sounds coming from your vents, there’s likely nothing to worry about—but it’s important to have your AC checked out by a professional if you hear these sounds consistent or if they seem to be getting louder or more frequent.
Inadequate airflow
Inadequate airflow can cause problems in your home, especially if you live in a hot climate—but even if you don’t live in a particularly warm area, inadequate airflow can still result in discomfort within your home. If the air from your vents isn’t circulating throughout your house properly, it can lead to higher energy bills and even poor health for those who live there. It’s important to have your HVAC system checked regularly so that any issues with airflow can be discovered early on so they don’t affect anyone involved with them long term!
Malfunctioning pressure switch
When the pressure switch is not functioning properly, it will cause the blower motor to stop working when the air conditioner is on. This will cause the AC system to shut off and restart when it detects that the temperature has dropped below a certain level. The most common way to fix this problem is by replacing or cleaning out any dust that might be clogging up the air filter. If you’re having trouble finding the air filter, you can use our handy guide here!
Damaged or worn-out belts
The belts in your HVAC system are responsible for moving everything around so it functions properly. If they get damaged or worn out too often (which can happen when they’re old), then they’ll need replacing before they break down completely and leave you without heat during wintertime!
Faulty ignition system
A faulty ignition system can mean that your furnace won’t turn on at all or will turn on intermittently (which means you’ll have to reset it manually). This can be caused by an issue related to how the unit was installed or how much dust has accumulated in the vents over time.
Leaking ducts
Ducts are designed to carry conditioned air from vents throughout your house. If they leak, they will lose some of their efficiency in distributing fresh air throughout the house. This can cause problems such as poor indoor air quality and higher energy bills due to wasted energy use by running fans all day long trying to make up for lost airflow from leaks in ductwork!
Tripped circuit breaker
When the circuit breaker is tripped, it means that there is a problem with your HVAC system. The most common cause of a tripped circuit breaker is an overloaded circuit. This can happen when your HVAC system is running on a circuit that has other appliances attached to it, such as a dryer or refrigerator.
Aging system
As an air conditioner ages, it can become less energy efficient and require more maintenance. If your HVAC system is older than 10 years old, consider replacing it before something goes wrong with it!
Hire Professional HVAC Service Technicians Near You!
Are you having issues with your HVAC system? Do you need to replace your furnace or just get a routine check-up?
If so, it’s time to call an HVAC professional in Doylestown, PA!
At CDO Heating and Air Inc., we are here to help. CDO Heating and Air Inc. specializes in residential HVAC installation and service. We have been in business for over 25 years and have the experience to help you with any HVAC problem.
We understand that your HVAC system is an essential part of your home, and it can be very stressful when something goes wrong. That’s why we only employ the most qualified professionals who have been extensively trained on all types of HVAC systems. No matter how complicated your issue may be, we will take care of it right away so you can rest assured, knowing the fact that everything is under control.
Whether you need emergency repairs or routine maintenance, we’ll make sure your system is running at its best. Our HVAC Services in Doylestown include:
– Furnace Repair
– Heat pump repair
– Air conditioner repair
– Air conditioner installation
– Air conditioner replacement
– Air conditioner maintenance
– Installing commercial heating and AC systems
– 24/7 Emergency Service
– Ductless mini split installation and repair
– And many more…
Our team of professionals has been in the business for years, so we’ve seen all kinds of issues with HVAC systems. Our technicians know how to fix virtually any problem, so if your AC doesn’t seem to be working correctly or there’s a leak somewhere in your heating system, let us know! We’ll send someone out right away to get everything back up and running again.
So don’t wait! If something seems off with your HVAC system—even if it’s just a little thing—give us a call today at (267) 481-7787!