Spring HVAC Maintenance: Common Problems to Look For
It’s not uncommon to experience problems with your home’s cooling system, particularly after a lengthy winter break. Springtime HVAC issues are generally avoidable if you maintain your system properly. The problems with your HVAC system often appear when you switch on the air conditioning unit for the very first time during the beginning of spring. Mostly, it’s just a gentle warning that your HVAC system needs to be serviced before the busy summer season arrives. Here are the nine most prevalent spring HVAC problems you may face during spring.
1. Blocked Filters
Among the most typical mistakes that householders make is ignoring their filters for too long. Sadly, your air filters will ultimately become clogged, which could cause significant harm to the remainder of the system. On top of overworking the external condenser, clogged filters will raise the pressure inside the ducting, potentially resulting in leaks.
While every house is slightly different, the typical household air filter needs to be changed at least once every three months if the HVAC system is frequently being used. If you are doing house repairs or your allergies are acting up, you may need to change the filters as frequently as every month.
2. Dirty Coils
One of the main causes of a faulty HVAC system is dirty coils. Your air conditioning system has a condenser coil in the external unit as well as an evaporator coil in the interior unit. Because it is outdoors and is constantly exposed to various elements, the external room can rapidly become filthy. Dirt, dust, grass cuttings, and twigs can all readily enter the condenser coils.
Because most of these parts are fragile, it’s always a smart decision to reach out to an expert HVAC repair company and let it handle the problem. The interior evaporator coil is surely complicated, and successful cleaning will necessitate the services of an expert HVAC specialist.
3. Debris Near the Condenser
Based on where you position your external condenser, you may need to clean the space around it as frequently as once every several weeks. The external condenser is among the most vital parts of your HVAC system, and anything that goes into it can cause severe harm. That is why, according to most specialists, there shouldn’t be any debris within a couple of feet of external condensers.
In addition to tidying around the edges of the unit, ensure there is no debris dangling over the condenser. Branches that fall too close to the condenser could become entangled in the fan and trigger extensive harm.
4. Tripped Breaker
The blower overworking is the most frequent cause of an HVAC system tripping a circuit breaker. If something is obstructing your system’s airflow, the blower will have to work much harder to adjust. A clogged air filter is the most frequent reason. When the filters are clogged, the blower has to perform harder to push air through the filter. This raises the energy usage of the blower and can occasionally trip the circuit. Before restarting your circuit breaker, check the filter and change it with a clean one. If the problem persists, it’s also best to call an HVAC expert who can securely determine whether the problem is due to a furnace malfunction or a faulty circuit switch. Duct leaks, blocked-off air registers, and dirty coils can also cause the blower to overwork.
5. Leaking Refrigerant
Modern HVAC systems are enclosed units, so there should never be any refrigerant seeping through the seals or rubber lines. When your HVAC system leaks refrigerant, you will most likely notice some serious issues, such as warm air flowing out of the ventilation, noisy sounds, and strange odors. Leaking refrigerant is a severe problem that must be addressed immediately by an HVAC technician.
Before contacting an HVAC specialist, check to see if the system is leaking water from the condenser or evaporator coils. The abrupt temperature shift can create condensation, and you may observe a small amount of moisture or water on that concrete area beneath the condenser. Your outdoor unit is probably fine if there are just a few droplets of water.
6. Duct Issues
If you don’t have the right equipment and training, dealing with duct issues can be extremely stressful. Ducts are typically found in tiny crawlspaces or attics, and they can get damaged or blocked over time. If the ductwork has been breached or a sealant has been damaged, your energy expenses may suddenly increase. You may also find yourself turning on the HVAC system at all times in order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere in your house.
Another prevalent duct issue that many homes face is dirty ductwork. Dust and dander could become stuck in the vents over time, wreaking havoc on the air conditioning in your house. Contacting an HVAC professional for expert duct cleaning is the most effective way to address this problem.
7. Inaccurate or Damaged Thermostat
Even though the majority of contemporary thermostats are made to last for several years, earlier models will ultimately fail. Particularly troublesome are mechanical thermometers, which are prone to error. If the age of your present thermostat exceeds 10 years, you should think about upgrading to a modern programmed thermostat.
At the beginning of every year, you might also have to call one of our technicians to examine your thermostat. Your energy costs will go up if your thermostat isn’t accurate and maintaining a cool, even temperature in your house will become very challenging. Among the most crucial things we do during our repair visits is check the thermostat’s accuracy.
8. System Not Responding
After putting your air conditioner in chilling mode, if the thermostat screen is blank, it may mean that the batteries need to be changed. Check the primary power unit and reset the circuits on the outside unit if your thermostat isn’t the problem. If the issue continues, get in touch immediately with HVAC repair professionals.
9. Water Leaks
Air conditioning units have the potential to leak both in and out of your house. If there’s a leak indoors, there is certainly a problem with your drain pipe. Minerals, grime, or even mold could block it. When the drain line becomes blocked, the drain basin fills up, and water drips down the wall or near the base of your indoor unit. This can simply be resolved by scheduling an air conditioner repair. If it’s seeping outdoors, it could be due to typical condensation or the thawing of a frozen coil.
Why Should Your HVAC Equipment Be Serviced in the Spring?
If you fail to schedule spring maintenance and a minor problem goes unnoticed, your HVAC issues will eventually pile up, leaving you with excessive energy costs when summer arrives. Maintenance is an ideal way to prolong the lifespan of your system, avoid long periods of downtime, and assist in keeping your home’s energy expenses low. Take advantage of the nice weather by ensuring your cooling system receives the servicing required to keep you comfortable throughout the summer.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance in Seattle
You should have an expert technician repair your entire HVAC equipment at least twice annually because many of these problems can be very challenging to handle. You can rely on our team in Seattle for all your home comfort needs, including heating, cooling, water heaters, electrical, air duct cleaning, boilers, ductless systems, and indoor air quality services. Contact Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning right away to set up an inspection with one of our knowledgeable and amiable HVAC technicians.
