Heating and cooling in homes are miracles of the modern age. The comfort and air quality they provide, no matter the season, are something many people have grown accustomed to. According to Comfy Living, the US demand for AC in 2018 was over 15 million units. HVAC systems are one of the most important aspects of any home and require proper care to avoid problems. This blog will outline some of the most common problems homeowners need to keep their eyes peeled for.

Dirty Filters

The filters in your heating and cooling system help prevent the spread of dirt, dust, and allergens. Some are even outfitted with UV lights to prevent micro-bacteria like mold from infiltrating the home. Over time, the dust, dirt, and other debris will accumulate on the filter and start to inhibit airflow. The HVAC unit's workload will increase as it fights against congestion. Your house may experience uneven temperatures and increased energy bills.

To fix the issue, simply clean off your filters. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the outdoor air quality and how many animals you own. You can hire a local HVAC contractor to clean or replace them, or consult your HVAC system's manual to get the job done on your own.

Dirty Coils & Condensers

Coils and condensers are important to changing the refrigerant from liquid to gas, back to liquid, again. Without effective coils and condensers, you may struggle to find the proper temperature for your home. If you are experiencing difficulty setting your home to the right temperature, contact an HVAC service to inspect your coils and condensers.

Pilot/Ignition Issues

If your heating and cooling are powered with natural gas, then it's important to regularly inspect the pilot light or whatever your system uses for ignition. Dirt and debris can block effective lighting. Wear and tear can also lead to the pilot light failing, in which case you will need a replacement from a professional HVAC contractor. The problem may lie with your natural gas supply, too. If you're having trouble identifying the cause of the problem, call heating and cooling professionals to take a look.

Faulty Thermostat

Heating and cooling problems are often due to faulty thermostats. The HVAC units will be perfectly fine, but there is something wrong with the thermostat that is making the system ineffective. Oftentimes, it's something as simple as replacing the batteries to the thermostat. If the thermostat is connected to the home's electrical system, it may be a problem with the wiring. Use the owner's manual to try and troubleshoot your thermostat if it's causing you headaches. When all else fails, call HVAC services to come and take a look.

Electrical Problems

If the HVAC system is connected to the home's electrical power, it may end up tripping breakers or blowing fuses when it's overworked. For example, if the blow needs to work harder because the filters are clogged with dirt and other debris, the breakers may be tripped. Check your filters, the fan's setting on the thermostat, the coils, and the condenser to see why the unit might be overworking. Once you identify the problem, you can decide if this is a quick DIY job or something you need to call a professional for.

Leaks

Air conditioners and high-efficiency furnaces both have water that condensates on the machine while it is being used. There can also be condensation in the ducts of your home that carry the air. There are drainage pipes connected to the machine to deal with the condensate, but things can go wrong.

The pipes can become damaged and their seals can crack. The fittings and hoses on the machine that carry refrigerant may corrode and leak. Clogs in pipes and ductwork can lead to issues, too. If you spot leaking, try to identify the source and use a temporary fix to prevent more damage. Get a local heating and cooling expert over quickly to fully diagnose and repair the issue.

While common, it's important to remember that these issues are preventable with proper installation and maintenance. If you're looking for heating and cooling experts in McDonough, GA, look no further than Harding Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We have over 40 years of experience and can tackle any problem. Call today or visit our website for more information!