Originally posted on https://www.mypressplus.com/technology/hvac-not-cooling-10-most-common-hvac-issues/

 

As temperatures across the world become more dynamic, the global HVAC market is predicted to rise dramatically. Air condoning services alone will generate close to 300 billion dollars annually as soon as 2025.

Unless you live in one of the rare places where weather is temperate year-round, we’re willing to bet that you’re a contributor to the HVAC market and have run into your share of issues with your HVAC not cooling, starting or otherwise disappointing.

If that’s the case, keep reading. Below, we go over ten common HVAC issues and some general advice on each of them in hopes of helping you get the most out of your system when the weather outside becomes less than pleasant.

1. Weak Airflow

Among the many issues that people report with their HVAC systems, weak airflow seems to be among the most common. Weak airflow means that rooms that are further away from your HVAC’s base tend to not get much if any cool air.

There are many potential causes for weak airflow but we think that you should start your troubleshooting by checking your HVAC’s filters.

Filters should be changed every three months or so since dust makes it hard for your HVAC to pass air into your home.

2. Your Unit’s Heating Function Isn’t Working Properly

When you’re trying to cool down your house, you’re probably not too concerned with how well your HVAC is capable of heating. Given that an HVAC’s heating and cooling functions are intertwined though, you can expect that your system’s heating issues will eventually cause cooling problems (if they haven’t already).

An HVAC that’s not heating at all or seems to be spitting out heat without prompt could be experiencing pilot issues. A qualified heating and cooling technician can look into this problem for you.

3. Temperature Inconsistencies

One of the key advantages of HVAC systems is that we can pick a temperature and, like magic, units will adjust a home’s climate to match our preferences. It’s a common occurrence though where HVAC owners set a temperature like 70 degrees and find themselves saying, “There’s no way that this is 70…”

If you’ve run into that snag, your HVAC might be having issues with its internal thermometer. An adjustment or replacement by a qualified professional could set the problem straight.

4. Power Outages

It’s no secret that HVAC systems are among the most power-hungry appliances that you have in your home. Some HVAC units are so power-hungry, in fact, that they cause power outages.

When power outages become common whenever you’re running your HVAC, see if your unit’s blower seems to be working too hard. If your blower is fine, your home may have deeper electrical problems.

5. Water Leakage

Water leaks and HVAC systems seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Fortunately, given how common this problem is, HVAC technicians are fast to diagnose and repair it.

Water pooling near your HVAC is usually the byproduct of cracked or clogged drain lines.

6. Odd Noises

Nobody likes it when it sounds like there’s a mouse clinking pans in their HVAC’s ducts. In reality, odd noises are almost never actually emanating from an HVAC’s ducts. Their origin is usually at a unit’s base.

Odd sounds are hard to diagnose without the help of a professional having the luxury of looking over your system in-person. Your technician will typically examine your unit’s fan belt and expand their search from there.

7. Non-Stop Fan

Your HVAC unit’s fan should only be blowing when it’s trying to bring your house to temperature. If your fan seems to always be circulating air, common culprits include your system’s “fan” setting being switch to “on”, poor home insulation or thermostat issues.

You can check your fan’s settings and your home’s insulation by yourself. You’ll want to leave thermostat problems to a professional.

8. Dusty Discharge

When HVAC owners notice dust building up around their home at rates that seem inconsistent with area conditions, their HVAC units are almost always to blame.

The ducts that your HVAC pushes air through can get clogged with dust, mold and other unwanted elements. If you’re not proactive in cleaning your ducts, all of that build-up is going to get blown into your home.

Duct cleaning should be conducted on an annual basis.

9. Hot and Cold Spots

Do you notice that certain rooms in your home have HVAC not cooling problems while others feel too cool? These issues are usually related to airflow which can be inhibited by a bad fan, duct leaks and clogged vents.

Issues like duct leaks could cost homeowners a lot of money in lost air so if you suspect a leak, get a professional to remedy it immediately.

10. HVAC Not Producing Any Air

For those of you that have an HVAC that’s not producing any air, or worse, isn’t powering on at all, you’re likely looking at electrical or mechanical failure.

Problems related to those issues can be expensive to fix and, depending on the age of your unit, may result in the need for replacement.

You’ll Usually Want to Call in a Pro for Your HVAC Not Cooling Problems

We’ve hit you with a lot of problems that may be at the source of your HVAC not cooling woes. While some of the issues we’ve mentioned can be looked into on your own, to save time and protect your unit, most HVAC problems will need an assist from a qualified technician.

Do your best to call for help before the weather gets extreme since extreme weather brings extreme demand for HVAC services.

Do you have more pressing lifestyle questions/concerns? If you do, take the time to browse more of the expertly crafted content that we have featured in our blog!