HVAC system failure can be caused by a number of things, but the number one cause is lack of maintenance. HVAC maintenance can become an afterthought for homeowners with busy lives and personal to-do lists to take care of, but it would be a mistake to assume that your equipment doesn’t need any upkeep.
When you don’t take care of your HVAC equipment, it likely won’t last as long or work as well as it should. Plus, more serious problems can arise, leading to high costs and frustration. As a homeowner, your HVAC equipment is an investment. Protect that investment and prevent system failure by scheduling regular maintenance.
These common issues can lead to system failure, but they can also be caught early or prevented altogether.
- Leaks
There are two different types of leaks that could take place in your HVAC system. Air leakage occurs when your ductwork is not sealed properly, so there are gaps where air can escape. This basically causes your system to work harder to maintain the set temperature, which puts stress on the unit and increases your utility bills.
Moisture leakage most commonly occurs when condensation builds up, drips, and pools around your furnace. This is especially dangerous because excess moisture could lead to mold growth in your home. Mold can be harmful to your health and can exacerbate allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
- Dirty Filter
Although it is easy to do, changing a dirty air filter is a task that is frequently overlooked. When your heat or air conditioning is running, air circulates throughout your home and passes through the air filter. Over time, that filter can become clogged with dust and dirt, which restricts airflow and requires your system to work harder to circulate air. This puts unnecessary strain on your equipment, which could potentially cause it to overheat and shut down.
It is recommended to change your air filter every month during peak heating and cooling months. Depending on the type of filter you use and its thickness, you may be able to get away with swapping it out only every three months. Either way, it’s good to check the filter for buildup and blockage regularly.
- Broken Thermostat
This may seem obvious, but believe it or not, a broken thermostat is a common cause of HVAC system failure. If the thermostat is malfunctioning or not set up correctly, then it won’t be able to send the proper signals to the furnace letting it know when to start and end a cycle. This is one of the easier things to look out for and fix yourself. Reference your thermostat’s manual for troubleshooting tips, and be sure to check whether the thermostat needs new batteries.
To avoid system failure, schedule regular maintenance checkups to be performed by our professional HVAC technicians at American Star Total Home Comfort.
American Star Total Home Comfort services installs and repairs a variety of heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment. We offer 24-hour emergency service and free estimates on new equipment. Give us a call at 847-241-2834 today!
