Extreme heat and cold events cause thousands of temperature-related illnesses. Worse, they claim hundreds of lives in the US every year.
Fortunately, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can help prevent such incidents. The US CDC even says their use is a matter of survival.
That’s enough reason never to delay calling an HVAC technician if your comfort system acts up. Otherwise, it may break down completely, leaving you at risk of illnesses.
Below is a list of the top signs warranting a call to an HVAC repair pro, so read on.
1. Weak Heating or Cooling
Poor heating or cooling can result from a clogged HVAC filter, so check this first. Then, clean or replace it if it has excessive filth build-up.
If the problem persists, your heater may have a burner problem, or your AC has a refrigerant leak. Your HVAC system’s blower and motor may also be full of debris or are already on their last legs. These are problems that warrant professional repairs, so call a licensed technician ASAP.
2. Health and Safety Issues
A faulty gas furnace with combustion problems can produce carbon monoxide (CO). It’s even worse if the system has a damaged heat exchanger, as that can let the invisible, toxic gas seep out.
A defective propane or gas furnace can also pose the risk of a gas leak, leading to an explosion in some cases. Even if it doesn’t, exposure to these gases can result in symptoms like nausea and headaches.
Malfunctioning HVAC systems can also trigger a house fire. Indeed, heating accounted for 9.3% of the estimated 354,000 US residential fires in 2019. Electrical malfunctions, which can occur in heaters and AC units, were behind 6.8% of the fires.
Ill-maintained HVAC systems can also lead to poor indoor air quality or infections. For example, a lack of upkeep can cause them to accumulate pollutants or harbor pathogens. That can lead to you developing allergy or flu-like symptoms and even infections.
So, hire an HVAC repair pro to fix your comfort system as soon as you believe it puts you at health and safety risks. You can also check out Kahnmechanical.com to learn more about HVAC health solutions.
3. HVAC Keeps Tripping the Circuit Breaker
A faulty HVAC system can draw in more power, exceeding a circuit breaker’s rating. That triggers the breaker to trip to cut the current flow, keeping it from damaging equipment. As a result, no electricity can flow into your heater or AC.
You can reset the breaker, but unless you address the root cause, it’s just going to trip again. That cycle can damage your breaker to the point that it stops tripping altogether. A breaker that fails to trip, in turn, can pose electrical and fire hazards.
Inspect your air filter or outside unit first, as excessive dirt build-up on them can be to blame. If that’s not the case, your HVAC motor or electrical wires may be short-circuiting.
Repairing your HVAC system’s electrical components is a job best left in the hands of pros. So if a clean filter doesn’t stop your HVAC from tripping the breaker, it’s time to call a licensed technician.
Hire an HVAC Technician Today
As you can see, many problems with a heater or air conditioner system trace back to a clogged filter. So whenever yours acts up, check this component first and then replace or wash if it’s filthy. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, then it’s time to hire an HVAC technician to assess and repair your system.
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