HVAC Issues To Look Out For During A House Inspection: Perception From Your Heating And AC Repair Technician | Azle, TX
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Searching for a new home can be quite stressful and tiresome, especially when you do not know what you should inspect. Getting a thorough HVAC inspection from a certified technician is crucial to ensure that the entire system is functioning well. Homeowners in Azle, TX, tend to renovate the kitchen or paint their walls when selling their homes, and only a few people put into consideration the HVAC system.
A functional HVAC system is as vital as any other system, and the inspection process does not have to be stressful. Make sure the technician carries out a detailed examination of the equipment and lets you know about any underlying issues that necessitate heating and AC repair. Additionally, have them find out when the system was manufactured and installed to figure out whether the previous buyer has since updated it after purchasing the house.
You can also take time to ask the previous owner of the house how frequently they had heating and AC repair and maintenance services. That information will help you know how well the system was maintained. Your local HVAC technician can prepare a detailed report of the inspection highlighting the problems in place. That way, you can figure out whether the pros of purchase outweigh the cons or even get to negotiate the asking price. Here is what you should be wary of whenever you go for a house inspection before purchase.
Emissions and leaks
Leaks are among the most common and potentially dangerous issues that you may encounter with an HVAC system. A seasoned repair technician in Azle, TX, will tell you that they mostly arise from the refrigerant evaporating and escaping as gas from the system. When that happens, you ought to immediately seek professional heating and AC repair services to avert problems such as nausea, asphyxiation, and skin dryness and irritation, as well as life-threatening medical conditions with continued exposure. A refrigerant leak affects the functionality of the HVAC system since the refrigerant plays a critical role in the cooling process, especially during summer, when it is too hot. Its job is to absorb excess heat from your home and release it outside. It may lose its cooling power if its levels get depleted.
During instances when the refrigerant level drops in the evaporator coil, it will not adequately absorb heat, and there will be condensation and freezing inside the coil. The frozen condensation will later begin to melt and drip on the floor. Ice on the evaporator coil may not be a significantly alarming issue, but it could potentially lead to the system breaking down. Get your local Azle, TX, HVAC technician to undertake heating and AC repair services if you notice the system is not blowing cool air or it has lost its cooling power.
A sudden rise in the utility bills is another indicator of a slow refrigerant leak. Gradual leaks reduce the efficiency of the system, making the compressor work harder to maintain the desired temperature. The compressor uses the most energy in the HVAC system, so the longer the system runs, the more it uses up energy. You might also notice oily spots on the outside of the unit, which means that the system needs instant heating and AC repair services to fix the leaking oil issue. An oil leak may stem from a faulty compressor or fan, and it is crucial to seek professional repair services to pinpoint the source of the oily patches.
On rare occasions, water may start leaking from the indoor unit or duct and end up corroding the entire system. That happens when the gas evaporates beyond the dew point, and it would be wise to get expert help to fix the issue. However, water usually drips into a pan beneath the evaporator running under gravity at the outside of the system. So, if you notice water dripping from a pipe next to the outdoor units, it is normal, and there is no need to seek heating and AC repair services. Also, be on the lookout for hissing sounds, which are an indication that refrigerant leaks emanate from cracks, holes, or punctures in the unit’s copper coils. Above all, have a professional repairman with you during the inspection to get the heating and AC repair services you might need.
Defective parts
If the HVAC system has not been replaced in a long time, there are high chances that some of the parts may be defective. It is quite common for a heat changer to become faulty with time, making it crack due to old age or damage. Its main work is to absorb heat and warm the cool air, which are chief roles in the HVAC system. Regular heating and AC repair and maintenance services ensure the heat exchanger is always in optimal condition. However, how can you know that a heat exchanger is faulty in the home you are planning to purchase?
All furnaces have heat exchangers that contain stainless steel with temperature-resistant alloys to prevent them from cracking or rusting. Also, some models have special ducts that let in air from the heat exchanger. A faulty heat exchanger will emit carbon monoxide that may cause nausea, headaches, or even death. During house inspections, the HVAC technician can carry out visual inspections to detect rust and tests to find out whether there is any gaseous leak that alludes to a malfunctioning heat exchanger. And since the gas is not easily detectable, you should consider having a carbon monoxide detector installed in the home if it happens to have a gas or wood furnace. That way, you can not only avoid a life-threatening situation but also detect problems in the future.
A noisy blower motor may be a nuisance to you and your family if not repaired on time. An electric air blower powers the fan that removes warm air into the ductwork. The first thing to look out for during the inspection is a weak airflow from the vents, an indication that the blower motor is having a difficult time pushing enough air through the ducts to achieve your desired temperature. That may be as a result of dust and dirt build-up, which needs professional heating and AC repair services to fix. Unusual sounds from the HVAC system could also indicate that the blower motor is failing while squealing or screeching noises allude that the blower motor has a damaged belt or bearing problem. If the system is making rattling, clanking, or banging sounds, this is a sign that there is a loose or broken part. A trained heating and AC repair technician should perform a thorough inspection of the blower motor and troubleshoot any damages.
