7 Most Common HVAC Problems That Require Expert Repairs
As with any complex mechanical equipment, your HVAC system is likely to encounter problems from time to time. In some cases, these issues are fairly easy to fix yourself, such as when a battery dies in your digital thermostat or your furnace filter becomes clogged.
Other problems, however, require professional repair by Mario's AC to protect you and your HVAC system. To help you determine the seriousness of an issue, here are seven of the most common HVAC problems that require professional repair.
1. Pilot Light Goes Out
Your pilot light is a small flame that is always on to ignite the burners in your furnace when the temperature in your home drops too low. Sometimes, a change in the flow of gas can cause the pilot light to go out. In other cases, a more serious problem with your furnace is the culprit of an extinguished pilot light.
No matter what the cause, though, it’s important to have Mario's AC come and light your pilot light once again, since performing this task incorrectly can cause a fire or explosion. Plus, while the technician is in your home, they can check to see why the pilot light went out in the first place.
2. Out-of-Balance Blower Fan
Your blower fan is used by both your air conditioner and your furnace to push conditioned air throughout your home. As the blower fan ages, the wear and tear on its structure can cause it to become out-of-balance. You’ll usually notice this condition if you hear a thumping or rattling noise when your HVAC system is running.
It’s important to have Mario's AC repair this issue to ensure the fan is properly balanced to provide smooth and efficient operation. If the blower fan is too far gone, your technician will be able to let you know.
3. No Cold Air Blowing
This is an issue that you need to have a technician from Mario's AC take a look at simply because there are a variety of possible causes. Possibilities include a refrigerant leak, a dirty evaporator coil, a faulty thermostat or any one of a number of other problems. As if that weren’t enough, each of these underlying problems is fairly complex to fix, meaning that to have your issue properly diagnosed and repaired, professional expertise is a must.
4. System Won’t Turn On
If your system doesn’t turn on at all, it could be indicative of something simple and straightforward or something quite complex. If you can’t resolve the issue quickly on your own, you’ll want to give Mario's AC a call. Our technicians have the training to understand whether the problem is some kind of power interruption, a frozen compressor or a faulty thermostat, and they have the tools to correct it.
If the problem is especially serious, it may require the installation of a new system. At Mario's AC, we offer top-quality equipment at an affordable price and can install the system for you quickly to prevent any discomfort in your home.
5. A Tripped Breaker
Given the exceptional power requirements of your HVAC system, it demands its own dedicated circuit on your electrical panel. This prevents the system from overloading the circuits that you use for various other devices. Even with this accommodation, however, there may be instances in which your HVAC system trips its breaker.
The most common cause of a tripped breaker is an overheating air conditioner compressor. The compressor is the unit that sits outside your home and expels the heat from the refrigerant into the outside air, then compresses the refrigerant to cool it down and sends the refrigerant back into your home.
If the compressor experiences a problem such as a lack of refrigerant, a trapped fan blade or overuse, it can begin to overheat. As the unit overheats, it draws more amps while its motor pushes harder trying to overcome the issue.
Eventually, this could cause your compressor to trip the breaker, stopping all system operation. Given this complex sequence of events, it’s best to have a technician from Mario's AC take a look at your system if the breaker is tripped. Rather than merely turning it back on, you should have a professional determine the underlying cause.
6. Air Conditioner Always Running
If your air conditioner is always running or if it cycles on and off frequently with only short pauses in-between, it’s time to call in some assistance from Mario's AC. There are three primary causes of this issue. The first cause has to do with the refrigerant. If there is a lack of refrigerant, then the system can’t remove heat from your home as efficiently, meaning it has to run longer to achieve the desired temperature.
A second possible cause is an undersized or oversized compressor unit. If the unit starts and stops frequently, you likely have an oversized compressor that is cooling your home too quickly, causing it to only run in short bursts. If your unit is constantly running, you may have a compressor that is undersized for your home, meaning it has to work longer to thoroughly cool your entire space.
A third possibility is a faulty thermostat. Just like any other electronic device, a thermostat can wear out over time. When it does, it may begin sensing temperatures inaccurately and telling the system to provide cooling capacity even when it’s not needed. Regardless of which issue you’re facing, it’s best to have someone from Mario's AC investigate the problem.
7. Strange Smells
The only strange smell that doesn’t require a visit from Mario's AC is a burning odor when you first turn your furnace on for the season. Most other types of strange smells coming from your HVAC system are indicative of a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
For example, a smell like rotten eggs could indicate a gas leak, meaning you need to evacuate your home immediately. A burning smell that happens during normal operation could indicate an electrical problem somewhere in the unit. This smell can also be caused by components that lack lubrication, a dirty air filter that’s overworking your equipment or a variety of other causes.
You may also notice a smell of mildew coming from your HVAC system, especially when your air conditioner is running. While this doesn’t represent a life-threatening situation, it’s still something you should have inspected. If mildew is growing in your blower unit, evaporator coil or vents, prolonged exposure could put you and your family at risk of various mold-related illnesses.
You can be sure that the professionals from Mario's AC have the experience and knowledge to fix the problems listed above as well as any other issues you may face with your HVAC system. We can also clean your ducts and test your indoor air quality to help you breathe a little easier.
We’re proud recipients of the Lennox Centurion Award, and we’re screened and approved by HomeAdvisor. If you’re a business owner, we provide commercial HVAC services that are fast and affordable. Whether you require installation, maintenance or repair of your heating or cooling equipment, our NATE-certified technicians can handle it. When you’re experiencing a problem with your HVAC system, there’s no time like the present to deal with it. Contact us at Mario's AC today to learn all that we can do for you.
