We’ve seen all kinds of problems with HVAC units across New Jersey. Over the years, we have compiled a top five list of problems we’ve found. In no particular order, here they are:
1) A dirty air filter. You need to change the filter at least once a month. More if you have pets in the house or you live in a dusty area. A clogged filter makes the unit work harder to pump less air.
Think of the filter as a mask over your face. When it gets dirty, it’s harder to breathe. Change the mask, easier breathing. It’s exactly the same with your HVAC.
2) Wrong size equipment. “Nearly half of all heating and cooling equipment in U.S. homes never performs to its advertised capacity and efficiency due to incorrect installation, which means homeowners pay higher operating costs over the life of the equipment,” says a report at Energy Star. Too big or too small is an installation error.
This report from the National Renewal Energy Lab discusses proper HVAC sizes and what it can mean in energy savings and other important matters.
3) Leaks. Your HVAC has a sealed refrigerant system. If something leaks, the coolant escapes. No matter how hard it tries, the HVAC unit cannot cool the house. We can track down the leak and repair it.
4) Faulty sensors. Your HVAC has sensors in it that tell it when to turn off and on. Sensors keep the temp just right inside. This applies to a furnace as well. When one of these goes out, the unit doesn’t know what to do. It could try to heat instead of cool. It could try to cool instead of heat. It may even try to do both at once. It’s not just the thermostat inside the house. Your outside unit has additional regulators.
5) Clearance. The unit must have an open and clear drain line to let condensed water run off. Also, the whole unit needs to have plenty of open space around it. Never stack things on top. Keep bushes, grass and trees trimmed back. The unit needs a good airflow to work properly.
Is your HVAC not running as well as it should? Maybe it’s not warming the house like it did. Give us a call and we’ll come out to find and solve the problem.
Call the HVAC contractors at Cranbury Comfort Systems today (609) 758-5600 to schedule your next air conditioning repair.
