4 Probable Causes Behind Your HVAC Troubles

Working HVAC systems are essential to your comfort in your NorCal home. However, a well-maintained unit is important for reducing the size of your energy bills as well. Everything in your unit should be completely operational for you to get maximum efficiency, cost-savings, and lifespan from your unit. The four main causes of HVAC issues are as follows:

1. Dirt or Dust Buildup

Generally, HVAC systems malfunction or are unable to suck air because of dirt or dust in the system. You should simply check whether your system is clean or not if you have noticed a drop in efficiency. Your home won’t cool or heat as it used to when you have extra grime or dirt buildup.

There will be a drastic reduction in the quality of your indoor air as well. You may suffer from more allergy and asthma related symptoms. Grime and dirt also tend to add more stress on each component of the unit. The air filters are the first spot to clean. You should be able to see the dirt buildup on your air filters. It is recommended to clean or change air filters every three months depending on the size of space being cooled or heated.

You should also make sure that you are purchasing appropriate filters for your HVAC system. Another area to check for dirt buildup is the heat pump condenser coil. Air flow capacity can get degraded because of dirty coils which will significantly impact the efficiency of your system.

2. Equipment Age

Over time your home may feel less and less comfortable. This may be because your system is old and requires replacing. HVAC systems are meant to last for anywhere from 12 – 15 years. With proper care, you may be able to extend the life of your unit to 20 years. However, it is not recommended to keep a very old unit in your home. Most homeowners don’t wait for more than 10 years to replace their units with newer and more energy efficient models.

3. Poorly Installed Unit

HVAC units that are not installed correctly may run inefficiently. You will notice reduced cooling or heating in your house and really high energy bills if this happens. It is important that you always get your HVAC system installed by a professional.

Poorly installed units can result in the following problems:

• Poor results: Units that are too small for your home will not make it comfortable. You may also experience uneven cooling or heating.
• Short circuit: The unit won’t run properly if the electric voltage is not right. It is possible a short circuit may occur.
• Uneven cooling or heating: Air leaks may develop if the ducts are not installed correctly resulting in drastic temperature changes.

4. Inadequate Maintenance

You need to maintain your HVAC system to ensure it runs efficiently and makes your home comfortable. Annual cleaning and maintenance services helps in identifying minor problems before they blow up into major ones. Your HVAC unit may break down as well without proper maintenance.

Get in touch with a local HVAC contractor if you haven’t had your system maintained in a long while. They will ensure that your system functions as it should with annual and periodic inspections.