We could go on and on about why you should call for repairs at the earliest sign of an HVAC problem. However, just telling you that doesn’t help you understand the problem. Some HVAC problems are truly emergencies that require the immediate attention of an HVAC contractor in Brandon, MS. In this post, we’ll go over some common heating and air conditioning problems that require the help of an emergency contractor.
1. Gas Furnaces and Carbon Monoxide Leaks
If your gas-burning furnace develops a leak, it can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly if allowed to build up.
In terms of prevention, the only way to detect them is with a carbon monoxide detector, which is highly recommended for anyone with a furnace. There’s not much you can do to detect carbon monoxide leaks early, but you can do plenty of things to prevent them from happening in the first place.
- Annual Maintenance: Many homeowners neglect maintenance, but we can’t stress how important it is to have maintenance done for your furnace. You only need maintenance once a year—twice, if you’re extra cautious—to ensure that it will be safe from a carbon monoxide leak.
- Change the Air Filter: Another measure you can take is simply to change the air filter regularly. You should already be doing this for your HVAC system, regardless of the season, so it’s just about maintaining the routine. Otherwise, a dirty air filter can cause the air to back up and lead to a carbon monoxide leak.
2. AC Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks aren’t deadly like carbon monoxide leaks, but they will cause serious damage to your AC while racking up your energy bill in the process.
Your AC’s cooling process relies on a closed system of refrigerant, which runs through various copper tubes. Pinhole leaks can develop on these tubes, which will inevitably get larger and force your AC to work harder, leading to a slew of problems.
Although not common, AC refrigerant leaks are far from unusual for older systems. Some causes of refrigerant leaks include:
- Formic Acid: If there are too many chemicals in the air—such as those found in cleaning supplies—the formaldehyde within can interact with the copper tubing and create leaks. This commonly happens indoors where the ventilation is poor.
- General Wear and Tear: The copper tubes can gradually develop leaks simply from wear and tear, such as that caused by vibrations against the steel that houses them.
3. Short-Cycling
We list this one last because it can actually affect both heaters and air conditioners. These HVAC systems work by turning on for a period of time, doing their job for a while, and then turning off—this is called a cycle. However, if these cycles are happening far too frequently, it can be very stressful to your system and a huge waste on your energy bill.
The most common cause of short-cycling is due to an oversized system. Too much power will force the system into a short-cycling loop, preventing your home from ever getting cool or warm as it’s supposed to. If this is the case, it will have to be replaced entirely.
