You’re not alone if you panic when you have HVAC problems. Heating and air-conditioning equipment is among the most complicated in your home, but in reality, the fix might be as simple as a new air filter, a refrigerant top-off, or a fresh thermostat battery.
Air Filters
It’s hard to believe, but that simple air filter affects forced-air HVAC systems in many ways and can be one of the most common HVAC problems. In the winter, a dirty air filter can shut a gas furnace off, and in the summer, it could cause the evaporator coil inside the air handler to freeze over.
Air filters trap airborne particles, so when the filter gets too dirty, the airflow slows down. As a consequence, the parts inside the air handler either stay too hot in the heating mode or too cold when it’s cooling. A switch inside furnaces senses when the heat exchanger and the burner are getting too hot and shuts the system down.
In the summer, a clogged filter restricts the amount of air blowing over the evaporator coil inside the air handler. The coil may stay cold too long and eventually freeze. Your home will gradually heat up. Worse, the lack of refrigerant flow to the compressor could cause it to overheat and fail.
All these HVAC problems are the result of a dirty air filter. Make a note to check yours monthly and to change it when your system is running daily.
Low Refrigerant
The effects of low refrigerant on heat pumps and central air conditioners may seem ironic. Instead of causing the evaporator coil to warm up, it can cause it to freeze over. In the summer, your system will run continuously but won’t provide any cooled air. A heat pump will do the same in the winter, only the air won’t be warm. Routine maintenance performed by a pro will reveal low refrigerant.
Thermostat
The thermostat controls when and how long your HVAC system runs. A dead battery will keep it from functioning. The thermostat itself may also need replacing if the system won’t turn on or off.
If you’re experiencing any HVAC problems, don’t hesitate to call the pros at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric. We provide HVAC services for Yuma-area homeowners.