Common HVAC Emergencies and How to Prevent Them

A functioning HVAC is a must-have in Pennsylvania, especially as the hottest months of the year start to approach. However, homeowners often forget about keeping up with their HVAC maintenance when they’re not using it, which leads to malfunctioning and needing emergency HVAC service on the busiest days of the year.

HVAC technicians can be very busy during the summer, so emergency services are expensive, and quality work is hard to find. To help you prevent that situation, we’ll explore common cooling system emergencies and how to avoid them.

5 Most Common HVAC Emergencies

1. Refrigerant Leak

Air conditioners use refrigerant to absorb heat and deliver cooled air to your system. A refrigerant loss from a leak can make the system run more frequently since it would not reach the cooled ambient temperature, which would cause it to shut off.

Among the warning signs of a refrigerant leak are:

– The air from the vents is not as cold as expected

– The system is overrunning

– Accumulation of ice on refrigerant lines

– Hissing refrigerant lines

Refrigerator leaks can lead to your compressor overheating or even burning out. Regular inspections of your compressor, coils, and refrigerant lines help identify leaks early on before they harm your system.

2. Clogged Lines

Drain lines are incorporated into air conditioners to remove water from the evaporator coil. The condensation that naturally happens during the air conditioning can cause water to build up, which may cause a water backup into or around your system.

This won’t only damage your HVAC system but could also cause water damage to your building. Some indications of a blocked drain line are:

– The indoor unit is leaking water

– The air is damp

– Rust or mold on the unit or nearby

Check the area surrounding your indoor unit and drain pan every month to identify potential clogged lines. Flushing the drain once a year may also help keep your system functioning correctly and stop clogs before they start.

3. Ventilation Problems

Air ducts can frequently become a source of ventilation issues. Things that clog the ducts, like loose insulation or dirt, will hinder the proper distribution of your heated or cooled air throughout the structure.

Also, damaged ducts may leak conditioned air, reducing the system’s effectiveness. Some indications of duct issues are:

– Different temperatures in different areas of your facility

– The unit is running more than usual

– Reduced quality of indoor air overall

Verify that there are no obstructions in the vent locations before turning on your system by taking off the vent covers and doing routine visual checks.

4. Electrical Problems

If your system is suddenly not operating, it could be an interruption in the electrical system. Your unit may have blown a fuse, so the first place to look is always your breaker. Signs of an electrical issue could include:

– The system is not turning on

– Continuous operation of the system

– A burning odor

Routine maintenance of electrical components can avoid electrical issues. Replacing worn components and frayed or damaged wires is critical as part of routine system maintenance.

5. Gas Leak

A gas leak may be the most hazardous heating issue. It could happen if your air conditioner’s heating system is powered by natural gas. The most common cause of leaks is a gas line crack or break caused by a faulty installation. Gas leaks can and do result in explosions, so they should always be taken seriously and fixed right away.

Some indicators of a gas leak are:

– A rotten egg or gas smell

– Warnings from natural gas alarms

– Hissing or whistling noise near your HSVC unit

Regularly checking your gas lines for possible hazards is the best safety method to prevent a leak.

Find a Reliable Emergency HVAC Service

Even with the best care, accidents can happen. When this situation arises, having a team of technicians who you can trust is key to quickly repairing your home’s systems. At Summer & Zim’s, we offer a membership program to ensure you get the emergency service you need, available 24/7, at no extra cost.

With our Blue Membership, a member of our team will visit once per year to thoroughly clean and performance test your system. If accidents do happen, you will get a 25% discount on repairs. Contact us today to learn more about this plan!