How to Prevent Common HVAC Emergencies

Surprises from the HVAC system are the worst type of surprises, creating emergency situations as well as panic for some. Homeowners throughout Montgomery, AL work hard to avoid common HVAC emergencies as best they can. Hans Heating and Air shares with you the common heating and air conditioning emergencies we see on the job as well as what you can do to prevent them from occurring in your home.

1. Malfunctioning Thermostat

If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, your heating and cooling system won’t either. The thermostat is the means of communication between you and your HVAC units, as the thermostat tells the furnace or air conditioner when to start and stop so rooms are kept at the temperature you like.

While a thermostat can experience age-related malfunctions resulting from wear and tear, communication issues often arise due to dirty sensors or a lack of power. Avoid common HVAC issues stemming from these thermostat issues by replacing the unit’s batteries every six months or make sure its breaker is set in the correct position with a monthly check. Clean the thermostat by removing the cover plate and cleaning interiors and sensors using compressed air in a can or a soft cloth.

If your thermostat still isn’t communicating correctly, call your HVAC pro to inspect the unit for troubles – repair or replacement may be needed.

2. HVAC Unit Won’t Start

An HVAC system that doesn’t run creates panic among homeowners, especially when it occurs on a very hot or very cold day. As long as no thermostat issues exist, the heating or cooling unit should come on when directed by the thermostat.

The thermostat issues above should be checked before assuming a more serious problem. Check for blown fuses within the unit, and replace as necessary. If the thermostat is running fine, the problem is probably due to a fault in the electrical system.

3. Clogged Condensate Drain

If you have an air conditioner, heat pump, and/or condensing furnace, your unit has a condensate drain. Clogs can form and block the drain as dust and debris drain through with water from the system’s coils. You want to avoid clogs because they can force moisture to back up into the system, then into the area around it, which forces damage to the unit and the home areas surrounding it.

Prevent clogs in the condensate line by scheduling regular heating and cooling maintenance with Hans Heating and Air. Our team will help you through the process of repairs or replacement, all while giving you and your project the full attention it deserves. You can also flush the line of debris on your own.

4. System Overheating

Heating units and even cooling equipment overheating is a common HVAC emergency. Overheating can result from various issues, but ultimately the unit will shut down unexpectedly so it has a chance to cool off before restarting.

If your unit constantly shuts off and doesn’t run a full cycle, blocked airflow can cause this. You want to make sure air filters are changed on a regular basis. All vents in the home should be open and unblocked so air can circulate through the system properly and keep the equipment cool.

Solve Common HVAC Emergencies with Hans

Common HVAC emergencies are no match for the licensed heating and cooling experts at Hans Heating and Air! Our team knows the causes behind common HVAC emergencies and explains how you can prevent them from happening at home. Should an HVAC situation be too much for you to handle, you can always call our team for fast, reliable repairs.

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