Your HVAC system is made of a variety of components from Heating and Cooling to Ventilation components that all work together to maintain a comfortable living space. Maintaining all of these components in good working order will ensure the comfort of your home and extend the life of you AC Units.

Heating and cooling your home costs about 54% of your utility bill according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That is a large portion of your monthly expenses, so it is important to make sure your HVAC system is in tip-top condition and not adding more expense through loss of efficiency.

There are a variety of reasons why your HVAC may be operating poorly, but these are the top 5 most common problems:

1. The Thermostat is Broken

It may seem too simple, but your thermostat is an extremely important part of your system. It gives you control over the temperature in your home. You can compare the temperature setting to your actual room temperature and calibrate the thermostat to the desired temperature. A faulty thermostat can affect the longevity of your system.

Signs of a bad thermostat:

• The air conditioner does not turn off
• Cannot sense your room’s temperature perfectly
• Replacing the batteries does not help
• The thermostat settings are perfect, but the HVAC system does not respond as it should
• The AC does not respond

2. The Filter is Dirty
It is important to not only use the correct filter, but also make sure that it is not dirty. You may be losing efficiency and performance due to a dirty filter. In general, it is best to change  a filter every month, unless you are doing construction in your home that is putting more dust in the air and thus clogging the filter quicker. A significant reduction in the efficiency or performance of your HVAC system could mean a filter change. There are a variety of Benefits of regular filter changes, below are a few of them:

• Greater system efficiency
• Cleaner Indoor Air
• Lower Utility Bills
• Increases longevity of your equipment
• Fewer HVAC repair bills
• Cleaner physical environment
• Steady and unfailing comfort throughout the year

3. Leaking Duct Work

The Duct work transfers the air for your unit to the various rooms in your home. Unfortunately, duct work does not last forever and it can break down and allow for air to seep out. This is not a hard problem to check, especially during the hot summers. Go into your attic and run your hand around the outside of the ductwork. If you feel cool air on your hand, you most likely have leaks from your duct work. Sometimes the leaks can be fixed with using a special tape and sealant, others the duct work just needs to be replaced.

4. Improper Installation
You can end up spending up to 30% more for heating and cooling your business if your HVAC system is not properly installed. Improper installation can lead to:

1. Improper Airflow Rate : Cause by leaky ducts and or blockages within your system.
2. Refrigerant Undercharge : Not enough refrigerant ensures that there is not enough cooling.
3. Refrigerant Overcharge : This can freeze the lines or cause excess strain on the unit.
4. Improper Refrigerant Sub cooling : If this tends to happen regularly, it can lower the lifespan of your system.
5. Presence of Non-Condensible Gases : Caused when lines are not properly installed according to the pressure.
6. Improper Electric Voltage : Too little of this voltage and your unit won’t perform at optimum capacity and too much could cause a short circuit.
7. TXV Undersizing, Cooling : When the unit is too small for the space and cooling becomes inefficient

5. Lack of Regular Maintenance
HVAC Maintenance is very similar to changing the oil in your car. The unit will get cleaned and checked for any problems. Regular maintenance not only will extend the life of the unit, but it may also save the unit by finding a small problem before it becomes a big one. One small example is checking the drip pan. If there is a lot of water in the drip pan, this is a possible sign that the unit is having some additional problems.

Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly by Avoiding these Problems. If you have questions or concerns about your AC Unit, Call AC Ambulance Today at 504.467.1400.