HVAC technicians know all too well that a home’s heating and cooling system is essential for keeping residents comfortable. And with winter coming, it becomes even more important to have your HVAC unit checked-in working order so you can avoid any problems during this harsh season!
Common Furnace Problems
Your home’s furnace is a vital component of your HVAC system. With the right guidance, it can be an efficient and reliable work horse for years to come! But what happens when something goes wrong? That’s where this article comes in handy…
This is often the number one reason a heater won’t turn on. When you skip or forget your furnace’s upkeep, it will likely end up with performance issues.
The air filter can still accumulate dust, pet dander, and other debris when the heater is off. Make sure to check if the filter needs changing before turning the heater on.
When dust builds up in the burner, the flames won’t burn evenly. This creates insufficient heat that causes your furnace to work harder to achieve the ideal level of heat, consuming more energy in the process. Make sure to clean your burner before using the furnace to prevent this from happening.
A dirty blower can have performance issues that may lead to equipment failure. This is because the heat exchanger needs constant airflow to keep it from overheating. Clean the blower regularly to ensure top performance for your heater.
Improper Gas Supply
Your furnace needs a set amount of gas to operate properly. Failing to calibrate this will cause the system to malfunction.
When there’s too much gas, your furnace burns more, and your utility costs may increase. It will also cause the furnace to overheat, triggering the automatic switch to turn off.
When there’s too little gas, your furnace burns less, and you end up with a cold house during the winter. This can also cause your furnace to work harder to stabilize the heat, resulting in higher energy bills.
Malfunctioning Blower Capacitor
The blower capacitor is a component that looks like a large battery. It provides electricity to the fan motors, making sure there’s enough cool air to prevent the system from overheating. When it is malfunctioning, your heater won’t turn on. You will need a technician to determine if it needs a repair or replacement.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If you’re using a heat pump for your home, you have to regularly check its refrigerant. When refrigerant levels are too low, your heat strips will turn on more often than they should. At worst, the compressor might overheat and become damaged.
Malfunctioning Starting Components
Starting components can malfunction for different reasons. When this problem is unaddressed, you risk experiencing the following:
the blower won’t start properly
the unit won’t heat your home
the internal components will get damaged
Broken Draft Inducer
This motor helps clear out leftover gas before the furnace turns on. However, it can burn out and stop working. When it happens, the safety switch turns on and switches off your heater.
Broken Heat Exchanger
Although this problem won’t lead to a broken furnace, it will affect the machine’s efficiency and effectiveness.
“Before you know it, you will be wondering how to lower your electric bill this winter.
But this is not the worst scenario.”
When your heat exchanger has a crack, you risk filling your home with carbon monoxide and harming you and your family.
Improper Ductwork
This is a big problem for old houses. Ductwork design and installation take skill, but some homeowners choose to hire amateurs or do it themselves – which leaves the people who buy these properties with compromised ducts that may cause performance issues in their furnaces if they were never fixed by professionals before coming into possession of said home (or business). Are you feeling the chill this winter? You might need your furnace checked. Give us a call and we’ll send over a technician to inspect your heating system.
The key to a happy home is maintaining it well. Your HVAC system should be no different, as preventive maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs down the line and prolong its lifespan for years! Find out how to identify and address these problems before it’s too late.
The U.S Department of Energy recently revealed that 70% of residential HVAC systems do not perform optimally, and most homeowners are unaware this is a problem for their homes! It seems like it’s easier to take the reactive approach by doing something when there’s been smoke coming out from your unit instead than waiting until things get worse – don’t let yourself become another statistic; find out how we can help you today!
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 25 years. But this is only achievable with proper care and maintenance. Homeowners can deal with basic HVAC care and maintenance tasks, but many require technical expertise. Meddling with issues that need professional handling will result in mistakes that may cause more significant problems in the long run.
Common HVAC Problems and How to Solve Them
Your HVAC system requires regular care and maintenance. These tasks range from the most simple, such as dusting and cleaning, to the most complex, like system inspection for mechanical degradation. Find out the common problems in HVAC systems and learn which ones can be done on your own and which ones are best left to the professionals.
