Regular HVAC system maintenance helps prevent unexpected failure. However, you might still experience occasional problems that demand immediate attention. Most of these issues are noticeable when the system starts operating. Prompt repair is vital to ensure your unit returns to optimal performance and keeps it from premature breakdown. Some significant signs indicate you need to schedule emergency HVAC system repair.
1. Weird Odors
Unusual smells from your HVAC system could be due to various issues. A smell like rotting eggs may be due to gas leakage. Natural gas is odorless, but most gas suppliers add an odorant to help homeowners identify when there is a leakage. The leaking gas poses health issues for your family, so if you notice a leakage, open the windows, vacate the house, and call a professional HVAC expert right after calling your utility company.
A burning smell may be due to overheating components in the HVAC system. Dirty air filters restrict airflow into your unit, and as the blower motor struggles to draw in air, it overheats. Dirt accumulation in or around the motor prevents heat from escaping and can cause a burning smell.
2. Unusual Noises
Being keen on which sounds are typical for your HVAC system makes it easier to know when the noises are unusual and when to call a professional expert. Most HVAC systems have a gentle hum when operating. This may be accompanied by a soft click when starting or immediately after stopping.
A hissing sound may be due to a refrigerant leak within the system. Due to the high pressure, the refrigerant makes a hissing sound as it leaves the faulty component. Old air conditioners often use Freon, which is harmful when in direct contact with a person. You may also hear screeching sounds within the unit caused by loose parts. The blower fan may have come loose or have misaligned fan blades. These will rub against the internal components and create a screeching noise. Delaying repair can cause extensive damage to the system, leading to pricier repairs.
A loud banging sound can also happen after starting a gas system. In normal operation, when the thermostat signals the system to start a cycle, the gas valve opens to release fuel, which is ignited immediately. Due to faults in the system, the gas might instead accumulate in the combustion chamber, and when the ignition system finally ignites it, it burns suddenly with a loud boom.
3. The HVAC Unit Is Not Operating
If you turn on your system but it fails to respond, call an HVAC professional. You might simply have a thermostat problem, and the system is not receiving the required signal to turn on. However, a system will also sometimes fail to turn on due to electrical issues, such as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Electrical issues can lead to fire hazards, which must be fixed promptly.
4. Ice on Evaporator Coils
Some homeowners assume that ice forming on the evaporator coil indicates the unit works exceptionally well in cooling their homes. However, ice on any part of the cooling system is a sign you need to contact a professional HVAC expert to look into the issue. The evaporator coil is filled with a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air circulating in your home. It should be cold but not freezing. A frozen evaporator coil may be linked to insufficient airflow or low refrigerant levels.
These issues compromise the ability of the coils to absorb heat and raise the temperature of the refrigerant within. If the refrigerant gets too cold, it freezes the water moisture on the coil, which accumulates when the air conditioner operates. Do not attempt to scrape the ice off, as you may damage the coils. Shut off the system and let the ice melt. Contact an HVAC expert to solve the issue causing the ice formation.
5. HVAC System Leaking Water
Water or excess condensation under or around your HVAC system is a sign of an underlying issue that needs immediate attention. A clogged condensate pipe or pump can prevent proper drainage. Condensate pumps remove water that collects in the condensate pan. Over time, dirt and debris may accumulate in the condensate components, causing blockages. They may also lead to rust formation or favor the growth of algae due to the presence of moisture. The collected water will overflow from the condensate pan onto your surface.
When you notice the leaks are in continuous flow and not a slow drip, it may be due to a disconnected condensate pipe. To prevent water damage to your home, ensure a professional repairs the system promptly.
6. System Keeps Going On and Off
Your HVAC system can go off unexpectedly, often due to underlying issues, including a circuit breaker that keeps tripping or an oversized system.
The circuit breaker will trip if the system is overworked. When too big, the heating unit struggles to pass air through undersized ductwork. It quickly reaches the desired temperature in some rooms and the thermostat signals it to shut off. This can lead to some rooms being insufficiently warmed and short-cycling in the furnace. The only solution to an oversized system is replacement. An HVAC professional will calculate the heat load to recommend the right size.
If there are issues in the ignition system and the unit fails to burn the fuel completely, the safety mechanism in your HVAC system may cause it to shut off. After the gas dissipates, the system will start again but quickly shut down if the issue in the ignition system is not solved.
7. Cold Air From the Heating System
Improper thermostat settings may cause your heating system to fail to activate when needed. The thermostat can only adjust the temperature in your home when it is properly set, so adjust the settings in your thermostat to keep your home warm and toasty.
In other cases, the circuit control board, or the brain of the system, is unable to properly decode the instructions from the thermostat. This might result in the blower activating without the burners igniting. You’ll need professional help when this occurs to keep your home at the right temperature.
8. Problems With the Pilot Light
A pilot light blowing out indicates your HVAC system needs emergency repair services. A strong draft near the system might be to blame in some cases. However, the thermocouple could also be responsible for shutting off the pilot light. The thermocouple is a safety feature that senses when the pilot light is on. It signals the gas valve to open and release the fuel.
The pilot light should burn blue. If you notice it burning in an orange or yellow color, it’s not burning efficiently. This may be due to airflow restrictions in the air intake valve, which triggers insufficient fuel burning. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, may leak into your home.
Are you looking for emergency repair services in Chandler, AZ? Look no further. At Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing, we serve residents in the area with comprehensive HVAC and plumbing services. Contact Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing today; our trained and qualified technicians will give you quality services.
