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Common HVAC Problems and Troubleshooting Tips

How To Detect and Diagnose Common HVAC Issues

There are many common HVAC problems that every home and business owner will face.

This article explains how to find typical issues that these systems may encounter and provide troubleshooting tips.

Eight Common HVAC Problems and Troubleshooting Tips

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can experience a wide variety of problems.

Here are eight common HVAC problems along with tips to help identify them. 

  1. High energy bills
  2. Faulty blower (air handler)
  3. Dirty condenser coils
  4. Clogged lines
  5. Poor airflow
  6. Frozen evaporator coils
  7. Short cycles
  8. Refrigerant leaks

The eight items listed above are frequent problems that occur in HVAC systems. 

Homeowners and business owners alike should be aware of these issues and understand how to detect them.

If in doubt contact MyAirToday.

High Energy Bills Is A Common HVAC Problem

1. High Energy Bills

Energy bills that are higher than usually are the most common sign a heating and cooling system isn’t working properly.

Dirty filters, and clogged ducts can force the system to work harder resulting in more energy consumption. 

Only systems that are running at peak efficiency will lead to lower, more consistent energy bills. 

2. Faulty Blower (Air Handler)

The blower of an HVAC system runs on a motor moving air from the duct network into the building. 

Signs of a blower malfunction could include loud grinding sounds or a burning smell coming from the duct work.

Any unusual sounds or odor could indicate a faulty blower. 

3. Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils convert the warm air from outside into refreshing cool air. 

They are located on the outdoor unit.

When dirt and other debris build up over time can cause the coils to fail. 

Dirty condenser coils could also result in an increased number of pollutants throughout the air. 

Pollutants can cause breathing issues and other health problems. 

4. Clogged Lines

Clogged lines can cause drain pans, meant to catch water from condensation, to overflow.

As a result, water damage can occur along with algae growth.

Not only will clogged lines make the system work harder, it can cause additional costly damage. 

5. Poor Air Flow

When air is flowing poorly from vents it could be due to a number of factors.

These include: dirty air filters, fan blockage, dirty blower.

Poor air flow can also cause energy bills to rise. 

6. Frozen Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils work on the inside portion of the HVAC unit. 

These coils can freeze if exposed to cold temperatures or leaking refrigerant. 

When evaporator coils are frozen the HVAC system may have to work harder, using more energy, or may not work at all.

7. Short Cycles

When a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system short cycles it is commonly a result of issues with air flow. 

On average, the cooling cycle lasts about 15 minutes, anything shorter could be a sign of short cycling.

Short cycles occur when a building reaches temperature quickly and inside components overheat. 

8. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is a liquid that runs through the lines connecting the HVAC systems indoor and outdoor units. 

Refrigerant leaks are oftentimes caused by equipment malfunctions, repair and installation errors, corrosion, along with regular wear and tear. 

These leaks can cause the system to run less efficiently.