No one likes to think about their home’s cooling and heating system breaking down. However, it is essential to be aware of the most common problems so that you can be prepared if they do. This article will discuss the most common issues with these systems and how to prevent them.
About Your Cooling and Heating System
It is crucial to regularly maintain your heating and air conditioning system with a professional AC company. They will clean it and address any potential issues while those are not yet causing problems. That will minimize any breakdowns.
Your home’s cooling and heating system is also susceptible to several common problems. Here are some of the most common issues and the signs that will alert you when something is amiss.
Problems That Indicate Trouble With Your Home’s Cooling and Heating System
Despite this, your air conditioner can still have problems. Here are some of the most common issues with your AC unit.
1 – The Air Is Not Cool Enough
When the AC isn’t keeping the home cool enough during a hot summer, it’s crucial to have a technician check the system. They will check the system airflow, refrigerant level, coil condition, filter condition, and mechanical components. If any of these are not up to par, it could be causing the AC to not work correctly.
In some cases, it might just need a simple fix like topping off the refrigerant or changing the filter. However, if the coils are frozen, that is a more severe issue that will require more work to fix.
Regardless, it’s essential to have a professional come and take a look so that they can diagnose the problem and get your AC up and running again in no time.
2 – The Cooling and Heating System Does Not Blow Enough Air
If there is not enough air blowing out from the vents, the problem could be a dirty coil or a low refrigerant level.
If you have a dirty coil, it restricts the airflow and does not allow the coil to properly transfer heat. To fix this, the technician will clean your indoor coil.
If you have a low refrigerant charge, that also decreases the ability of the coil to absorb heat. The technician will top up your refrigerant levels.
3 – Ice on the AC
If you see ice on your AC unit, there are a few possible issues, but it’s not blowing cold air. First, make sure that all vents are open. If too many vents are closed, it can limit the amount of cool air that circulates.
Second, check to see if any return air grills are blocked. Blocked grilles can also restrict airflow and make it difficult for the AC to cool the home.
Additionally, check to see if the air filter is dirty. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make it difficult for the AC to cool the home.
Finally, check the evaporator coil to see if it is dirty. A dirty coil can prevent the AC unit from properly cooling the air.
If you have checked all of these things and your AC unit is still not blowing cold air, it is possible that the blower motor isn’t running or that the refrigerant pressures are low. These are both issues that should be addressed by a professional.
4 – Water Pooling Under the AC
When your air conditioner is not draining correctly, it can cause several problems, including water pooling around the unit. This can lead to damage to the unit and mold and mildew growth.
There are a few potential causes of this problem, but a clogged AC drain line is the most common. The technician will clear the line and test it to ensure it functions correctly.
In some cases, the problem may be due to ice buildup in the line. In this case, the technician will thaw the pipe and then test it again.
5 – Your AC is Blowing Warm Air
If the AC is blowing warm air, the outdoor unit is not cooling it. The AC compressor has probably malfunctioned. The technician will fix or replace it.
6 – Not Turning On or Not Enough Heat
If your home isn’t getting warm enough, you should first check the thermostat to ensure it is set to the correct temperature. If it is, then there could be a problem with the furnace.
One potential issue is that the pilot light has gone out. This is an easy fix – simply relight the pilot light.
Another potential issue is that the furnace filter is dirty. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and make it difficult for the furnace to heat the home. The technician will clean or replace the filter.
If neither of these things is the problem, there may be a problem with the furnace itself. In this case, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
7 – The Cooling and Heating System Makes Weird Noises
If your heating system is making strange noises, that could signify several different problems. First, check to see if anything is blocking the vents. If something is blocking the vents, it can cause the furnace to overheat and make strange noises.
Another potential issue is that the blower motor is going bad. A bad blower motor can make various noises, including squealing, rattling, and grinding. The technician will replace the motor.
Finally, the furnace itself may be making noise because it’s old or damaged. In this case, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
The Takeaway: Call the Professionals if You See These Signs Your Cooling and Heating System Needs Attention
If you notice any of these problems, it’s essential to call a professional right away. Your cooling and heating systems should last for many years with proper maintenance and care.
She has a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English and a Spanish Minor. In addition, she holds a Certificates in Natural Health and Herbology from accredited programs. She pursued these natural wellness certifications due to her love for herb gardening.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