Improper Operation
The U.S. Department of Energy lists this as one of the most common problems with residential HVAC systems. Most of the time, homeowners notice that their house isn’t heating up or it’s not getting colder. It is usually caused by an open window or door somewhere in the house, letting the cold in or the heat out. This forces your HVAC system to work harder and consume more energy, resulting in higher electricity bills.
Do It Yourself: If you’re wondering how to lower your electric bill in the summer or winter, consider looking around your home to identify areas with uneven room temperature. Check windows and doors for any air leaks. Additionally, determine if it’s a simple matter of closing them entirely or fixing their weather strips.
Dirty Filters
Your A/C unit’s filters prevent dust, pet fur and dander, and other pollutants from damaging the unit and compromising your home’s air quality. However, frequent use of the machine will accumulate large amounts of this debris in a short period. It’s the same thing for heaters. Common furnace issues, such as the heater not working, also arise because of clogged filters.
“When filters aren’t replaced, the HVAC system’s performance is compromised.”
Do It Yourself: Once you notice a change in your indoor air quality or poor performance in any of the units, it might be time to replace the filters of your A/C unit and furnace. You may also take the proactive approach and replace the filters every two weeks, depending on which unit is currently the most used.
Accumulated Debris
The HVAC system’s outdoor component can withstand the elements, but it’s not safe from nature. The leaves of fall Greenwich plant or dirt that accumulate outside may prevent airflow into your home and create problems with cooling as well A/C unit performance There are many reasons why people experience issues in their furnaces including clogged filters due to animal droppings; however if this were true then wouldn’t these same animals have trouble breathing? It seems unlikely given how much time they spend running around trying get away from us humans!
Do It Yourself: Fix this problem by cleaning the unit regularly. Start by clearing out the area directly surrounding the HVAC system outside. Make sure to trim any branches that hang over the unit, to prevent leaves from falling on it. Then, remove the debris from the fan cage and sweep around the unit. Consider doing this twice a week to avoid mechanical problems in the future.
Broken Thermostat
When your heating doesn’t turn off or the furnace control board has no lights on, there might be something wrong with your thermostat. Programmable thermos are especially susceptible to electrical problems caused by tripped breakers and blown fuses; if these two solutions don’t work for you then an surge in power could’ve damaged its operation system!
Call the Pros: Thermostat malfunctions can be caused by broken internal parts, a problem that requires special tools and technical skills. Choosing to do this on your own might result in mistakes that will cost you more in repairs than if you simply called a professional.
Weird Noises
A sudden and weird noise from your HVAC system is sure to put you on edge. Although it’s not uncommon for this machine to make noises, grinding or clanging sounds are often signs of internal problems such as loose pieces. On the other hand, whining or squealing sounds are signs of motor problems.
Call the Pros: A technician can determine the exact cause of the weird noises, streamlining the repair process. In minor cases, they will simply tighten bolts and replace screws. However, a damaged motor will require replacement to prevent it from compromising the rest of the unit.
Leaks
The condensation that conditioners and furnaces produce is rarely a problem because of the drain pipes installed in your HVAC system. However, if these drains get clogged or there’s continuous leakage then you should address this issue immediately so as not to let anything worse happen!
Call the Pros: Persistent leakage from the HVAC system might be due to several factors, such as a broken evaporator drain pan, a malfunctioning heat exchanger, or a damaged collector box. A technician can correctly identify the leak’s source and carry out the necessary repairs.
Ignition Problems
Ignition problems are the leading cause of unit malfunctions. A thermocouple is used for ignition, and if it’s not working properly this can result in a variety of other issues with your HVAC system performance—including uncomfortable temperatures!
Call the Pros: Some of the causes of ignition problems include gas supply issues and component degradation. Since these elements are considered dangerous, it’s better to leave them to the professionals.
“Fiddling with HVAC components puts your home at risk of a gas leak or an electrical fire.”
Mechanical Wear and Tear
The problems you face with your HVAC system don’t always have a sinister cause. Sometimes, the unit starts malfunctioning because of normal wear caused by age and use. When this mechanical wear and tear is left unaddressed, it can lead to worse problems such as overheating and airflow issues.
