Like All Other Machines, AC Units Can Bring Headache
Moving deeper into summer many AC units will be stressed and pushed to their limits. With so many moving parts in HVAC units, it is important to be ready of what can go wrong. As with most machines, there are a plethora of issues that AC units can have for homeowners to deal with. It can range from something as simple as the placement of the unit all the way to smaller components. When they go bad, it is a nightmare to deal with. Finding a contractor, working with a multiple day lead time until a fix arrives – we get it, and we’re here to help. We’ll go over some of them in our article today to keep you prepared for the summer heat.
Improper Sizing/Installation
Picking out a unit size appropriate for your home is an issue that some homeowners are unaware of. Based on the needs of the home, it is important that an adequate size is picked out. For example, a unit too large for the home will constantly cycle on and off. Conversely, a small unit will struggle to run at optimum efficiency causing high stress and likely premature failure. Quality technicians are equipped with the information to help you pick out correct sizing.
Installation is extremely important for the unit you select for your home. You can pick the best HVAC unit on the market, but if poorly installed it will still underperform. A bad installation leads to poor energy efficiency, higher costs and more frequent breakdowns. Having a reliable technician is much more important than it is given credit for.
Low Maintenance/Upkeep
As explained earlier, there are a lot of moving parts within an HVAC unit that can malfunction. It is recommended that maintenance on your HVAC unit is performed every year. For the fractions that a maintenance plan costs the end user, the return value scales extremely well. For example, repairs for AC units range anywhere from $600-$1,800, but a maintenance plan simply costs $249.99 a year.
Having bi-annual checkups for the big seasons (winter/summer) with filter changes included are worth the price alone. To put it into context, one year of maintenance gives you almost 2.5 years of financial flexibility for the near future. Maintenance won’t always prevent something happening to the unit, but it helps a great amount. Studies have proven that preventative maintenance has shown to reduce risk of damage by 95%.
Refrigerant Leaks
As one of the most pivotal parts in your HVAC
unit, refrigerant is one of the key components in the cooling process. Refrigerant leaks happen for various reasons such as manufacturer defects, a poorly installed unit, wear and tear over time, and more. Leaks will cause the unit to run inefficiently, consume more energy, and eventually damage the compressor. It is a very serious and hazardous problem to have, so it is important to keep a pulse regularly.
Electrical Component Issues
With so many components, HVAC systems rely on a lot of electrical systems to perform their functions. Wiring, fuses, and all of the other components can cause the unit to completely stop working when you need it most. Sometimes it also leads to power cycling of the system, where the unit constantly turns off and on due to incorrect electrical feed. This also causes the system to overwork trying to correct itself, over time leading to a damaged system.
Sensors & Drainage
Your thermostat is the most important communicator of your HVAC’s current operating status. If the sensor begins to read incorrectly it can lead to series of problems for your unit. It will reduce efficiency for your unit and it can end up running longer than it needs to or vice versa. If you place the thermostat in a drafty area, it can cause the unit to incorrectly read the area around it, causing it to overwork or underwork.
As part of its regular operation, your HVAC unit removes moisture from the air as well. This happens through the drainage system, where clogs can happen. If a clog does happen, it ends up leading to water damage, mold growth, and decreased efficiency. More prevalent in humid climates, maintaining your drain pan and checking for any issues is very important.
Natural Wear & Tear
As with every machine, there is an implicit cost of running the unit over time. Parts eventually need to be repaired or replaced once they run their course, and sometimes replacement parts are not easy to find. Depending on the stress you put on your system and how often you perform regular maintenance, you can find yourself in a dire situation sooner than later. It’s the primary reason we recommend maintenance for your HVAC unit, to extend the life of the machine up to 50%. We simply recommend that you always be cognizant of how much you are running your unit, and little abnormalities that you may notice.
Concluding Thoughts
We went through scenarios and/or factors that lead to HVAC unit malfunction, raising awareness. It is simpler to have a plan that puts this out of mind and does the maintenance and upkeep for you. A maintenance plan is fractions in cost and is highly recommended. From mechanical to electrical, the spectrum of errors is wide but maintenance plans re designed to handle that. Check out our maintenance plans here to find out more on what they cover, and costs. For further questions contact us directly at info@omniairhvac.com, or (714) 813-0584.