Strange noises, slight odors of something burning, and chilly corners are common experiences that homeowners have, and they’re usually not difficult to diagnose. Regular maintenance of a home’s heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system can reduce issues and improve your enjoyment of your home.
A professional HVAC company, with trained and experienced technicians, is educated about potential issues with home systems. Combining installation and maintenance skills, they are able to troubleshoot issues before they become insurmountable.
An Ounce of Prevention Can Avert HVAC Issues
A routine of regular maintenance, including twice-yearly checkups and system cleanings by a professional, goes a long way to preventing problems. HVAC technicians can catch problems before they become big and expensive to fix.
Try matching your system’s issue with a solution below. The solution might not be as difficult as you imagine.
| Symptom | Potential Solution |
| Continuously running blower, tripped electrical breakers, inconsistent heat or cooling | Thermostat or electrical issues. This is a significant issue which should be diagnosed and repaired by professionals. While changing batteries in an old fashioned thermostat may help, an investment in a modern unit, installed professionally, can prevent your HVAC system from damage that can occur when the electric supply is malfunctioning or the thermostat is broken. Other potential causes include a stuck relay switch or control board issues. Breakers tripping can also mean a motor is failing or it can be an indication of compressor issues. |
| Poor airflow, uneven temperatures, system runs frequently | Undersized system, closed vents. Trying to get by with an HVAC system that isn’t the right size for your living space often results in hot or cold spots and can cause your system to run too much to make up for uneven heating/cooling. Keep all vents open. Ask an HVAC professional to measure the airflow in your home to confirm the size of the system. |
| Uneven heating/cooling, system runs frequently | Dirty or clogged air filters. These seem like minor inconveniences but can put strain on the system, making it run more frequently to cool or heat your home. This makes your system less efficient and drives up your fuel costs. Your coils can freeze (and stop working) or overheat as a result. |
| HVAC system runs frequently, electrical system breaker trips | Dirty or blocked outdoor condenser unit. When air doesn’t flow well around condensing coils, the coils may freeze or overheat, depending on the season. Your system can strain to maintain the proper temperature, causing components to vibrate or become noisy from excessive use. In extreme situations this can cause the breaker on your home’s electrical system to trip, shutting down the HVAC entirely. |
| Musty smell, allergic reactions, visible mold | Moisture in ductwork. There are several potential sources for excessive moisture in your ductwork, the primary one being a blocked condensate drain (a PVC pipe or tube that runs from the air handler or evaporator coil to a floor drain, pump, or sink), allowing water to back up in the system. Leaks in ducts and poor insulation can also introduce moisture. Mold can grow in areas of the home that are not well ventilated by a properly-running system. If you notice the musty smell when the system runs, look into having the ducts cleaned, leaks diagnosed, and the drain inspected. |
Trust a Professional with Your System’s Maintenance and Repairs
Having a relationship with a professional HVAC company like Unified Home Solutions provides peace of mind that your system is professionally maintained for a longer lifespan. This connection also allows for frequent trouble shooting when necessary, a lifeline for anyone worried that their system is acting up. Connecticut’s cold winters and humid summers require particular attention to a system’s stressors and knowing how to address issues early on. Call for a free consultation.