Call the Pros: A technician will carry out a comprehensive inspection of your HVAC system to identify the parts that need to be repaired or replaced. They can also determine the current state of belts and oiling bearings, determining when they will need to be replaced.
Insufficient Maintenance
The lack of care and maintenance can lead to most HVAC problems. Although your system isn’t a delicate machine, it still requires regular upkeep that includes making sure all internal parts are clean as well as external filters or screens on vents in order for them not be clogged by animal droppings; having an annual professional inspection done will help ensure everything’s working properly before any major issues arise.
Call the Pros: Working with a professional service company is essential to your HVAC system’s performance and lifespan. Continuing to take the reactive approach might result in the complete replacement of your unit.
The Importance of Working with the HVAC Professionals
Hiring professionals from the onset is often a good idea because it can save you money in two ways. First, if their services are needed at some point down the line and second-you might have been hesitant about hiring them initially due to cost but now seeing as how things haven’t gotten any worse this could make sense for you!
They get it right the first time.
Technicians have the training and experience to identify the cause of a problem efficiently. Knowing the problem right away allows them to determine the right course of action, streamlining the process and potentially helping you save more money in the long run.
They have the right tools and equipment.
Even DIY enthusiasts who have collected toolboxes don’t have the specialized tools and equipment technicians have. These include industrial-strength cleaners, high-powered vacuum cleaners, and other items that can’t be bought from a retail hardware store.
They have insurance.
When you take on the more complicated problems concerning your HVAC system, you risk making a mistake that may lead to an accident or injury. Although this is still possible with trained technicians, they have the coverage to manage the expenses.
They save you the trouble.
Hiring a technician for preventive maintenance saves you time and money in the long term. When your HVAC system suddenly breaks down, you have to immediately look for a replacement. Having someone who regularly checks the unit helps you avoid this situation because they’ll be able to address problems immediately, saving you the trouble of experiencing its consequences.
It is impractical to insist that professional services are only required for emergency situations, especially with complex machines like HVAC systems. Something as simple as your furnace fan not working on automatic mode might indicate problems with the control system.
Manufacturers advise owners that annual inspections and maintenance services are essential to the peak performance of HVACs. Your HVAC system’s maintenance is a year-round affair. When you have a professional services team, you can immediately call them to see what’s wrong with your HVAC.
If you’re wondering why your system isn’t working well and need HVAC services, drop us a line! Our team is ready to answer any of your questions.
With fewer than 500,000 people living and working on the Gulf Coast before A/C was invented; it’s no wonder this state is so hot.
Air conditioning has made life easier for those that live there by providing them with a way to keep cool during these unforgiving months when humidity levels are high due in part from lack of rain but also because their climate produces more sweating than other areas do naturally which leads us back into another problem – mold growth indoors without proper ventilation! However now you don’t need an expensive repair or service call thanks to preventive maintenance practices done ahead of time like changing filters regularly (every week) as well checking fans regularly.
Here are 10 tips on keeping your AC cool and your temperament cooler.
1. Change the Filter
This one is a no-brainer for homeowners with central heat and air. The filter is the lungs of your air conditioner. If you allow it to build up with dust, dirt, and debris, it will make it work harder to cool the house.
If it gets too bad, your coils will start to get dirty, which traps condensation, leading to them freezing up. Change your filter monthly if you’re using standard fiberglass filters. We recommend investing in more eco-friendly and efficient HEPA filters.
2. Remove Outside Debris
The outdoor condenser unit can get dirty, damaged, and filled with obstructions quickly. Even if your yard doesn’t have any trees, leaves will find their way into your condenser. As your unit becomes blocked by debris, it runs harder and hotter, causing higher energy usage.
If things get really bad, you’ll eventually run into parts failing (solenoids are especially susceptible) and potential electrical fire hazard. Do a thorough job of clearing out leaves, twigs, and caked-on dirt with a low-pressure water hose.
3. Clear Your Vents
This tip is great for overall air quality and cooling efficiency. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it. Start by opening your supply vents in each room.
Make sure none of them are completely closed, as it creates unnecessary pressure on the ducts. This leads to cool air leaking into the attic or underflooring, wasting energy. The added pressure also causes the air handler to work harder.
Clean these vents and watch for potential obstructions, like drapes, rugs, and etc.
