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.
“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.
What if I told you that most if not all established air conditioning and heating companies already know what you want to hear and since they know this, they all sound the same when they give you a quote. Getting the best deal for your home and family when picking a HVAC contractor can be stressful and a crazy shot in the dark, if you don’t know what to look for and ask.
Everywhere on the internet is always tells you the same when interviewing HVAC Contractors:
Have a game plan and know your expectations before you sign a contract.
What to ask and know to save money or get the options you want for your home.
The truth about rebates that air conditioning contractors don’t want you to know.
Know what you want and what your home needs before you start calling HVAC companies.
Most homeowners will replace their heating and cooling only once or twice when living in a home. It is not something that people do often (most quality home air conditioning systems last 15 -20 years or more). This leaves the homeowner relying on the contractor to inform them on what they need or should get. Depending on the HVAC contractor this can be a bad move if they are dishonest but what is more common in the HVAC industry is that the salesperson is not fully knowledgeable on all the options, which means homeowners will not have all the correct information. Most HVAC contractors will give you a free estimate to replace your system. Some will charge a fee to diagnose and repair an HVAC system, so you must make it clear that you want a free estimate for a new HVAC system.
What are the top 5 questions to ask your HVAC contractor…
On the phone before they come to your home for a free estimate (excluding the obvious one listed at the very top)?
“What if I’m not happy with the comfort system after you install it? If it doesn’t cool or heat my home properly, will you make it right? Is that on your contract?” This is a direct question that should be always asked, if the contractor gives you a vague answer and it is not on the contract, ask him if he’s willing to put it in writing. (Remember sometime the person answer the phone doesn’t have the answers so ask to talk with a salesman)
“Do you offer financing?” Even if you’re planning on paying for the whole amount with cash or credit card you can use this to leverage the deal later. I’ll tell you how, keep reading. If you need the payment options because your A/C broke unexpectedly, it’s good to know this before the technician or salesman comes over so you can get what you need instead of just putting a band aid on it. Know what your financial situation is, so you can budget for a new home comfort system (80% of homeowners think their AC is going to last another year or the underestimate the cost.)
“What warranties do you offer and are they backed by your company or the manufacturer, and what are the restrictions?” Most, if not all, air conditioning companies offer some sort of warranty. The most common are 1 to 5 years labor with a 10-year parts. The labor is commonly backed by the HVAC company installing it, while the parts are backed by the manufacturer. Looking at the reviews and making sure there are no bad ones of past customers complaining about how the HVAC company did not honor their warranty or had performance issues that they could not or would not resolve.
Try to get a 10-year parts and labor warranty that is backed by the manufacturer not the contractor installing it. If the HVAC contractor goes out of business and is no longer around, your labor warranty backed by them is useless. 7/10 air conditioning companies fail in the first 5 years of business, not because the owner doesn’t know how to fix or install AC equipment, but because they don’t know how to run a business
“It is important to know what type of HVAC contractor you want. Do you want a small local contractor that is just him and a helper? This option is usually cheaper, but when it gets really hot or really cold they don’t have the manpower to get to you quickly because he can only fix so many HVAC systems per day. Or do you want a mid-sized company that has about 5 to 15 employees, but is more expensive than the smaller guy by a couple of hundred or thousand? They can usually show up when you need them and give you peace of mind that you are paying for service. Or the large HVAC company that has 30-100 employees that have a solid foundation of staying in business that are usually the most expensive in town but give an over-the-top experience.
There is no wrong or right answer to this question, but I recommend thinking about it before you set appointments so you can get an apples-to-apples comparison. If not, your estimates will all be thousands of dollars different without really understanding why the price range is so large. You might be asking yourself “Is the other guy missing something or are you just more expensive for the same thing?”
“Are you going to give me a detailed proposal the same day you come over.” Most larger companies are going to ask to “meet with all the decision makers or people that will be helping to design the right comfort system for your home.” This is so they can close the deal the same day if everything works out. This is not a bad tactic for the contractor, but it can be time consuming if all your estimates are requesting you and your spouse to be present for every estimate. Some companies will not set an appointment with you unless you agree to that. Smaller air conditioning contractors will come over to talk and not even drop a price or a quote because they are not organized. They also might not want to do your job for many factors, they think it is too hard, don’t have the manpower to do it, or they talk themselves out of offering what you need because they think you don’t want it.
