Every year, many Longmont residents call mechanical maintenance technicians to assist with a wide range of HVAC problems. Whether you’re dealing with a residential or commercial system, furnaces are typically vulnerable to a set of common issues. That’s why HVAC preventative maintenance is so important. It can stop a number of these problems before they become major expenses.
Calling an HVAC technician offering reliable furnace repair in Longmont may help troubleshoot your furnace’s problem and resolve the underlying issues. Familiarizing yourself with some common issues your furnace might experience can help identify them sooner, so you can take preventative actions to stop them from becoming more significant problems.
Save Money With HVAC Preventative Maintenance
Homeowners often make the mistake of calling for technicians only when they experience a problem with the air conditioning system or the furnace. If you have wondered about the cost to replace the furnace and ac, it may not come as a surprise that the costs involved are quite high.
Air conditioner replacement implies that you have to invest in a new system. The good news is that the high cost of replacement air conditioning system can be minimized, or in some cases even prevented, if you have your HVAC system regularly tuned-up.
Furnace Filters Have a Lifespan
One example of an easy preventative maintenance task involves your furnace filter. Your furnace filter will start to accumulate debris and dust over time. Dirty or clogged filters are one of the primary causes of heating and cooling failures in furnaces. Dirt restricts the airflow through the filter, which forces the furnace to work harder than ever at controlling the temperature of your home.
Most heating and cooling maintenance professionals recommend you change your furnace filters once every month to three months. Beyond this, your furnace filters will start to become inefficient and ultimately fail.
You may be shocked to learn that simple and inexpensive component like a furnace filter can have a substantial impact on air quality, as well as equipment life-span.
Depending on the brand and specific model you opt for, a furnace filter itself can cost anywhere between $15 to $30. This is a small price to be paid even if you’re replacing your furnace filter monthly when you consider the cost of a new furnace. If not replaced in a timely manner, neglecting your furnace filter can result in damage that could cost hundreds of dollars or more to repair.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
One of the most common reasons for an air conditioner to push hot air is a frozen evaporator coil. Some warning signs include reduced airflow from vents, uncomfortably warm indoor air, and continuous condensate drainage resulting in pooling of water and ice build-up on the refrigerant line.
Before turning on your system in the spring, it’s a good idea to switch off the system and allow it to thaw; running the fan alone (without switching on the air conditioner unit) may help speed up the melting process. Other causes of a frozen coil may include refrigerant leak, blocked duct pipe (due to dust, debris or grime), dirty air filter or a thermostat setting that is too low for nighttime.
Evaporator coils invariably collect dirt over months; a lot depends on where you live and the levels of dust or pollution in the air. If you have a lot of foliage near your house, this may clog the outdoor coil. A dirty air conditioning coil suffers from reduced ability to absorb heat because the layer of dirt insulates the coil.
However, some causes of a frozen evaporator coil may be more serious and technical, and it needs a specialist to diagnose and correct the issue. Handling refrigerant leak, for example, must be performed by a trained air conditioning technician. Running the air conditioner with a frozen coil may result in irreparable damage to the compressor.
Other Common Problems With HVAC Systems
Some other issues that may indicate your system needs to be tuned-up include inconsistent heating or cooling, frequent on/off cycles, musty or moldy odor All of these items may require professional examination, as they could be signs of a larger problem with your system.
Wear and tear of any one component often result in strain on other parts too because they have to work harder to produce the same level of cooling. Furnaces are usually built to last for many years, but neglected issues may cause severe damage.
A damaged heat exchanger, for example, may require a complete replacement. Obviously, the costs to replace an entire system due to a cracked heat exchanger could become quite expensive.
Why would a heat exchanger crack?
Heat exchangers can crack because the metal continually expands and contracts due to the hot gases inside. Additionally, limited airflow or a non-functioning blower may also cause temperatures to spike and eventually lead to cracking of the heat exchanger.
Many problems related to HVAC systems may not be able to be identified without an on-site inspection.
Regular inspection of your furnace system may help identify problems and prevent expensive repair costs. For example, strange noises like rattling, rumbling or high-pitched squeaking my indicate that some parts may be working themselves loose. Preventative heating and cooling maintenance can stop these small problems before they cause further damage.
Another common issue with erratic heating within a home is a faulty thermostat or a furnace that’s too small for a specific application.
Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces
If you’re looking for an alternative to a furnace, you might want to consider a heat pump. Heat pumps are alternatives to furnaces and air conditioners that provide heating and cooling functions by removing heat rather than generating it.
Like furnaces, heat pump energy efficiency ratings may give an accurate idea of energy consumption of the specific pump in question. However, if you’re not familiar with the technical aspects of heat pump efficiency, it may be best to discuss this with an HVAC maintenance service. They can answer many common questions like this.
Another benefit of heat pumps is that can help dry out, or dehumidify, an area in your home without consuming excessive energy.
Diagnosing Your Air Conditioning System
When it comes to HVAC maintenance, accurately diagnosing and resolving any issues may be able to prevent damage to other system components. Regular assessment of your air conditioner and furnace can also improve the performance and extend the life span of expensive HVAC equipment.
In general, airflow is the lifeblood of heating and cooling systems. As far as furnaces are concerned, heat exchangers are designed to follow specific airflow specifications. When the airflow through the furnace drops below the optimal specifications, the heat exchange process is affected, and the effectiveness of your heating system is reduced.
The most common causes of a heating and cooling system not functioning properly include dirty air filters, leaky duct or malfunctioning blower fan. The heating coil in a furnace is known as an ‘A-coil,’ and it contains hundreds of tiny air passages. Accumulation of dust or dirt in the A-coil is a common cause of ineffective heating. HVAC preventative maintenance will prevent dust and dirt from building up on the A-coil.
Contacting a Reliable Mechanical Maintenance Specialist
Having a trusted HVAC maintenance service handle your furnace cleaning in Longmont may help you rest just a little easier. For optimal heating and cooling effects, the furnace and air conditioning systems must function in harmony.
An inefficient HVAC system can result in rising energy costs because energy consumption increases. Ultimately, you may end up paying significantly higher utility bills.
It’s essential to understand that some problems, such as ignition or pilot issues, should always be completed by a professional. When dealing with gas lines or systems that rely on combustion can be deadly if not handled properly. When in doubt, give a reputable HVAC contractor a call; they will be able to suggest the best ways to resolve your system’s specific problems.
By contacting a professional HVAC contractor, you may also be able to find spare parts while warranty periods are still valid. Though OEM parts may not carry the brand name of your specific unit, you may be able to save a considerable amount of money on replacement components.
Our trained HVAC specialists at Stone Heating & Air Conditioning can take care of your furnace repair and air conditioner services. If you have not scheduled a preventative or annual repair for your furnace or air conditioning system, contact us for more information regarding air conditioning repair and HVAC maintenance in Longmont.