4. Clean the Drainage
As the months get hotter, your AC unit “sweats” more. This excess condensation should collect outside and evaporate. That is, as long as there is nothing clogging the drain line.
You should do regular maintenance on the outside drain to make sure leaves and mud aren’t building up. If your drain does become backed up, water will begin collecting inside your AC closet. There’s a small container that will fill and trigger a switch to automatically shut off the unit.
Use a wet-dry vacuum to suck up any debris on the outside drain and on the inside drain pipe.
5. Check the Refrigerant
While we do not recommend anyone to change their refrigerant, you can check if it’s running low. On the outside condenser unit, there are two copper pipes. The largest of the two is surrounded by insulation, but it should feel cold.
If it doesn’t, then it is running low on coolant. For those with commercial air conditioners, you’re best off having an HVAC professional come to service the coolant.
Locate the two copper lines that run to the condenser unit and identify the larger line, which might have insulation around it. The line should feel cold to the touch or sweat when the A/C runs. If the line feels warm after running the air conditioner, call an HVAC specialist to add coolant.
6. Cover for Winter
Unexpected snowfall can really do a number on your outdoor unit. The snow itself can cause rust and electrical damage if you don’t use a heat pump. AC covers are pretty cheap and easy to install.
These covers are vital for preventing outside debris from falling into the vents. If you can’t find any covers, a sturdy tarp or piece of plywood will also do.
7. Digital Thermostat
Upgrade your thermostat to a digital, programmable thermostat. This upgrade will save you the most time and money during the summer. If possible, choose a smart thermostat, like the Nest.
Independent studies have shown a 10-15% reduction on the average bill. That means it pays for itself in less than a year for most people. With a smart thermostat, your air conditioner is ready to adapt to your needs.
8. Brush the Fins
After taking a water hose to the outside AC unit, you’ll need to do a bit of detailing. Find a soft brush, like an old toothbrush or tile brush, and go over the fins. These small metal filters are easily bent, so watch the pressure and angle of your brush strokes.
9. Level Concrete Foundation
With all the debris out of the way, don’t forget the foundation. The concrete slab should be visible all the way around. Clear any growth from around it.
Worry about aesthetics later, you need to make sure your AC unit is level and sitting unobstructed. If it isn’t level, you’ll need to adjust the slab, add fillers, or replace it altogether. You’re more prone to clogs and debris with an uneven concrete foundation.
10. Check for Gaps
Often overlooked, this last step involves making your home as leak-proof as possible. Older homes are especially bad with keeping the climate in your house stable. Look at window frames, doorways, and attic entryways.
You’ll need to seal any gaps with insulation, caulking, rubber flaps, and etc.
Find Out if Your Air Conditioner is Ready
We know it’s a lot to check off on this maintenance list. Making sure your air conditioner is ready every year takes time and experience. Some of these activities are best left to the professionals.
At Fast AC Service, we handle all maintenance, repair, and install jobs, big or small. We work with commercial and residential clients to ensure safe and efficient HVAC servicing. Contact us today if you’re having any problems or need a more reliable AC when the heatwave hits.
You should always have your HVAC system inspected and tuned-up by a professional team every year. Skipping these annual services increases the likelihood that you’ll experience problems with it in no time at all! It could also be due to nearness towards its end of lifespan (15 – 25 years).
HVAC airflow problems typically occur when the condenser unit is blocked, jammed, or otherwise obstructed. This device is located outside your home and uses a motorized fan to move air throughout the system.
But since this unit is located outside, it’s one of the most vulnerable components of any HVAC system.
The only way to be sure that your HVAC system is working properly and maintaining the optimal temperature for you home, it’s important find time in between all of life’s distractions. Behind every human-created invention there are some pretty ingenious machines! The same goes with heating/cooling systems – if something doesn’t look right then chances could highly suggest taking care off things before they become worse.
2. Has Your Air Filter Been Replaced?
Did you know that your HVAC’s filter is a necessary component? Most people maintain their HVAC filters because it improves the air quality of their home. However, the filter plays an important role in preventing your system from clogging.
An air filter should be replaced every one to three months, depending on your model and allergies. If you forget to replace the filter or choose not to, air contaminants will damage your system and restrict airflow.
