The 7 Most Common HVAC Repairs

December 12, 2022

Summary

You rely on your HVAC system to offer relief from the heat during the summer, and to make your home a cozy nest during the dark, cold days of winter. A well-built and properly installed system should not require major repairs for many years, but to be sure that doesn't happen, regular HVAC maintenance for your heating and cooling system is vitally important.

But even with regular inspections and HVAC service, things can go wrong. In this article, we'll examine the most common HVAC repairs and maintenance issues that can lead to expensive repairs. Armed with this knowledge and with proper preventative maintenance, you can avoid an inconvenient and expensive HVAC repair.

Contents

What are the most common HVAC repairs?

While HVAC systems contain many parts, there are some common points that call for more frequent repairs. In addition, a variety of repairs may be caused by specific factors, such as a lack of regular HVAC service.

Let's examine both these factors that can cause a repair service call, and also look at some of the common specific repairs for HVAC systems.

Wear and tear repairs

Even the best-designed, built, and installed HVAC unit is going to wear out at some point. But this process is greatly accelerated if regular HVAC maintenance is delayed or deferred. It may be tempting to try to reduce your HVAC system's maintenance cost by skimping on HVAC maintenance, but the end result will usually result in more costly repairs in the future.

Worn-out parts can lead to cascading failures in your system, so it's important to take care of small problems before they become big ones. It's a perfect example of the old saying "A stitch in time saves nine."

Blown fuses

Fuses perform an important role in your HVAC system, by protecting the motors and electrical circuits from disruptions and spikes in the flow of electricity.

When fuses in the HVAC unit are triggered, they disrupt the flow of electricity to protect the equipment. That's the good news. The bad news is that there is often an underlying problem in your system.

Whatever the cause of the blown fuse - electric overload, a short in the wiring, or a faulty component - it's important to have the HVAC system checked by a qualified HVAC technician, so they can identify the root cause of the problem.

Faulty capacitors

Capacitors are used in electrical circuits as sort of mini-batteries, storing electrical energy for quick release when needed. Some of the components in your heating and cooling system require the use of capacitors.

For example, the compressor in your HVAC system requires a bit of an extra push to get started, and that energy is provided by capacitors in the HVAC system.

If these capacitors fail, your heating and cooling system may have trouble starting. If you notice a clicking sound when the system is turned on, or you hear a stuttering sound when the compressor is operating, your capacitor is likely to have failed or is just about ready to.

If you detect these symptoms, it's time to contact your HVAC contractor and have a qualified HVAC technician perform a service call to diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repair.

Dirty filters

If you want your heating and cooling system to operate at peak efficiency and eliminate unnecessary repairs to your HVAC equipment, one of the smartest steps you can take is to replace your air filters regularly.

Replacing this simple component will extend the life of your HVAC system, and you don't need an HVAC technician to do it. But if you don't replace your filters periodically, your system will suffer.

A dirty filter makes it hard for the system to circulate air throughout your home, and put extra strain on the blower motor, causing extra wear and tear, as well as higher energy bills. In a worst-case scenario, your components can overheat, shutting the system down entirely.

Another benefit of clean filters is the effect they can have on your indoor air quality. High-quality filters will remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and more from the air. It's one of several smart ways to keep the air inside your home as clean as possible.

A faulty thermostat

Without a properly operating thermostat, your HVAC system is a worthless series of components. That's because the thermostat performs the essential task of telling your system when to turn on and off. If your air conditioning keeps you cool in the summer, and your furnace keeps you warm in the winter, you have a thermostat to thank.

If your thermostat isn't operating properly, you'll need the help of HVAC repair services right away. There are a number of reasons why your thermostat may give you trouble.

Some thermostats rely on internal batteries to operate. If these fail, your thermostat will quit functioning.

Other models draw power from the circuit breaker box or from the furnace circuit breakers. If these circuit breakers have tripped, the thermostat will quit working correctly.

Another possibility is that the programming for the thermostat isn't programmed correctly. While newer smart thermostats are quite user-friendly, some older programmable models can be a bit complicated to work with.

Whatever the specific reason, if your HVAC unit doesn't start or turn off when you want it to, or the thermostat interface is unresponsive, and if the temperatures around your home are inconsistent, it's time to call your local HVAC technicians.

If your thermostat needs repaired or replaced, or if you simply want to upgrade your thermostat, consider some of the new smart thermostats that are on the market. They're easy to use and can help you lower your energy bills too.

Clogged drain line

One of the byproducts of an HVAC system is water. That's why units are equipped with drain lines to remove water from your unit.

One common cause for a repair service call is water pooling under indoor HVAC units. This is usually caused by a blockage in the drain lines. Over time, the lines can become clogged with dirt, debris, mold, or algae. This causes water to back up and leak out.

To avoid paying a bill to your HVAC contractor, be sure to have regular HVAC maintenance performed on your unit. A routine maintenance service will always check the line for clogs and perform a quick clean up. It's a cheaper and more convenient process than an emergency HVAC repair.

Broken compressor

One of the key components of every HVAC unit is the compressor located in the condenser coil. If the compressor doesn't receive regular maintenance, the usual result is a failure and expensive repairs.

In particular, when the HVAC unit's refrigerants are undercharged, the compressor will overheat and seize up.  Or, on the contrary, if an HVAC technician overcharges the unit with refrigerants, liquid slugging can occur.  So, ensure that you have qualified and knowledegable HVAC technicians working on your heating and cooling system.

Count on Team Enoch for regular maintenance and repairs

As we've seen, regular maintenance by qualified technicians on your HVAC system can head off many common HVAC system repairs. And if you take advantage of a maintenance plan, it's also very affordable! So, if you're looking for a partner you can trust to work on your HVAC system in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, check us out at Team Enoch.

Team Enoch is committed to providing high-quality products and workmanship to our customers, at a fair price. With over 2500 positive reviews, and over 10,000 jobs completed every year, we pride ourselves on ensuring that our well-trained technicians do the job right the first time.

At Team Enoch we have extensive experience in installing a wide range of HVAC heating and cooling equipment and performing comprehensive electrical work on your home. And we also have plenty of experience in installing new roofs, windows, and more.

If you're in the Dallas Fort Worth area and are ready to improve your home's energy efficiency (and earn tax credits) Team Enoch has the expertise to help your out. Contact us for all your home needs. Remember, estimates are always free!

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