Common HVAC Problems
September 20, 2023
Heating and cooling systems are extremely robust, delivering indoor comfort regardless of the temperature outside. However, lack of maintenance, overuse, and normal wear and tear can all contribute to common HVAC problems that affect your furnace or air conditioner. If you are having trouble with your home’s heating or cooling system, addressing the problem quickly will prevent further damage and discomfort. Keep reading to learn about some of the most commonly-reported HVAC problems in Columbus and whether you can fix them on your own or need the help of a professional.
Ice in Summer
Whether you home uses an air conditioner or heat pump, ice can form on the appliance during peak summer cooling. If you notice that your air conditioner or heat pump is iced up, turn it off immediately to address the issue. Ice formation may be due to a number of factors. First, change your air filter and check that the supply and return vents inside your home are open and unclogged. Try setting your thermostat a little warmer—avoid setting your home’s temperature below 70 degrees in general, as this can cause ice or condensation that may result in damage or invite mold growth. Make sure you aren’t running your air conditioner or heat pump with the windows open, as this can also make the system work much harder. If these fixes don’t eliminate the ice, call your HVAC company to schedule a visit—any other repairs or adjustments to eliminate ice formation will need to be made by a professional.
Tripped Circuits
Your home’s circuit breaker is designed to stop the flow of electricity in case of a problem. While a tripped circuit once or twice is not a big concern, if your HVAC system is constantly shutting down due to tripped circuits, there is an issue that must be resolved. Simply resetting the system is not a good solution—this will allow the problem causing the tripped circuit to persist, damaging your HVAC equipment and posing a fire hazard. Tripped circuits can be caused by wiring problems, electrical issues within your furnace or air conditioner, or wear and tear on your compressor. You’ll need the help of a professional HVAC technician to find the cause of your tripped circuit and solve the issue safely.
Dry Wintertime Air
Using your furnace during the winter can cause the air inside your home to become uncomfortably dry. If your home’s HVAC system utilizes a humidifier system, problems with the humidifier will affect its ability to add moisture to your indoor air. In many cases, humidifier problems are quite simple—you may have forgotten to turn on your humidifier at the beginning of the heating season or the water valve may be closed. A clogged water panel or pad can also cause humidifier problems, so remember to clean your humidifier at least once per heating season and check these components if you’re having trouble with the unit. If you’ve checked and cleaned your humidifier to no avail, contact your HVAC expert for a professional evaluation and repairs.
Knowing when you can solve an HVAC problem yourself and when you need to call an expert to address your furnace and air conditioner will save you time and money. If you need heating and cooling service or repair in Columbus, visit us online for our phone number or to fill out our contact form. You can get additional home HVAC tips by reading our blog!