Your HVAC system maintains comfort levels throughout your home all year long, but it’s still susceptible to problems like any other machine.
Fortunately most repairs are easy fixes.
Let’s look at 10 common HVAC problems and their solutions:
1. Your AC Won’t Turn On
Check your thermostat first:
Ensure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than your current room temperature.
Change batteries if it uses batteries.
Next, look at your circuit breaker. Your entire system can shut down if a breaker is tripped. Simply reset it back to the “on” position.
If neither of these fixes worked you could have a blown fuse. This is a job for professional repairs.
2. Weak or Limited Airflow
Airflow in your home feels weak or restricted. Energy usage goes up and comfort decreases. Here are the most common reasons:
Air filters are dirty. Inspect and replace your air filters every 1–3 months.
Blocked vents due to furniture, curtains, or boxes.
Leaks in your ductwork cause loss of air before it reaches your vents. Seal ducts for maximum efficiency, but a professional should perform this job.
3. HVAC Runs But Home Isn’t Cooling Down
If your air conditioner is running, but your home is not cooling down:
The outdoor HVAC unit is dirty or blocked by leaves, grass, or debris.
Low refrigerant – this must be refilled by a licensed HVAC technician.
Frozen evaporator coil – Turn your cooling off and give the unit time to defrost. Replace your air filters.
4. Strange and Loud HVAC Noises
HVAC units typically shouldn’t make loud noises. Here are some sounds to watch out for:
Banging noise usually means you have loose ducts. Contact a technician.
Squealing is often caused by a loose or worn belt that needs to be replaced. Have a professional inspect your system.
Clicking is normal when your system first starts. If the clicking continues once it’s running, there could be an electrical issue. Contact a technician.
Rattling sounds mean there’s debris caught in your unit. Remove sticks, leaves, or other objects around the machine.
5. Water Pooling Around Unit
Water appears around your HVAC system. Swimming pools aren’t maintenance, so let’s look at the causes:
Leaky drain line – Drain lines can become blocked with algae or mold. Flush out your drain with vinegar and water.
Damaged drain pan – If the drain pan is cracked or rusted, you’ll need to replace it.
Frozen pipes due to poor insulation.
6. Heating and Cooling Bills Are Increasing
Assuming you haven’t changed how often you use your HVAC system:
If your thermostat is set too low in the summer or not high enough during winter months you could be losing money. Programmable thermostats make keeping track of your settings easy.
Dirty air filters. Replace regularly.
The system may be too old. If your HVAC is more than 15 years old consider upgrading to a more energy efficient model.
Insulation in your windows and doors may need to be improved.
7. Thermostat Problems
If your thermostat is acting up, you’ll definitely feel uncomfortable:
- Replace batteries.
- Incorrectly placed thermostat can lead to false readings. Make sure it isn’t located in direct sunlight, near air vents, or right next to a frequently used door.
- Remove any built up dust from inside your thermostat.
8. Frozen Up HVAC AC Unit
Ice builds up on your AC unit and stops it from working:
Air is restricted from entering your home. Check and replace dirty filters.
Blower fan not working properly. Check that your blower turns on when cooling is on. If you hear nothing, call a technician.
Could be low on refrigerant or you’ve been running your AC too much when it’s cold outside. Only qualified technicians should work with refrigerants.
Outdoor temperatures are too cold to run your HVAC. Don’t run the AC if it’s below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Hot and Cold Rooms
Some rooms in your home are hot while others are cold:
- Adjust your airflow by closing off vents in certain rooms and opening them in others.
- Your ductwork may have leaks or isn’t routed properly.
- Consider having a zoning system installed.
- Poorly insulated home.
10. HVAC Keeps Turning On and Off
If your HVAC keeps turning on and off:
- The system may be improperly sized for your home.
- Dirty air filters can restrict air and cause the system to cycle more.
- Faulty thermostat.
- Low refrigerant.
- Maintaining Your HVAC System
The majority of HVAC issues can be prevented. Change your air filters regularly, schedule annual maintenance with a professional HVAC contractor, and keep outdoor units clear of sticks, leaves and grass debris. The NHS said that some problems can be resolved easily by you. Others should only be handled by trained technicians. Keeping up with routine maintenance ensures your system operates efficiently, extends the life of your investment, and allows you to feel comfortable in your home all year long.
My AC won’t turn on, what should I do?
Check your thermostat. Make sure it is set to cool and that the desired temperature is lower than the temperature in the room. If the thermostat uses batteries, try changing them. You should also check your circuit breaker and fuses. If your HVAC still will not turn on, you may need to call a professional.
What are some reasons I have weak airflow?
Dirty air filters are the number one cause of weak airflow. Another problem could be blocked vents from furniture, curtains, or boxes. If your ductwork is leaky, you are losing air before it can heat or cool your rooms.
What does it mean if I hear strange noises coming from my HVAC system?
Many strange noises can indicate loose ductwork. If you hear banging or rattling, it is a good idea to contact your technician. Squealing noises could mean you have a worn or loose belt. Your technician will need to check this out. Clicking is normal when your HVAC first kicks on. If the clicking continues while the system is running, there could be an electrical problem. Contact your technician if the noise persists. Lastly, rattling can indicate debris sitting in your HVAC unit.
- How can I prevent my HVAC system from freezing up?
Replace dirty air filters and make sure they aren’t restricted. Next, you’ll want to ensure your blower is running properly. If you turn the cooling on but don’t hear the fan turning on, you may want to contact a technician. Low refrigerant or running your air conditioner when the outside temperature is too cold can also lead to ice build up. If this is the case, you will need to contact a professional.
Why are my heating and cooling bills steadily increasing?
If you haven’t changed how you use your HVAC system, the above reasons could be causing your equipment to work harder. Dirty filters, poor insulation, and old equipment are all common energy thieves. Improper thermostat settings and placement can also cause high energy bills. You may even need to upgrade your HVAC system.
