Some problems are so common that they become “class” or “style” norms. For example, a “check-engine light” can pop up on your car’s dashboard for a variety of reasons. It might indicate that your car needs a tune-up, or it might be a sign that something more serious is wrong with your vehicle’s engine. It’s not uncommon for technicians working on different makes and models to know what that light means and how to fix it.In HVAC service, there are some problems that technicians see time and time again. Here is a list of some of the most common issues that HVAC technicians encounter on a daily basis.
Inadequate ductwork
If you have an older home, it’s likely that the ductwork is limited. Older homes often have ductwork that was installed before ducts were required to be sized for the amount of conditioned air they’re responsible for. This means that your ducts are likely much smaller than they should be, and they can’t move the amount of air that they need to.You should be replacing your ductwork every 10-15 years as per code. This is especially important in older homes where ductwork is likely to be a little more limited than it would be in modern construction.You’ll want to make sure your ductwork is sized correctly for your home, and you may want to consider hiring a ductwork consultant to walk through your home and make recommendations for improvement. This can save you a lot of headache in the end.
Thermostat problems
Thermostats are one of the most commonly replaced components in HVAC systems. They’re the main interface that homeowners have with their HVAC system. Many home thermostats are controlled by a central HVAC system so that the temperature throughout the house is consistent.Centralized thermostats are often controlled by a programmable thermostat. These can be programmed to have one set of settings throughout the day, and can even be set to change the temperature automatically at certain times of day.A common problem with these thermostats is that they’re often not compatible with programmable features. You may have an old HVAC system that uses a simple, non-programmable thermostat.If you’re in the process of replacing your HVAC system, you may want to consider upgrading the thermostat to a more modern model. You’ll likely find that it has more features that can help you save money on your energy bills.
Thermostat not programmed correctly
Another common problem with thermostats is that they’re not programmed correctly. As mentioned above, many thermostats are programmed to follow a set schedule. If your thermostat is not programmed correctly, your HVAC system may not be running as efficiently as it could be.This could mean that your home is not staying at the desired temperature. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your thermostat is programmed to be in the same time zone as the rest of your house.This way, if your HVAC system kicks on during the night to keep your house cool, it will not disturb you when you’re trying to sleep. You’ll also want to make sure that your thermostat is programmed to time out if it isn’t used for a period of time. If it’s left off, it could overheat and shut off your HVAC system completely.
Wrong refrigerant used
Some HVAC systems are set up to use a specific type of refrigerant to maintain their efficiency. If your HVAC system is not set up correctly, you may be using the wrong type of refrigerant.If refrigerant is not circulating properly, it might cause your HVAC system to run less efficiently. This can lead to high energy bills, or even worse, your HVAC system failing.If you’re not sure what type of refrigerant your HVAC system is using, it’s a good idea to call a technician to come out and check it for you. They can test the refrigerant level in your HVAC system, and can also check to see if it’s leaking.If you’re not sure what type of refrigerant you should be using, you can refer to a refrigerant chart.
Unclean ductwork
As mentioned above, ductwork is responsible for moving conditioned air throughout your home. It’s important that your ductwork is clean and unclogged to ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently.Dirty ductwork can lead to poor indoor air quality, higher energy bills, and decreased indoor air quality.If you suspect that your ductwork is dirty, you can use a duct cleaning machine to remove any buildup and debris. You can also use a brush or a scraper to get inside ductwork that is made of metal or plastic.
Inadequate airflow through ductwork
If you have an older HVAC system, it’s likely that your ductwork is designed to move a certain amount of air throughout your home. If your ductwork is not large enough to move the amount of air that it’s supposed to, it could lead to lower indoor air quality, lower efficiency, and higher energy bills.If you have ductwork that is not large enough to move the amount of air that it’s supposed to, you might want to consider increasing the size of your ductwork. You can do this by adding an additional duct or a larger duct. It’s important to make sure that you have the proper ductwork installed, as that will determine the amount of air that your HVAC system can move throughout the house.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many common problems that technicians commonly encounter. Many of these problems can be easily resolved, and will save you money and hassle in the long run. If you’re in the process of purchasing a new HVAC system, it’s a good idea to call a technician to come out and look at your HVAC system before you commit to purchasing it.This will allow you to make sure that it’s properly set up and ready for use. If you suspect that you have a problem with your HVAC system, you should also call a technician to come out and take a look at it. This will help you resolve any issues that you might be having, and will help ensure that your HVAC system is operating properly.