You probably don’t think about your HVAC system when it’s working. But when you wake up to an uncomfortable home or hear disturbing noises from your furnace or A/C unit, it’s time to call Ernst Heating & Cooling in Metro East Illinois. Our trained HVAC technicians can troubleshoot your problem and have you back to the comfortable home you deserve. Let’s look at some common HVAC issues that may have you reaching out to Ernst Heating & Cooling.
1. Dirty air filters
Your HVAC system is designed to circulate comfortable air throughout your home. Most HVAC systems are equipped with an air filter that captures dust and dirt before it has a chance to cause mechanical troubles. But when the air filter is dirty, your system has a harder time pulling in air, which can put extra stress on the unit and cause it to overheat and ultimately fail. Replace your air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
2. Leaking refrigerant lines
Refrigerant is one of the main players in keeping your home cool in the warmer months. If there’s a refrigerant leak, you may notice that your system isn’t cooling as it should. A trained HVAC professional can inspect your system to locate the link and repair it with a patch, coil replacement, or more extensive repair.
3. Dirty condenser or evaporator coils
Dirt and debris can obstruct your system’s condenser or evaporator coils. In turn, your system must work harder and may break down. If you’ve been skipping your regular HVAC maintenance checks, you may encounter a problem that can’t easily be washed away. It’s worth the money to have our Ernst Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians thoroughly clean your evaporator, blower, and condenser coils during a tune-up call.
4. Electrical problems
Problems with your home’s electrical system can lead to problems with your HVAC unit. Anything from a loose wire to insulation troubles may lead to a potentially hazardous problem. If you notice blackened wires or sparks coming from your HVAC unit, contact Ernst Heating & Cooling immediately!
5. Issues with the ignition system or pilot light
Your furnace may rely on a pilot light or ignition system to keep the warm air flowing in winter. In older gas furnaces, the pilot light is a small flame that burns constantly in your furnace, ready to ignite the burners for the next heating cycle. An ignition system relies on electricity to handle the same task. When something goes wrong – the pilot light blows out, or the ignition system isn’t working – your home won’t get warm.
6. Thermostat issues
Your HVAC system’s thermostat is the project director, telling the system when to kick on and what temperature to target. But occasionally, a faulty sensor or other problem can interrupt the conversation, leaving you in the cold when you’d rather be warm. Before you call Ernst Heating & Cooling, check the batteries in your thermostat. Sometimes, this simple fix is all you need!
7. A tripped breaker
If your HVAC unit is working too hard, it can trip a breaker in your home. Airflow blockages are a common culprit for an overworked unit, whether caused by a dirty filter, ductwork blockage, or even a blocked register vent. If your system keeps tripping the breaker, it’s time to let Ernst Heating & Cooling check it out.
8. Blower problems
Your HVAC unit makes the air feel comfortable, but the system’s blower is responsible for moving air around your home and reaching every corner. If you notice that the blower never turns off, check your thermostat to ensure it’s not set to “on,” which means the fan is blowing even when the system is between heating or cooling cycles. Your blower relies on a relay to supply the necessary power to the system. When the relay wears out, the blower doesn’t get the message to take a break between cycles.
9. Strange noises coming from the furnace
You’re probably used to the sound of your HVAC system turning on and off throughout the day, as it keeps your home comfortable. But if you notice a new sound, like hissing, clicking, or banging, let the professionals at Ernst Heating Cooling check it out.
10. Mechanical wear and tear
Like any piece of machinery, your HVAC unit is prone to regular wear and tear over time. You may be able to prevent problems with regular tune-ups, but belts can become worn out, and bearings can break. Sometimes, these problems can be fixed; sometimes, it’s time for an upgrade. Most heat pumps or A/C units have a 10-year lifespan, while furnaces and boilers should be replaced after about 15 years.
Nobody plans for a furnace or A/C breakdown. But if your HVAC system fails, Ernst Heating & Cooling is ready to succeed with speedy, dependable service. Call us now at 618.217.1836 or request an appointment online here.