3. Liquids Are Leaking From the HVAC
When your air conditioning isn’t cooling, the first thing you should do is look for leaks. Refrigerants are an important component inside of a device that’s responsible for chilling out homes with cool relief! As this vital liquid refrigerant slips through small punctures or cracks in its container – things will gradually decline in performance until there’s no more freezing cold coming from anywhere near it.
But your AC may be leaking more than refrigerant. Water condenses in the system as part of the heating or cooling process. Normally this water is drained, but the lines are susceptible to cracks or clogs. If you spot a leak in your system and noticed reduced AC airflow, you should contact an HVAC technician.
4. Maybe It’s the Thermostat
Remember that your HVAC doesn’t work alone. When your system is running at odd times — or not at all — your thermostat may be the culprit. A typical thermostat has a lifespan of about ten years, so it’ll likely need a replacement before your HVAC system.
If the timing of your heater or AC is on the fritz, but the airflow and air temperature seem to be fine, take a look at your thermostat. The problem may be that your thermostat needs its batteries replaced. Change the temperature setting of your thermostat to see if it’s properly activating your HVAC system.
5. Your Condenser Coil is Filthy
A condenser coil resides within your outdoor condenser unit. This piece is responsible for dissipating heat from your home. Just like the unit itself, dirt and grime can gather on the coil and impact its performance. This is especially troubling since the condenser coil will run dangerously hot.
You can clean the condenser coil by disconnecting your condenser unit from the power and disabling your HVAC system. Once done, you can hose it off. Since this could damage your system, it’s best to leave the work to a trained HVAC professional.
6. HVAC Problems Come With Strange Noises
An HVAC system is one of the noisiest devices in your home. Thankfully, this means that when HVAC problems occur, you can usually hear them. If anything sounds different about your system, it’s time to troubleshoot the cause.
Squealing often occurs in failing fans and blowers. When belts snap or come loose, you may hear clanking or rattling in the heart of your system. These are some of the most worrying noises that definitely require a professional inspection.
Noises such as hums or whistling tend to be minor HVAC problems, usually related to debris. If you can’t detect the debris or cause, you should also opt for an inspection before the problem becomes worse.
When your HVAC acts up often, it may be time to replace the AC unit completely.
Clogged ducts hamper your system’s airflow. It may just be dust buildup, but sometimes insects and other pests make their homes in your ductwork. Cracks in old ducts could also be hampering the effectiveness of your HVAC system.
If the temperature is not consistent across the rooms of your house, your ducts may be to blame. Take a brief look at your ductwork and inspect it for blockages or holes, or have an inspector do the job for you.
8. Reduced Airflow? Could Be the Blower Fan
Responsible for circulating air throughout your ducts, the blower fan is a susceptible piece of equipment. It’s the main reason why you want to keep your air filter maintained.
Even with good air quality, dust can still accumulate on your fan as years go by. Cleaning a blower fan can be hard work, and it’s a job best left to professionals.
When It Comes to Your HVAC, Don’t Wait
Every homeowner encounters HVAC problems from time to time. The damage — and repair costs — will worsen until they’re repaired. If you’re having difficulty troubleshooting or repairing it yourself, trust in your local HVAC professionals.
Our service technicians have been serving the Santa Fe area for over ten years. Contact us by phone or email to set up your HVAC inspection or repair.
Homeowners are advised to take a proactive approach in maintaining their home’s appliances.
Have you noticed a strange noise coming from your HVAC unit lately? If so, don’t wait until it’s too late! Most people recommend checking heaters during summer months and maintaining AC’s year-round. However there is no need for concern if the unit fails early because of these issues – we’ll explore what causes them as well as how they can affect both performance (heating) or product quality over time – take action today before problems get worse .
In these cases—and if you have the budget for it—thinking of replacing your A/C is a normal reaction. However, to replace a unit that’s just slightly broken and hasn’t reached its optimal use will be wasteful. And to repair an A/C that has reached the end of its operational life will be useless.
Here are a few tips on how to distinguish between the two.
When to Replace or Repair Your A/C Unit
There are different factors to consider when deciding to repair or replace your air conditioning unit. The wrong choice might leave you with a costly consequence.
