If your HVAC system is having trouble, it may be time to get help. There are a few ways you can take care of the problem, including cleaning your ducts, troubleshooting a faulty thermostat, and cleaning the coils. If you're not sure how to fix the problem, there are plenty of Raleigh HVAC repair professionals who can help.
How to Get Help With HVAC Problems
There are several ways to take care of HVAC problems, including cleaning your ducts, troubleshooting a faulty thermostat, and cleaning the evaporator coil. But if you want to extend the lifespan of your system, you should invest in preventive maintenance. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 70% of residential HVAC systems do not perform optimally, and most homeowners are not aware of a problem until it gets out of hand. But it's better to be proactive than reactive, so how do you take care of an HVAC problem?
Fixing a Faulty Thermostat
If you notice that your HVAC system is running erratically, it could be a faulty thermostat. These devices are essential for heating and cooling your home. A faulty thermostat can cause severe problems. It can fail to respond to changes in temperature or may have been programmed incorrectly. Here are some tips to fix faulty thermostats. These thermostats are typically designed to last for about 10 years.
One of the first steps in repairing a faulty thermostat is to understand what it is. The thermostat regulates the functionality of the entire HVAC system. If there are problems with it, the end-user may call an HVAC service company or an HVAC contractor to replace it. But, most people can fix it themselves. You can read on to discover 7 problems that can affect your thermostat and learn how to fix them.
Check for a buildup of dust or debris on the thermostat's components. If you see dust or dirt on any part of the thermostat, you should first remove the debris. Clean the thermostat with canned air if you have this option. Also check for obvious signs of damage. Loose terminal screws and wiring can cause it to malfunction, and corrosion will affect the thermostat's functionality. It is best to call a professional to solve thermostat problems.
Checking for a faulty thermostat can help you understand the root cause of your HVAC problems. A faulty thermostat can cause the heating and air conditioning system to run continuously, resulting in higher energy bills. If the thermostat is faulty, it cannot properly read the temperature, and will cause the entire HVAC system to overwork itself. In addition, faulty thermostats can cause the system to overwork, making it unreliable.
Before attempting to fix a faulty thermostat for HVAC problems, you can perform a temperature check. To do this, you should place a paper towel against the wall in an area where the thermostat is not accessible. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. A temperature difference of up to three degrees F indicates a more serious problem. If the difference is larger, you should call a professional for further diagnostics.
Cleaning HVAC Air Ducts
Before you hire a company to clean your air ducts for HVAC problems, you should understand why cleaning them is a necessary step in preventing potential HVAC issues. Ducts are made of fragile plastic that is wrapped around a spring. The plastic is covered with insulation and is designed to keep out heat and moisture. Some air duct cleaning companies will propose using chemical biocides to coat the duct and HVAC equipment housings. These chemicals are meant to prevent mold growth and dirt particles from entering the HVAC system. However, they should only be used after the entire system is cleaned.
The first step of duct cleaning is to remove the floor registers and vacuum out the dust. If you can do it yourself, you can use a toilet brush or large paintbrush. You will also need a screwdriver to remove the vents. After cleaning the ducts, you should replace the air filter and clean the vent covers. If the ducts are in an older home, they may have vents placed too close to the existing vents. To prevent the risk of introducing more dust and dirt into the home, you should hire a professional HVAC technician.
Dust contains fine particles such as dead skin, pet dander, and microscopic organisms. Even rodent feces can be found in air ducts. This contamination can be a breeding ground for bacteria and even pests. Besides, if the ducts are too dirty, they spread the dirt from room to room faster. If this happens, dust particles can end up covering the surfaces of your children's toys and smart phones, making them extremely uncomfortable.
The next time you consider hiring a professional to clean your air ducts for HVAC problems, make sure you check the ducts for any signs of rodents or pest infestations. These pests can cause allergies and other respiratory problems. If you find that your ducts have high levels of dust, cleaning them will prevent them from spreading. In addition to dust and pollen, dirt and other indoor pollutants can make your air quality less than ideal.
Troubleshooting a Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat may appear as a dark display when there is no power. If you cannot see it, check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Remove the cover and check the inside of the thermostat for loose terminal screws and wiring. If the thermostat is not working at all, contact a professional HVAC technician for help. If the problem persists, try to replace the entire thermostat.
A faulty thermostat is not only unable to set the desired temperature, but also may be incapable of adjusting the settings. Some thermostats lack backlights, which may mean they are damaged. Other signs of a malfunctioning thermostat include a fluctuating temperature or a display screen that does not work properly. If you have questions, check your thermostat's manual. It should be easy to follow and contain simple instructions.
Another common HVAC problem is a faulty thermostat. These devices are the brains of the HVAC system, which is why a malfunctioning thermostat could cause the entire system to stop working. Make sure that your thermostat clicks when you change the temperature. If it does not, you may need to check its wiring or get a replacement. If you are unable to do any of these steps, the problem is most likely the thermostat itself.
Oftentimes, a malfunctioning thermostat is caused by a miscalibration in the device. It may show the house temperature to be a few degrees warmer or cooler than it is. This could also occur if the thermostat is set in a drafty room or is situated incorrectly. Check your owner's manual for additional information and instructions. If it is not listed, contact a HVAC professional to check it out.
Repairing a Faulty Evaporator Coil
If your AC is making excessive noises, leaking refrigerant, or creating moisture, a faulty evaporator coil is likely the culprit. While a $200 cleaning charge may seem like a cheap way to fix the problem, the actual cost of repair can run into the thousands of dollars. Therefore, a replacement is usually the best solution. However, if the coil is completely broken, you may want to consider a more extensive service.
While it may sound easy, locating a leaking evaporator coil can be a tricky task. It's important to keep in mind that a leaky evaporator coil can make the rest of your HVAC system work harder than it should. It is not uncommon for several small leaks to be present, and it can be difficult to locate them all. If you can't see them all, you can still get a decent idea of where to look.
In the first instance, you might need to call a professional technician. Your technician will clean the evaporator coil and inspect it for damage. Then, they will need to defrost the system. Once the coil is free from ice, they will need to inspect the entire system and check for refrigerant leaks. When they find a leak, they can replace the evaporator coil and resolve your HVAC issues.
Another symptom of a faulty evaporator coil is unusual noises from your AC unit. They could be coming from the indoor unit or the outside one. If you have noticed these signs, you should call a professional HVAC technician immediately to determine if you have a faulty evaporator coil. Similarly, you may have noticed strange noises or the presence of refrigerant leaks when the AC is running.
Cleaning the evaporator coil can be a challenging task. Dirty coils can reduce cooling air and suffocate air conditioners. Therefore, it is best to keep your air conditioner clean at all times. A dirty coil can also cause your HVAC system to overheat, making it difficult to regulate temperature inside your home. To avoid this, you should check the coils regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.
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