When it comes to comfort, your HVAC system is one of the most important appliances in your home. Without it, you’ll have to spend your summers sweating and your winters shivering inside your house. Not to mention, the indoor air quality in your space will likely face a significant decline. As such, it’s essential to keep your HVAC system in good condition. By being aware of some of the most common reasons why an HVAC system breaks, you can take measures to avoid such an unfortunate circumstance.
A Clogged Filter
One of the most easily avoidable causes of a broken HVAC system is a clogged filter. Over time, HVAC filters accumulate dust, pet dander, and other debris that reside in the air inside your home. If you don’t clean or change these filters regularly, they can become so backed up that air isn’t able to pass through them at all. In such a case, the HVAC system may freeze up and overheat, which will likely cause it to break down if the filter. As such, it’s important to check and change your HVAC’s filter at least every three months or as the systems owner’s manual directs.
A Faulty Thermostat
Another common reason why an HVAC system breaks is a faulty thermostat. The thermostat of your HVAC system is responsible for turning the system’s heater on and off to achieve the desired temperature in your space. If the thermostat can’t detect the temperature of your home, it will likely cycle on and off erratically or stay on indefinitely, which will place more stress on the system and ultimately shorten its life span. To prevent your HVAC system from breaking down prematurely, you must ensure that its thermostat is in good working order.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can also cause your HVAC system to break down. The refrigerant in an HVAC system helps liquid and gas transition between phases, which facilitates the absorption and release of heat needed for the system to operate properly. If the refrigerant isn’t at the proper charge or level in relation to the system’s size, the HVAC system can experience a number of issues. For example, low refrigerant levels will prevent the indoor coil from absorbing the proper amount of heat, which will then cause the evaporator coil to ice over. Low refrigerant levels can also place extra stress on the system’s compressor, ultimately causing it to break down over time.
It’s important to note that you should not usually have to refill your HVAC system’s refrigerant level, as it doesn’t get used up during operation. The most common reason for low refrigerant levels is a leak in the system caused by corrosion, loose connections, or some other form of damage.