Age
Most homeowners choose to replace their A/C unit when it’s a decade old. At this point, this robust machine will have performance issues that will make it unusable. An example of this is when your unit is no longer cooling your home evenly. Although an A/C unit replacement costs a fair bit, it will help you save on repairs in the future.
Performance
One of the most common problems in A/C units is performance issues. These include refrigerant leaks, not blowing cold air, and electronic control failure. Of course, the best way to determine if the unit needs repair or replacement is to consult a technician. They’ll inspect the unit and identify the problem and its solution.
Noise
If your current unit is making a ton of noise, it usually means it’s struggling to do its job. At worst, it might be caused by loose internal pieces and components that will damage the unit over time. Ask a technician to see if it’s salvageable or if you will need to replace the unit.
Benefits of Replacing Your A/C Unit
When you still have your old A/C unit, don’t let it get in the way of comfort. Replace that outdated machine with something modern and efficient so your home stays cool all summer long!
If your A/C unit isn’t that old and you’ve noticed some performance issues, you can get away with repairs now and then. However, it would help if you worked with a trained services team.
Get a new warranty.
If you’ve had your A/C unit for the past 10 years, chances are you’ve blown through its warranty. It means you are on your own for any repairs, including finding the right technician. Getting a new A/C unit comes with a new warranty that will cover any issues that might arise.
Achieve better energy efficiency.
Newer air conditioning models use eco-friendly refrigerants, allowing you to cool your home without harming the environment. Not only do these newer A/C units consume less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a building but they also save on electricity bills!
Experience more convenience.
In some cases, the parts of old A/C units are no longer available. Most manufacturers cease production for old models because they want people to buy new models. Replacing your old unit will help you avoid using ill-fitting parts or paying a premium for discontinued parts.
“DIY HVAC maintenance often results in amateur mistakes that can damage the unit.”
Save money in the long run.
Trained technicians have the skills and expertise to address the most common HVAC problems. They can determine the problem and its cause by conducting a thorough examination of the unit. Technicians save you the trouble of dealing with issues that worsen over time, such as leakage and uneven temperatures.
Earn money before moving.
If you’re planning on selling your home, you’ll need to make some repairs to the property. Including your A/C unit in this plan helps you earn more money because you can add it to the asking price. Most homebuyers don’t mind HVAC systems that are only a couple of years old.
Improve air quality in your home or commercial space.
Sometimes an A/C unit isn’t performing well because it accumulated dust, dander, and debris in its filters and pipes. A technician has special tools to deep-clean your unit, instantly improving airflow and air quality in your home.
You have options when your current A/C unit is struggling to work. Use this guide to determine which one is best for your property or commercial space.
Living in the Santa Fe Springs, CA area and need indoor cooling assistance? Contact us, and we’ll send one of our local team members your way.
At 15.98 cents per kWh, Santa Fe Springs’ average residential electricity rate is over 4% more than that of the state. In fact, it’s almost 35% greater than the national average rate of 11.88 cents per kWh!
But you know what? If your air conditioner is running inefficiently, then not only are they making less money off of each kilowatt that’s used but also the whole system as a whole suffers. And who can afford those extra costs when living in Santa Fe Springs??
The good news though- there are plenty ways for us all to cut down on our energy bills!
That’s what we’re here to share with you today, so be sure to keep reading!
1. Weak Air Flow or Air isn’t Cool Enough
If you notice that there’s not enough cool air coming out of your AC’s vents, check the filter first. You may have a dirty or clogged one which is stopping its flow- so change it every three months and also keep an eye on those temperatures to make sure they don’t go too high!
If you recently changed your filter though, damaged fan blades may be to blame. These not only cause weak air flow, but can also lead to a faulty condenser. Condenser unit problems are some of the top causes of AC failure, so be sure to get that fan fixed ASAP!
If the problem is that your AC isn’t producing cool enough air, a bad compressor may be the culprit. The compressor is the part of your AC that turns the refrigerant into gas and then back into liquid. It needs to do this in a constant cycle so that you can keep enjoying cool air.
So, if the compressor is on its last legs, it may no longer be able to complete that cycle. Or, it may not even be transforming the refrigerant into gas anymore.
Either way, it’s best to call an HVAC repair pro in Santa Fe Springs to inspect your air conditioner. The experienced technician will determine the exact cause of the airflow issue.
2. Your AC Blows Out Warm Air Instead
You don’t want your AC producing warm instead of cool air! But a more dangerous cause is refrigerant leak. Especially if you have R22 or Freon in there, it can lead to an explosion and fire hazard- so be sure that any repairs are done by professionals who know what they’re doing before this happens!
Air conditioners manufactured on or before 2015 use Freon, a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). CFCs are chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, which is why this refrigerant is nearing a phase-out. Come January 01, 2020, production and supply of R22 will stop.
Refrigerant leaks also often produce hissing sounds, so if you hear those, call an AC repair pro. Better yet, consider replacing your air conditioner if it’s using Freon.
3. Skyrocketing Electricity Bills
12% of your electricity bill already goes towards AC use, so you wouldn’t want that to jump any higher. The thing is, a broken air conditioner part (like a failing motor) requires more energy to run. In most cases, it’s the unit’s attempt to compensate for its inefficient performance.
Let’s say your AC’s condenser motor is already dying. Since it’s failing, it’ll have a hard time removing heat from inside your home. So, it’ll make up for that inefficiency by running longer, thus consuming more energy.
The longer you put off having your AC repaired, the higher your electricity bills will be. Also, even if the unit is still working, it won’t be long until that motor completely dies. Wait until it does, and you’re looking at even more expensive repair expenses.
4. Powers On and Off
Your air conditioning system is more than just a bunch of cooling coils and an evaporator plate. In order to work, it needs certain components that are integral for proper operation: A thermostat – which you can find on most systems under the dashboard or inside near your windows; fans –to move hot outside air through them so they cool down before entering our homes’ walls etc., but these same devices provide relief when we need fresh
If your thermostat malfunctions, it can’t read the room temperature right. This then leads to shorter cooling cycles, or “short-cycling”. If you run into this problem, you’ll notice your unit powers on or off by itself or it cycles on and off more quickly.
Either way, you’ll feel that the room doesn’t seem to be cool enough or that it warms up too fast. Call an AC repair expert to check your thermostat as it may already need replacement.
5. Foul Smells Coming from the Vents
The AC unit you bought may be causing a stench that smells like moldy bread or wet socks. This could just come from your condenser pan, which sits water and leads to development of the molds thus producing those off odors in your home’s atmosphere!
A simple fix is draining this part but if there are other issues arise such as burning wire insulation then call an HVAC technician right away because they’ll know what needs done next
Other Signs You Need AC Repair in Santa Fe Springs
Air conditioners, even the most “quiet” ones, still produce a gentle humming sound. But if you hear odd noises, such as squeals, scraping, and grinding sounds, that’s a different story.
A common culprit behind this is a loose or broken fan belt. The rubber may be rubbing or slapping against other internal parts of the AC. A grinding sound often indicates two metal parts rubbing against each other.
Whichever the cause of the sounds, contact an experienced AC repair technician ASAP. Delays in repairs can cause bigger damages to more sensitive internal parts of the unit.
Get Those AC Problems Fixed ASAP
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, pick up that phone to request AC repair in Santa Fe Springs. Especially if you smell exhaust-like or burning odors. Not only are they telling signs of a broken AC, but they can also signal poisoning and fire hazards.
If you need immediate HVAC repair services, know that we can help. Don’t hesitate to connect with us now so we can get your AC or furnace back to excellent working order!
The blower capacitor is a component that looks like a large battery. It provides electricity to the fan motors, making sure there’s enough cool air to prevent the system from overheating. When it is malfunctioning, your heater won’t turn on. You will need a technician to determine if it needs a repair or replacement.
This is a big problem for old houses. Ductwork design and installation take skill, but some homeowners choose to hire amateurs or do it themselves – which leaves the people who buy these properties with compromised ducts that may cause performance issues in their furnaces if they were never fixed by professionals before coming into possession of said home (or business). Are you feeling the chill this winter? You might need your furnace checked. Give us a call and we’ll send over a technician to inspect your heating system.
