Common HVAC Problems and Diagnosis

HVAC techs carry diagnostic gear to pinpoint difficult HVAC problems

Common HVAC Problems and Diagnosis

A complex system, your HVAC unit includes a number of heating, cooling and ventilation components that work together to keep your home cool and comfortable. The individual components of your system can break down and begin to function poorly, affecting the operation of your system. While there are a number of malfunctions that can affect how your HVAC system operates there are five common problems that are easy to fix and they won’t break the bank.

A Broken Thermostat

If you’ve noticed a change in the overall temperature in your home, and your cooling unit is not consistently turning on or off, then you may have a broken thermostat. You can determine if you need a new thermostat by placing the unit’s fan on auto and listen to the fan blades turn. If the thermostat is listing the room temperature as your target temperature, and the fan is still running, then the thermostat needs to be replaced.

A Dirty Filter

A dirty filter can be the source of your HVAC problems and causing poor cooling system operations. Your filter should be changed on a monthly basis, if it is not it can cause:

• Reduced air flow
• Dirt to accumulate on the fan blades
• Blocking of the cooling coil, reducing the system effectiveness
• Frost build-up on the cooling coil

Improperly Balanced Dampers cause HVAC Problems

If you notice that some rooms in your home seem to cool or heat much faster than others, it may be because your dampers are improperly balanced. If you are experiencing uneven temperatures from room to room, your system dampers may be unbalanced. You may want to call a service technician to come out and service your system.

Leaking Refrigerant

In order for your HVAC unit to properly cool, it needs liquid refrigerant, also known as Freon. If you notice that your home is not getting cold, even though your cooling system seems to be working overtime, it may mean your refrigerant is leaking, and you need to call a service technician ASAP.

Tripped Breaker

If your cooling system is completely unresponsive, it may be something as simple as a tripped breaker. You can simply go to your breaker box and flip the designated switch back to the “on” position. However, if your system trips the breaker regularly, you need to call a qualified HVAC service company to take a look at what is causing this issue. See our related post on this issue.

There are a number of reasons why your HVAC problems may be occurring. Before calling a service technician and spending your hard earned money, you may be able to fix the problem with little work.

If your AC needs repair or service in Southern California, please call Graves Heating and Air Conditioning Services, Inc. at 562-944-2118 to set up an appointment.