Most Common HVAC Repairs During the Winter

Winter weather can take a toll on your HVAC system. Learn the most common HVAC repairs during the winter that you might need done.

Most HVAC units can last for approximately 15 years if you observe the proper care and maintenance practices. Still, these appliances are likely to wear out and malfunction with time. One aspect that can exhaust your HVAC system and lead to damage is the harsh winter weather.

If you suspect that your unit may be having an issue, it’s essential to contact a professional for a detailed inspection. Failing to take this precaution can further damage the appliance and cause your home to be uncomfortable.

Here, we discuss the most common HVAC repairs that you may need during winter. We’ll also mention their leading causes and discuss the techniques you can apply to prevent them in future.

1. Blocked Vents and Ducts

Most homeowners use their HVAC system continuously for most parts of the winter season. Unfortunately, constant air circulation causes dust and dirt accumulation in the ducts and vents. This debris then leads to a blockage which affects heat circulation.

The dirt also clogs filters, lowering the quality of air flowing in your rooms. If your home has uneven temperatures in different rooms, some parts of your HVAC system may be affecting air circulation.

Observe the performance of your unit by noting the temperature variation in various spaces. In case the difference is significant, check the ducts for blockage. Alternatively, hire a professional to do it to avoid causing more damage to the system.

These experts will inspect your HVAC then clean it to remove debris and improve airflow. They may also replace worn-out filters to enhance functioning.

2. Faulty Thermostat

If your home has heating problems, there may be an issue with your thermostat. Such damage often causes spaces to get too cold during winter, lowering energy efficiency. Looking out for various signs of a broken thermostat can help you determine if you need to repair or replace it.

For instance, if the device does not respond or display anything on the screen, you need to fix it. More signs of thermostat damage are:

• Failing to adjust the temperature
• The HVAC system doesn’t turn on
• Short cycling

Another indicator that you need to get HVAC repair for a faulty thermostat is deleting the programmed settings. A damaged device may also cause frequent and extreme temperature shifts.

Repairing a broken thermostat is often a simple process since the issues mainly stem from faulty wiring or old age. Still, it’s essential to consult a professional before conducting any DIY repair procedures. This way, they can determine if the heating issues are also due to another fault like filter blockage.

3. Malfunctioning Heat Pump

Heat pump HVAC systems are popular for making spaces comfortable during both cold and warm weather. However, these devices can suffer damage after exposure to icy winds and falling snow. The most common problem with heat pumps during winter is failing to defrost.

If snow and ice don’t melt from the surface of your heat pump, they block the fan and coil. This issue then causes the device not to function optimally, affecting temperature regulation. Once you identify that your appliance is not working well due to frost accumulation, switch it off.

After that, unfreeze it by air blowing with a hose or pouring clean water. If the device doesn’t work afterwards, you need to conduct an extensive inspection to identify the faulty part and fix it. The most common repair procedures for broken heat pumps are fixing the coil, the fan or a damaged fuse.

4. Refrigerant Leaks

Freon leaks are another HVAC issue mainly associated with cooling but can also occur during winter. If your refrigerant leaks, the pump will not heat your home adequately, lowering comfort.

Such an issue may also cause the compressor to overheat and compromise a significant part of the HVAC system. The most common signs that you need repair services for refrigerant leakage are:

• Irregular or uneven heating
• Reduced heat output
• Ice on the pump coils
• Unusual hissing sound

When you identify these signs of freon leaks, switch your system off to avoid further damage. After that, contact a specialist for emergency repair services.

These will identify the leaking parts and seal them, allowing the system to function optimally. They will also add the needed amount of refrigerant and advise you on preventing such issues in the future.

5. Broken Pipes

Broken HVAC system pipes and ducts are common winter repairs, especially in regions with extreme weather. Such damage may stem from extreme cold, making water molecules inside the pipe cool and become denser.

Eventually, this causes a blockage, increasing the pressure difference inside and outside the surface. If the frozen water doesn’t melt, the pressure builds up, cracking or busting the pipe.

This breakage will then affect air and heat circulation in your home. Improper heating also lowers energy efficiency, increasing your utility bill.

Another common cause of broken pipes in HVAC systems is wearing out due to aging. When ductwork exceeds its lifespan, the seals may loosen and break apart. Broken seals will then cause energy loss and overwork your heating system.

HVAC pipes may break apart even without reaching their lifespan due to improper installation. If the installer doesn’t fit individual sections well, air pressure may vary and damage the system. Some segments will also become loose and develop leaks.

When suspecting that a HVAC problem is due to ductwork breakage, schedule an inspection and repair appointment with an expert. These will fix the broken sections; reapply sealant then insulate the surfaces to protect them from extreme heat variations.

Moreover, it is advisable to get a professional inspection each year before and after winter. This way, you can identify damage to pipes and repair them to avoid system breakdown. Besides that, perform regular maintenance procedures such as clearing your vents to remove frozen water.

Get Professional HVAC Repairs

Winter weather can take a toll on your heating system and cause damage that will affect functionality. At Cool Care Heating and Air, we offer professional HVAC repairs. With our services, you can keep your home warm throughout winter and save energy.

We also provide maintenance services to keep your entire unit and ductwork functioning optimally. Contact us today for reliable repair and inspection services.

Article Source : www.coolcarehvac.com/common...