Peter Wachira

Meta Title: A Homeowner's Guide To Dealing With An HVAC Emergency Meta Description: The HVAC unit is a crucial component in every home. However, it can suddenly stop working when needed the most. Find out what to do in case of an HVAC emergency. A Homeowner's Guide To Dealing With An HVAC Emergency It is common knowledge that the HVAC system is an essential element in the comfort of any home. With proper regular maintenance, it should perform optimally during all weather conditions. When the air conditions in a home are conducive, the residents are happy, healthy, and productive. The comfort can, however, cease to exist should an unexpected breakdown occur to the system during a heatwave or in winter.  Although there is no good time for the HVAC system to fail, such a situation is undoubtedly an emergency. Since summer and winter are peak seasons for HVAC technicians, it may take them a while to respond to your distress call. As a homeowner, you should know how to troubleshoot your system during an emergency.  This article will guide you on some basic things you can do in an emergency before seeking heating and cooling services if needed. If you are lucky, you can get the unit up and running by yourself, thus saving money on repair bills. Here is what you should know when your HVAC system suddenly malfunctions: Strange Noises Your furnace may be running but producing strange screeching or squealing noises. Such sounds result from loose bearings or a blower motor that is about to fail. These issues could lead to severe mechanical breakdowns and should be addressed immediately. The other problem you can face is the airflow, which you can solve by insulating the ductwork. If you hear a rattling noise, then the panels of your system could be loose and need tightening. Thermal expansion in your ductwork causes popping or pinging sounds as it heats and cools. When there is a grinding sound in your system, then it might be the motor bearings that need a replacement; thus, you need a technician. Squealing noises also need the attention of a technician, as the belt on your system might have slipped and needs repair.  Unusual Smell Natural gas is used in many homes for heating and cooking. While it is not visible to the naked eye, one can detect it in other ways. One is by smelling rotten eggs or sulphuric acid, and the other is by hearing a hissing sound from the gas pipes. When you detect this smell, ensure everyone gets safely out of the home immediately. The steps that you should take in case of a gas leak include the following: Get everyone out of the house immediately Don't operate any light switches, as the gas might ignite Don't turn on the stove Open the windows Don't use your cell phone in the house Leave your car in the garage Call for emergency services Clogged Condensate Lines Condensate lines are responsible for collecting excess water from your system and draining it. When they are clogged from dirt and rust, they won't drain the excess water, thus resulting in leaks. Although the leaks might be small initially, they can cause massive water damage if not handled early enough. A reliable technician should address the problem before it costs you more.  Ice Buildup On The Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit can sometimes freeze during winter. This is a sign that its defrost cycle is not functioning correctly. This is likely to happen when it has a low refrigerant charge or a bad motor fan. In such an instance, your HVAC system won't work, and you need to call a trusted technician to come and fix it.  Frozen Coils In Summer When you notice that the coils on your HVAC unit are frozen in summer, then you should not use them. The cause for this is refrigerant temperatures that are below freezing. This causes the air in the immediate surrounding to condense and freeze. To avoid this occurrence, it is advisable to never run the system at below 70 degrees. Tripped Circuit Breakers And Blown Fuses  When the blower in your HVAC system overworks, it will likely blow fuses and trip circuit breakers. The reason why the blower motor overworks is most likely due to dirty air filters. When the filters are dirty, the blower motor works harder to try and provide sufficient airflow in your home. With the help of an HVAC maintenance professional, you can determine the problem and know if it goes beyond including the ductwork.  Wrapping Up An HVAC unit consists of many parts besides the ones mentioned above that must be in good condition for it to function correctly. The condenser coil, air vents, evaporator coil, and air ducts are other parts that could cause the system to malfunction. Even with the best maintenance schedule, any of these components can cause your system to malfunction. With this knowledge, you know where to look if your HVAC unit breaks down before calling for technical assistance.  https://stock.adobe.com/au/images/dirty-air-conditioning-unit-cover-in-leaves-during-autumn-home-air-conditioning-hvac-repair-service-fall-cleaning-and-maintenance/-? https://stock.adobe.com/au/images/man-opening-ceiling-air-vent-to-replace-dirty-hvac-air-filter-home-air-duct-system-maintenance-for-clean-air/-?