Emergency HVAC Repair: What to Do When Your System Fails
When the summer sun is beating down, the last thing you want is a broken air conditioner. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system consists of many different components that must work together properly to heat and cool your home. If you’re dealing with an emergency HVAC situation, the best heater and air conditioner repair in Fort Collins can help.
What to Do If Your HVAC Breaks Down?
How you respond to heat pump and AC repair issues depends entirely on what the problem is. While some problems can be solved by simple maintenance or flipping a breaker switch, others require professional Fort Collins heat pump repair and AC maintenance services.
Electrical Issues
Electrical problems may involve tripped circuit breakers, damaged break panels, blown fuses, and faulty electrical wires.
Symptoms
With electrical issues, you may notice a burning smell. The HVAC unit may stop working because the breaker panel is designed to trip as a safety mechanism if there is an electrical problem. Sometimes, electrical problems can affect the rest of your home’s wiring. This can lead to overly warm outlets and flickering lights.
Solution
It’s important to get electrical problems repaired because they are a major fire hazard. If the electrical issues aren’t fixed, they can cause power fluctuations that can overheat the compressor.
You can try flipping a breaker switch, but you should stop using your HVAC system if it immediately trips again. Recurring tripped breakers and other electrical issues should always be repaired by an HVAC professional.
Weird Noises
Fort Collins heat pump repair, furnace maintenance, and AC services can help if you notice weird noises in the summer. These sounds can stem from leaky refrigerant, loose parts, compressor issues, blower motor problems, and dirty air filters.
Symptoms
Banging noises may be due to compressor issues or loose parts in your outdoor unit. While dirty air filters can cause whining or clunking noises, blower motor problems often lead to rattling sounds. Leaky refrigerant typically causes a hissing noise.
Solution
The type of solution depends on the cause. Dirty air filters are a problem you can solve yourself. For blower motor, capacitor, or compressor issues, you’ll need to get professional AC or heat pump services.
Water Leaks
Water leaks can occur if the condensate drain line is blocked, the drain pan is damaged, or you have low refrigerant.
Symptoms
You’ll likely notice a puddle of water, which may be your first clue that there’s a problem. Water leaks and excess moisture can also cause mold and mildew, so you may smell a musty odor.
Solution
Clogged drain lines can be cleaned with a wet and dry vacuum. AC repair services can fix refrigerant leaks and recharge your refrigerant. Our HVAC technicians can also replace the drain plan if it has developed a hole or crack.
Frozen AC
People frequently search for the air conditioner repair Fort Collins offers when they have a frozen AC. When the evaporator coils freeze, it prevents the AC from cooling the air. This problem is frequently caused by dirty air filters, which cause the evaporator coil to malfunction. Low refrigerant levels are another common cause.
Symptoms
While the HVAC can still blow warm air, it won’t be able to blow any cool air. There may be a puddle as the ice starts to melt.
Solution
A frozen AC can take up to 24 hours to thaw. Afterward, you need to fix the underlying problem. In general, this emergency issue can be remedied by getting a fresh air filter or cleaning off the evaporator coil. Sometimes, the entire coil needs to be replaced.
Broken Thermostat
If you’re looking for AC or furnace repair services, you may want to check your thermostat first. Incorrect settings and faulty sensors are common causes of thermostat problems.
Symptoms
When the thermostat doesn’t read your indoor air properly, the AC or furnace won’t kick on when it is supposed to. Because of this, your indoor air will be at the wrong temperature.
Solution
You can troubleshoot thermostat problems by checking the settings. The thermostat should be at the right temperature, and it shouldn’t be in fan mode. If changing the temperature doesn’t make the HVAC unit turn on, try resetting the thermostat according to the manufacturer’s specifications. You can also try cleaning off the sensors so that they can get an accurate reading.
Leaky Refrigerant
Refrigerant leaks can happen slowly over time as tiny holes form. Because refrigerants are hazardous to breathe and bad for the environment, it’s important to get professional Fort Collins heat pump repair options or AC repair services to fix the leak and prevent refrigerant from getting into the environment.
Symptoms
Leaky refrigerants can cause a sweet scent, although some refrigerants don’t have any smell at all. If there is a leak, it can increase the odds of developing a frozen AC. Additionally, a refrigerant leak can lead to low refrigerant levels and short cycling.
Solution
If you think you have a refrigerant leak, turn off your heat pump or air conditioner right away. Then, call for professional HVAC repairs. Only a professional can find and repair a leak because there is a federal certification required for anyone who handles refrigerants.
How to Prevent Future HVAC Emergencies
The best way to prevent future AC and heat pump repair emergencies is by taking care of your HVAC devices. Through the best HVAC services, you can take care of your HVAC system and get timely repairs.
Below are some top HVAC maintenance tips for Fort Collins homes and businesses.
- Schedule two HVAC tune-ups a year. Arrange for one in the spring for air conditioners and another in the fall for heaters.
- Change your filter regularly. Depending on the manufacturer, it may need to be changed or cleaned every 30 to 90 days.
- Clear away debris around your outdoor unit. This prevents it from getting dusty or clogged.
- Seal duct leaks to prevent air from escaping.
- Clean vents and remove obstructions.
- Check windows and doors for drafts. Use caulk to seal them.
- Monitor for warning signs. Most HVAC emergencies are easier and cheaper to fix if they are caught early.
Learn More About Repair Options in Fort Collins
With the top air conditioner repair Fort Collins offers, you can keep your AC working at its best throughout the summer. At Hooley Heating & Air, we’re known for offering fast, efficient AC and heat pump repair services. We can also help you prevent future problems through our maintenance plans.
To learn more, reach out to our experienced HVAC professionals today.
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