If the temperature in the house varies from room to room, the thermostat could be faulty by turning the HVAC system on and off randomly hence causing the temperature variation. In most instances, the rooms furthest to the HVAC system do not get a fair share of air. A wiring problem between the wall thermostat and the HVAC system may cause it to malfunction, and a poor thermostat connection may also cause the AC to refuse to start and warrant you to seek heating and AC repair services, especially during the summer season. The technician can also find problems such as the screen in the thermostat being faulty and not turning on, which creates more issues for the HVAC system. The good thing is the problem has a quick fix by having a licensed heating and AC repair expert factory reset the entire system. More importantly, you get to purchase a home that will deliver all your heating and cooling needs.
Poor maintenance and installation
Annual maintenance and professional heating and AC repair services play a role in how well the HVAC will hold up. Also, improper installation may cause discomfort and an increase in energy bills. During the home inspection, ensure that the licensed professional checks out if the HVAC system is installed correctly and well maintained. A poorly installed system may not be running well, which may cost you thousands of dollars to replace in the future, and a poorly maintained one may look worn-out, even if it has been recently installed. Have the heating and AC repair expert check for any damages, including cracks and dents that are easily noticeable.
An indicator of poor maintenance is rust and corrosion, dust stuck in the vents, and a foul odor. A musty odor shows that there is mold growing inside the HVAC system, which may cause health problems to you and your family. On the other hand, a pungent smell means that there is wire insulation damage that warrants immediate heating and AC repair services since it may result in an electric fire.
Be on the lookout for poorly connected vent pipes that end up bringing the outside air inside your home. It is good to note that not all maintenance issues are easily noticeable, and only a professional can detect them. A licensed heating and AC repair technician will also pull out the filters in the HVAC system to ensure they have undergone frequent changes. If not, it means you will need to plan for heating and AC repair services and have the filters replaced.
It is also advisable for homeowners in Azle, TX, to have the previous owner perform an HVAC service before closing the deal. You can also get a home warranty in case an issue arises in the future resulting from poor installation and maintenance. The agreement should cover any future problems to avoid any unplanned out-of-pocket expenses.
Old age
An HVAC system that is decades old will break down unexpectedly soon. Homeowners in Azle, TX, tend to replace the HVAC system when it is damaged beyond repair rather than after experiencing old age. A system that is more than a decade old tends to overwork itself to keep the home cozy. Also, most old houses have an outdated system that uses up more energy in comparison to the recent high-efficiency ones. Over the years, most HVAC manufacturing companies have upgraded the refrigerants they use from R-22 refrigerant to R-410A.
The R-410A refrigerant saves on more energy, so you do not have to worry about an increase in energy bills. That is because it keeps the unit running cooler since it releases heat more efficiently than its R-22 counterpart. If the home has an outdated system, you can also have the owner upgrade it to an R-410A, which can function at a higher pressure than R-22. The units with this kind of system can burn out their compressors and can withstand cracking and other stresses. As a bonus, the system is more likely to control dust, excess humidity, allergens, and mold.
An aging system needs lots of heating and AC repairs, and you may end up replacing lots of parts to make it more functional. These repairs eventually become more expensive in comparison to upgrading the system. During the inspection, your local Azle, TX, technician can be on the lookout for the system’s manufacturing and the installation date and determine how functional it is.
Missing parts
Vacant homes are easy targets for theft and vandalism, so it is easy to find missing parts in an HVAC system. It is critical to hire a certified professional to check the HVAC system for any missing component. All components of the HVAC system are crucial to ensure the system is functional and running optimally. The technician can inspect the heat pump in the indoor and outdoor units since it contains other vital parts, including system controls, refrigerant lines, electrical wiring, and connectors.
If the heat pump is missing, the refrigerant will not circulate air efficiently. Fuel-burning and electric furnaces are usually self-contained units that have only an indoor unit and play a role in the entire HVAC unit functionality. An air handler is a powerful fan that forces heated or cooled air into the ductwork and out of vents and is responsible for distributing the conditioned air produced by your HVAC system. If it is missing, the system will not deliver cooled or heated air into your home. Run the HVAC system for a couple of minutes to be able to identify any underlying issues before it’s too late.
Ring us up
Founded in 1988, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth provides quality and affordable heating and AC repair services in the Azle, TX, region. We have skilled and experienced technicians who are well-versed with multiple HVAC needs. Our air conditioning company focuses on quality in our staff, products, and work. We understand the importance of responding to customer calls promptly and have developed a reputation for being a reliable air conditioning company by offering top-notch, 24-hour service to customers.