Top Five HVAC Emergencies: How To Identify And Prevent Them In Your Home
HVAC systems keep your home comfortable and safe all year round. This sophisticated machinery is made of many components – each of them working together to ensure it operates at peak condition at all times. However, it isn’t uncommon for your HVAC system to experience issues as it gets older. Most are unexpected and come when we rely on our system the most. Some of the most common HVAC emergencies include gas leaks, electrical problems, blocked drain lines, negative air pressure, and refrigerant leaks.
Top 5 HVAC Emergencies: How To Identify & Prevent Them In Your Home
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When one of these emergencies happens, your HVAC unit won’t be able to generate cold or warm air. You might also end up in an uncomfortable and unsafe situation. This article will tackle five of the most common HVAC emergencies. This way, you can detect them immediately so that the issue doesn’t escalate into an irreversible one.
Heating System Gas Leak
You and your family are in danger when a gas leak happens in your home. It can lead to an explosion if you do not address it as soon as possible. A few things you can look out for are a whistling or hissing sound and the smell of sulfur or rotting eggs. When you think that your heating system is leaking gas, have it checked by a professional immediately.
HVAC Electrical Problems
An interruption in your HVAC unit’s electrical system can lead to various electrical issues. To start, make sure that the circuit breaker is switched on. Check the fuse box if you have one. If you have blown a fuse, replace it. Inspect the emergency shut-off switch as well. If you did all of these, but you are still experiencing electrical problems, call a professional. You might be having problems with the electrical contactor. Electrical issues could result in unheated or cooled air circulating in your home. This could be a dangerous situation to be in, especially if this happens during extreme weather.
Blocked Air Conditioner Drain Line
Condensation naturally forms during the cooling cycle. If it does not drain correctly, it can lead to water damage. The water can also overflow and cause damage to your walls, floors, etc. The drain line is responsible for releasing this condensation into the drain pan. However, algae, muck, and other types of buildup can cause a blockage. Some of the indicators of a blocked drain line are mold or rust in your system and high humidity in your home.
Negative Air Pressure
When too much air is pulled out of your home and not replaced, then it creates negative air pressure. The air might be pulled out via the crawlspace, basement, attic, and the gaps around doors and windows. Another culprit that creates an imbalance in air pressure are heating systems, such as fireplaces and furnaces. Your HVAC system, however, is known to be one of the most significant factors for creating negative air pressure inside your home.
A few indicators that your home has negative air pressure are unusually hot or cold rooms, or when you hear strange whistling noises. You might also notice the doors around your home suddenly opening and closing on their own, or the doors might get unusually stuck or too heavy to close. There could also be random air drafts around your house. You can solve this issue by ensuring that more air is drawn inside your home than what is forced out. Talk to a licensed HVAC contractor, such as Hart Home Comfort.
AC Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant is an essential mixture in your AC’s refrigeration cycle. Unfortunately, the lines can weaken as time passes due to vibrations. Tears and holes can also cause the refrigerant to leak. A system that has a refrigerant leak won’t be able to cool your home effectively. You will notice that your A/C will release warm air instead of the cold air you need during the hot summer months.
A few signs that your cooling unit is leaking refrigerant include a hissing sound from the indoor air handler, a sudden spike in your utility bill, and frozen coils. Make sure to call a professional to help you as only a licensed HVAC technician can handle refrigerants.
Prevention Of HVAC Problems
There are some steps you can take to make sure that your HVAC system is in excellent working condition. These include routinely cleaning or changing your air filter and the cleaning the ducts. The fans, grilles, coils, and HVAC system housing should also be thoroughly cleaned regularly.
However, the best way to prevent any HVAC issues is to make sure that your HVAC system receives routine professional maintenance. A certified technician can identify and mitigate all existing issues, no matter how small. This will ensure that your system is in excellent working condition throughout the year.
Call Hart Home Comfort For Your Home HVAC Requirements
When you are searching for a reliable HVAC company, call Hart Home Comfort. We provide top-quality heating and cooling services, including HVAC maintenance, air conditioner repair, ductless system installations, and more. Our NATE certified HVAC technicians have extensive skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure that your system is in tiptop shape. We value our customer’s satisfaction and guarantee that we will service your system correctly every time.
Hart Home Comfort offers the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. If you require an HVAC replacement, we can help you from start to finish. From finding a unit that is within your budget to testing out the installation, we will make sure that everything is done without a hitch. Schedule a free, in-home estimate with us today.
For any questions about what Hart Home Comfort can do for you, give us a call today. Click here to contact us now or call us at (631) 667-3200 to find out more!