Sneezing woman caught a cold from the air conditioner at home
Is your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system acting up? Does the system give you adequate heating and cooling when desired? Is it giving off foul smells or unusual noises? If you’re unsure if your HVAC system is the cause of these problems, consider reading the rest of the article to help you shed light on these situations.
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Inconsistent Temperatures
HVAC systems that run efficiently should give you constant temperatures throughout their running time. For example, if you set the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), it should stay at that temperature as long as the furnace is in operation. But, do you or other household members feel that you’re feeling warm and cozy one minute, and, then, the temperature shifts to colder levels suddenly? If so, you may need to consider having professionals service your furnaces.
Note that many HVAC systems don’t provide inconsistent temperatures. You can start troubleshooting the system before the experts arrive. Ensure that you don’t touch anything that looks or feels critical to your heating and cooling unit’s normal operation.
In particular, understanding the functionality of your HVAC split system is paramount for optimal home comfort. An HVAC split system, like its name implies, has components both inside and outside your home. This type of system can offer more consistent and efficient heating and cooling. As a final recommendation, you may want to consider HVAC home warranty protection even when your HVAC system is in optimal conditions, this way you can reduce costs in maintenance and repair when your system is failing.
Some of the possible causes of HVAC systems providing inconsistent temperatures are:
- Clogged air filters
- Damaged or loose belts
- Faulty thermostats
- Inadequate return airflow
- Dirty evaporator coils
Having a professional check your HVAC system will let you see a detailed report about its issues. The expert will also suggest solutions that can bring the system’s functionality back to normal, bringing efficient and constant temperatures for your home.
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Foul Smell
Do you turn on your air conditioner and cover your nose immediately? Perhaps, it’s because of the foul smell that’s coming from the cooling unit.
Foul smells coming from HVAC systems might be genuine causes for concern. Some of these causes may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Dead animals
- Plumbing and gas leaks
- Building materials
Your HVAC system might also have faulty components. For instance, if it has a leaky heat exchanger or an overheating blower motor, these parts may cause your heating and cooling unit to give off foul smells and undesirable temperatures.
Perhaps, the first troubleshooting step you can take is to check for gas leaks behind the furnace. Also, troubleshoot your air conditioner for any signs of wear and tear, like rusty bolts or wires. You can also check for leaks around the ductwork’s insulation as it may also cause the smell.
hvac technician installing a digital thermostat
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Moisture Buildup Near The System
Condensation can lead to unnecessary moisture buildup in the HVAC system. The additional moisture may lead to a host of other problems, including health complications for household members and guests.
This excess moisture may promote mold and mildew growth. Constant exposure to these substances may cause health issues, such as sinus congestion, asthma attacks, and other respiratory concerns. Moreover, condensation in or around the HVAC system may lead to a shorter lifespan for the unit, particularly if you live in a relatively cold climate. The cold temperatures may cause the water to turn to ice, causing the system to malfunction.
If your HVAC system has condensation problems, you need to take the necessary steps to solve the cause of the concern. Contacting industry professionals may not only help solve this issue, but they may also prevent the problems from occurring again.
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Unusual Noises
Many HVAC units tend to have quiet operations. But, faulty systems tend to give off unusual noises, such as humming, rattling, or banging. If you hear these unusual sounds, perhaps, it’s time to take a look inside your heating and cooling unit. However, if you don’t know how to remove or maneuver through the parts, consider letting professionals do the troubleshooting and repairs instead.
Moving forward, one potential cause of these noises might come from the air filters. Dirty air filters tend to attract debris that gets into the furnace or air conditioner. If so, clean or replace the filter, and the sounds should go away.
Also, if your home’s heating or cooling unit makes a clicking sound, don’t continue with its operation and turn it off promptly. Clicks tend to mean that there’s an obstruction. Forcing the system to operate at normal efficiency while these clicks are apparent may cause certain components to be more susceptible to wear and tear than usual.
Final Words
Keep in mind that HVAC systems aren’t perfect machines. These heating and cooling units may run into some problems throughout their lives. Some of these issues may include inconsistent temperatures, foul smells, and unusual noises. But, you can contact professionals in the industry to help you with troubleshooting and repairs.
