Anyone living in Arizona knows how important it is to have a properly functioning HVAC system. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach triple digits during the summer months and drop into the mid-30s during the winter. When an obvious issue with the system occurs, it’s easy to panic and wonder what the problem is. Understanding the signs that your HVAC system needs repair and what you should do next can significantly improve the condition of your Arizona home.
1. Air Conditioner Is Blowing Warm Air
If your air conditioner blows warm air, it clearly shows that something is wrong with the unit. Try changing the air filter to see if that helps. If it doesn’t work, it could be due to one or more issues, ranging from the ignition system to a problem with a damaged or leaking air duct. As tempting as it is to try to fix it yourself, when you’re desperate for cool air, don’t attempt anything more than changing the air filter. Call Air Control Home Services for AC repair service!
2. Heating Unit Is Blowing Cold
When it’s chilly in Arizona, the last thing you want is to turn on your HVAC system only to find it blowing cold air instead of warm. Replace the air filter and see if that helps. If it doesn’t, call an HVAC technician for heating repair. The issue can stem from several problems, including a malfunctioning thermostat, low refrigerant, a faulty compressor, a clogged condenser coil, or a leaking duct. For safety purposes, don’t attempt to fix the heating unit yourself.
3. Strange Smells Are Coming From Your HVAC System
There should never be strange smells wafting from your HVAC unit. If there are, such as if you smell something burning, turn off the unit immediately and schedule an HVAC appointment. Don’t turn it back on until after you get the okay from one of our technicians.
4. You’re Hearing Uncommon Sounds
You know what your HVAC system sounds like when it works normally. When it’s not and you’re hearing odd sounds like buzzing, hissing, rattling, or clicking, don’t continue to use the HVAC unit. It likely needs a repair due to one or more problems, such as a loose component.
5. Your System Won’t Turn On
It’s alarming when you’re feeling hot or cold and go to turn your HVAC system on, only for nothing to happen. Before you panic, there are a few reasons your HVAC system might not turn on that don’t necessarily mean it needs a repair or replacement. Check your circuit breaker box to see if the breaker tripped. To do this, go to your breaker box and find the breaker corresponding to your HVAC unit. Turn it off and then on if it seems like it tripped. If this was the cause, your HVAC unit should turn back on automatically.
Pay attention to what happens next. If the breaker trips again, don’t attempt to put it back on. It means there’s a problem that a professional will need to look at. If it seems to be working fine, enjoy your heat or air conditioning, but stay aware that it will not trip again. Let’s say the circuit breaker seems to be working properly, but the HVAC system still won’t turn on. Try changing the air filter. A dirty filter can be a leading cause of many HVAC problems.
If the system still doesn’t turn on after you change the filter, it could be due to a variety of other issues, such as the indoor shutoff switch being in the off position. This switch is located near the air handler or the furnace. There is also an outdoor shutoff switch near the condenser unit. These switches are for heating and cooling maintenance, and if you had your unit services recently, it is possible a technician forgot to press the switch in the “on” position. A clogged condensate drain line can also trigger a fail-safe and will need to be cleared before your system starts to work again.
6. There’s Little to No Air Coming Out
You know the usual strength of the air coming out of your HVAC system. It’s obvious when there’s little to no air coming out, but your system is clearly on. One major reason this may be happening is that your air filter is clogged. Turn off your system and replace your air filter. Then, turn the system back on and see if the airflow gets stronger.
If it doesn’t, there’s another issue. You’ll need a professional to locate the problem, which can range from blocked vents to ductwork leaks or debris blocking the path, a blower motor, a faulty thermostat, or low refrigerant levels.
7. It’s Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when your HVAC system doesn’t properly complete its entire cycle. For example, it may run briefly and then automatically shut off. This might happen for several reasons, such as an electrical issue, one or more components being worn down, the evaporator coils being frozen, or the filter being dirty.
If your HVAC system is short-cycling, the best first step you can do is to replace the air filter. This will give you an idea of whether that’s the culprit of the short cycling or if it’s something else. If swapping out the air filter for a clean one didn’t work, contact an HVAC technician who can determine the issue.
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Replace Your HVAC System Filters
If something goes wrong with the system, replacing the current filter is one of the first things you can do to evaluate whether that’s the problem without having to call an HVAC technician. In some cases, the system will resume working normally. The easiest way to ensure you always have a clean air filter available is to buy multiple filters at once and keep them at home. If your HVAC system stops working properly, this will save you the hassle of running to the store to get them.
You should also make sure to replace the filter every few months. Although that’s a general timeframe, some homes may need to replace it sooner rather than later. For example, if you have one or more furry companions living in your home, you might want to replace the filter every couple of months or even every month to ensure the system can operate efficiently without relying on a clogged filter.
Call Today!
Don’t let your Northern Arizona home’s HVAC system let you down when you need it the most. Air Control Home Services services the Lake Havasu City, Kingman, and Bullhead City area, and our HVAC technicians can help install, repair, and maintain your heating units and air conditioning systems. We also have indoor air quality services. Our company can also send plumbers and electricians for general plumbing and electrical services and installation, repairs, and maintenance of water heaters, filtration systems, EV charging systems, panels, and more.
Contact Air Control Home Services today for fast, efficient, and professional service.
