Unnecessarily calling the HVAC contractor is an expense. You pay them for their time to do what you could have done yourself. Imagine how convenient it would be to both parties if the technician were to be called only when necessary. We do understand that it is easier said than done because the homeowner would rarely ever know which issue qualifies as DIY activity and which calls for professional help.
Today, we aim to enlighten you about those issues that demand careful handling by a trained technician only. This way, when you encounter a similar problem, you will not have to think twice before placing the call for help.
Situations That Warrant Calling A Professional HVAC Contractor
If you encounter any one or more of the following problems, you should immediately place a call to a professional HVAC contractor:
1. Strange Or Odd Sounds – Modern HVAC systems are known for their quiet operations. Although, with age, the unit may start making some, yet these sounds will not be jarring enough to become a nuisance. Hence, if you suddenly notice any odd noise being made by the heating and cooling system, you should shut it down and call the HVAC technician. There could be a couple of reasons behind the noise:
1. The banging noise could be from a component that has broken or come loose and hitting against some moving part.
2. The clanking sound hints at a part that is not balanced correctly.
3. Buzzing sounds come when there is some electrical issue like a failing motor, compressor malfunction, broken capacitor, etc.
4. A hiss-like sound is heard when there is a duct leak or a bad expansion valve.
5. The screeching sound is the worst as it really gets on the nerves. The reason behind this sound is a faulty blower motor or a bad compressor.
None of these faults can be addressed by the homeowner, as troubleshooting them requires special technical know-how.
2. Circuit Breaker Tripping Frequently – Normally if the circuit breaker trips due to a power surge and cuts off the electrical supply to the HVAC unit, the homeowner need not call a technician. Pushing back the tripped breaker to the “On” position will resume the power supply. However, if the breaker is tripping frequently and for no fathomable reason, the best would be to let it stay as such and call the HVAC technician. There are a couple of reasons contributing to it, none of which are in your scope of action. It could happen because:
1. There is a loose wire or short circuit happening somewhere within the unit. Ignoring this problem could fry the complete system.
2. The fuse in the circuit breaker is not meant to uphold the voltage requirement of the HVAC system.
3. Some component of the unit is overheating, and the in-built safety system is causing the circuit breaker to trip to protect it.
3. Hot And Cold Areas In The House – If you have not closed the vents and registers in the house, there should ideally not be any hot and cold areas. If they still exist, it means:
1. There is a zoning problem.
2. The insulation is not up to the mark.
3. The fan that pushes the air out has developed a fault or malfunctioning.
4. There is some obstruction in the ducts.
5. The HVAC system is not of adequate size to satisfy the requirements of your home.
4. Compressor Won’t Kick In – Your AC is switching on. You can even hear the fan moving or feel the air coming from the vents, but the compressor is not kicking in. This is a problem for the experts to tackle. Until the compressor kicks in, the AC will not start the cooling cycle, in the absence of which there will be no cooling. The compressor is the complete outdoor unit which in itself is a complicated piece of machinery. Tinkering with it without having a special skill set will only aggravate the problem. When the compressor does not start, check the circuit breaker connected to it. If it has not tripped, call the HVAC technician. These are a few possible reasons leading to the problem:
1. Low refrigerant level.
2. Blockage in suction lines.
3. Filthy condenser coils.
4. Electrical problems in the outdoor unit.
5. AC Does Not Start – When the AC does not start at all, that is a cause for concern. If the power supply to the unit is intact, you should just call the HVAC contractor. It could happen because:
1. The safety mechanism of the HVAC unit has tripped for some reason and is preventing the unit from starting.
2. There is some internal wiring problem, like shot wires or loose wires, or some circuit board problem. It could also be related to the house’s wiring.
3. The thermostat may have malfunctioned and not communicated with the HVAC unit.
6. Weak Airflow Despite Clean Air Filters – When the airflow is inadequate, your residence will not cool properly. It will feel hot and uncomfortable. Weak airflow even when the air filters are clean means the HVAC has developed a problem that needs to be thoroughly inspected. It may happen due to:
1. Leaks in the ducts.
2. Build-ups inside the ducts.
3. Fan or motor problems.
7. Preventive Maintenance Is Due – A homeowner cannot carry out annual preventive maintenance of their HVAC system as a DIY activity. They are not technically trained and experienced to carry out this job without damaging the unit. Only a trained HVAC professional knows the complete series of checks they need to carry out as a part of the servicing routine. They can quickly identify problems and take corrective action. Their knowledge makes them aware of the criticality of each component and necessitates their careful handling.
Takeaway
The one duty of the homeowner is to keep the exterior of the HVAC system clean and change the air filters at regular intervals. Apart from that, if you sense a problem with the AC, it is advisable to check the thermostat settings, circuit breaker, and fan setting. If all seems as it should be, call the HVAC technician.
Aztil Air Conditioning is a reputed HVAC contractor in West Palm Beach offering HVAC repairs, maintenance, installations, air duct cleaning, and indoor air quality solutions. If your commercial or residential AC or furnace requires repairs or maintenance, you can call us at any time without any hesitation. We are ALWAYS open. To book an appointment, call us at +1-888-729-8452.