Either way you want to make sure that the contractor knows you are expecting a detailed proposal of what they are going to do and for how much the same day. (Coming back to give you a price a second time is a sales tactic, this is used to see all other proposals that you have gotten and discredit them)
Have a game plan before you sign a contract for your air conditioning installation!
If you want a deal and know you’re getting the best value in replacing your heater or A/C don’t always sign with the first company that comes out.
Have a list of questions to ask all contractors biding on your contract and act naïve to see what they tell you and compare your notes to what you already know.
What do you recommend we do and why? What other options do I have?
Can I see pictures of your work that are like my project?
“If I said yes today, what would be the entire process from now to when I’m comfortable” (ask all contractors this not just the one you think is best and not at the finish line when you’re signing the contract. The salesmen might think this question is a green light to close a deal, but stick to your game plan and get all the quotes you need to make the right decision)
How to get the biggest bang for the buck when getting your air conditioner system installed.
The easiest way to get a better price is to ask for it!
That may sound dumb, but most salesmen will give you what you want if it makes sense or they have a large margin on that product. Most high efficiency systems will have more room to go down than the base tier system. Meaning an 18 or 20 seer system will have a bigger discount than the 14 SEER system. (SEER is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, meaning the more you have the more you save on electricity)
Price of the equipment doesn’t matter to the contractor.
Asking how much you pay for your equipment or telling them how much you seen the equipment online won’t help you. Air conditioning & Heating contractors price their installations how they seem fit. A smaller guy might go on time and materials multiplied by a magic number they came up with. Larger A/C companies usually have formulas that they follow to stay profitable. So, if you’ve seen the price for a furnace, evaporator coil and condenser for $3,800 online that’s useless info when you’re negotiating a deal. Most larger companies have a way to deflect that question. There are other ways they can move the cost around where it come out too the same price, they wanted to sell it for.
Asking for free upgrades!
Like a better thermostat, UV light or filtration system is the easiest way to get them if you ask them to put them in the deal if you go with them. This is the most common way to get something for free but do it after you negotiated a price on the system, if not they can hide it into their price.
Cash Is King!
If you are buying your system via cash or check. Do not tell them that if they are pushing financing. Every financing company charges the contractor a percentage of the amount finance for a decent rate or offer. The most common one a customer pays for are “same as cash” or low payment / low interest options. This can cost the contractor 5-10% depending how long or low the loan and interest rate is. With this information I would negotiate all the way to the end then ask them “if I pay you cash will you give me a discount?” If they say no, tell them you know they are paying a fee for the financing and to just give it to you instead of the bank (Don’t do this if your not ready to buy at that point).
You get what you pay for…sometimes.
Paying the lowest price possible isn’t always the best way to go unless your finances are in that situation, which happens often when you don’t plan your HVAC replacement. Most homeowners want peace of mind that the contractor will do what they say, make it right if they come up short, show up on time and clean up after themselves. This might seem like common sense but not all HVAC contractors are the same and the ones that known and practiced this, they usually charge more because they know homeowners are willing to pay for it.
I didn’t mention anything on how much you should pay for your new air conditioning installation…
There are too many factors to tell you if you’re getting a deal or not. In the past I did that and what happens is most of the people that read my blog get expectations and focused on how much they should pay instead of getting the biggest bang for the buck. They overlook even air temperatures, low utility bills, a long warranty, how quite the unit will be and picking a good contractor that knows what he’s doing. Good Luck!
Hi my name is Angel Muro I established Comfort Time Heating & Cooling driven by my deep passion for HVAC and a sincere commitment to improving our customers' comfort. My initial fascination with plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems has evolved into a dedicated profession, emphasizing the significance of both technical expertise and a warm, customer-centric approach. This blog aims to provide valuable insights and information. While some pages provide details about our services, my primary goal is to share real-life experiences that can assist you in various HVAC matters.
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At Comfort Time Plumbing Heating and Cooling, we are your trusted HVAC & Plumbing experts serving Southern California. With years of experience in the industry, we take pride in delivering top-notch heating and cooling solutions tailored to the unique climate and needs of the region. Whether you're in the coastal areas, inland valleys, or urban centers, our team of dedicated professionals is here to ensure your year-round comfort. We stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to offer energy-efficient solutions, and our commitment to customer satisfaction means you can rely on us for prompt and reliable service. When it comes to your HVAC needs in Southern California, Comfort Time is the name you can trust.
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.
