The Most Common Heating and AC Problems | Fort Worth, TX
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Every home and business in Fort Worth, TX depends on its heating and AC unit. Its job is to keep our home or office comfortable throughout the year.
So, when your heating and AC unit starts acting funny, it’s important to call for professional help quickly. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem is going to get. What started as a repair job could soon turn into a system replacement.
Here are some of the most common heating and AC problems you are likely to face.
There’s Nothing Coming Out of the Vents
Summer in Fort Worth, TX can get unbearably hot. You need AC that you can depend on. If your air conditioner stops completely, first check the batteries in the thermostat and replace them, if necessary. lf the batteries aren’t the problem, check to see that the thermostat is in the right mode and the temperature is on the right setting.
Once you have ruled out the thermostat as the problem, check your circuit breaker. If it has been tripped, switch it back on. If nothing you have done has solved the problem, you will need to call for professional HVAC repair.
If your gas heater isn’t putting out any heat, make sure your pilot light is on. For other heaters, make sure your ignition control is on. You may have a faulty pilot light or ignition control that needs to be replaced.
If that’s not the problem, it could be your thermostat, as with the air conditioner. A faulty thermostat should be replaced as soon as possible, so the fan doesn’t get damaged.
A new thermostat still may not solve the problem. If you’re still having trouble, you should call a heating and AC technician.
There’s Not Enough Coming Out
When the air coming from your air conditioner isn’t cold, your home will heat up fast. It could be caused from one of several issues. First, check your filter. If it hasn’t been changed for several months, it could be blocking the cold air. You should change your filter at least once a month, to ensure it doesn’t get clogged. After you replace the filter, put your thermostat on the lowest setting. Check to see if the air is cold. If there is no change in the temperature, your thermostat may be broken.
It is possible you have a refrigerant leak or a low refrigerant level. If you see signs of a leak, call a heating and AC professional for repair or replacement of the refrigerant reservoir. Checking the refrigerant level is easy. Simply find the larger of two copper lines leading to the AC condenser. If there is enough refrigerant, the copper line will be sweating and feel cold when you touch it.
If you’ve tried everything and still haven’t found the source of the problem, you may have leaking ductwork. A professional Fort Worth, TX HVAC technician will be able to test the ducts for issues.
When your heater just isn’t producing enough heat to make your home comfortable, the filter is the first thing you should check. A clogged filter can keep the warm air from entering your home. If you’ve changed your filter and still aren’t feeling the heat, your heater may simply be too small for your home. Choosing a larger heater might solve all your problems.
It Keeps Switching On and Off
Ideally, when your heater or air conditioner reaches the setting you chose on the thermostat, the unit switches off. If your heating and AC unit keeps cycling between on and off, it may be a bad thermostat. If a new thermostat doesn’t solve the problem, you may be experiencing improper airflow. An HVAC technician can track down what’s causing the trouble.
It Makes a Lot of Noise
While it’s normal for HVAC units to make some noise, the appearance of abnormal or increasingly loud sounds usually signals trouble. Listen carefully; the kind of sound your system is making could lead you to the problem.
If your heating and AC unit starts making squealing or screeching sounds, your blower motor is likely the source. When you have a motor bearing issue or a damaged belt that could break at any time, your HVAC will make this kind of noise. Often, applying a lubricant in the oil port will help. However, you will still need an HVAC professional to make certain all parts are in working order.
If your air conditioner is clicking when it turns on and off, you probably have a problem with the relay.
A rattling sound when the compressor fan is turning means you may have a motor failing or some loose hardware. For any of these problems, you will need to contact an HVAC technician in Fort Worth, TX for an inspection.
A thumping or banging sound usually means you have some sort of mechanical problem. You will need to turn the unit off and contact a professional to check the motor.
The Blower Is Constantly Running
The limit switch is what turns off the blower on your heater when the appropriate setting is reached. If your blower never stops running, your limit switch is no longer functioning. You should call an HVAC expert as soon as you notice the problem, to keep from damaging the unit.
The Unit Is Dripping
When you see water dripping from your HVAC, check the PVC pipe that leaves the AC unit for clogs. This is called the condensate line. If it is blocked, you can flush it out with compressed air.
If this isn’t the problem, check the coils. If refrigerant is leaking from the drain line, it can cause a build-up of ice on the coils. However, air flow problems due to debris around you HVAC unit, a clogged filter, and blocked ductwork can also cause the coils to freeze. If you notice your air conditioner frozen anywhere, turn it off, so it can defrost. Call a heating and AC technician for help.
Finding the right HVAC professional in Fort Worth, TX is easy with One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating. Our licensed HVAC technicians are ready to help with all your heating and AC needs, from repair and replacement to installation. We can help you find the HVAC system that will work best for your residential or commercial property. We will work with you to find an affordable solution that will fit your budget. Make sure you’re always comfortable with One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating.