3 Common HVAC Problems in Many Alabama Homes

As a homeowner in Alabama, you’ve probably become acquainted with the fact that our weather doesn’t take too kindly to homes in perfect shape—a fact that applies both inside and outside. 

With the weather in our fair state seeing both hot and cold seasons every year, there are all sorts of conditions that can either cause a bit of a ruckus or wreak havoc on your humble abode. On top of the adverse effects that both hot and cold weather can bring, Alabama’s climate can also take a toll on the average home because of how noticeably humid it gets! 

At this point, you’ve probably seen your fair share of home maintenance requirements and repairs required by the weather conditions in our state. From slow-growing mold on the sides of a property to sagging ceilings caused by intensive moisture levels, houses easily see dozens of different problems year-in, year out.

Common Kinds Of HVAC Issues To Watch Out For

Repairs are much more common in the case of HVAC-related issues because heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) are the first to be affected by the weather. However, the problem with these issues is that they’re not the easiest to spot unless you know your way around the house and have a penchant for noticing even the slightest warning signs. 

But this doesn’t mean that you’ll need to wait for disaster and hefty repair bills to strike because a bit of information goes a long way, especially when it comes to the maintenance of your air conditioner and heat pump.

To ensure that you don’t end up turning preventable issues into bigger problems—compromising your living experience at home—here’s a list of common HVAC problems to keep an eye on:

Problem #1: Dirty Filters

Your HVAC filters are the first line of defense against the elements. It’s best to expect that they’ll always be the first to go after quite some time.

When your HVAC system has dirty air filters, anyone inside might be left vulnerable to several problems because of a buildup of dirt and dust in your ductwork that prevents air from circulating properly. Unfortunately, overlooking this seemingly simple problem can lead to even bigger issues, such as indoor air quality. They end up making the rest of an HVAC system and work harder to keep a home comfortable, which leads to:

• Higher energy bills for baseline comfort;
• Potential breakdowns in system components due to overwork and;
• Compromised air quality can lead to health problems.

Problem #2: Strange Noises

At Xcalibur Services, we’ve seen far too many complaints stemming from customers over squealing and other strange noises that they’ve encountered in their HVAC system, but little do most people know that these sounds signal a bigger issue.

From a general perspective, strange sounds in heating, ventilation, or air conditioning can stem from the presence of wear. Depending on the kind of sound you’re getting, you might be facing one or more of these problems: 

• Worn belts
• Motor problems
• Fan problems
• Broken internal parts

Problem #3: Thermostat Issues

When the Alabama weather begins to go through a series of highs and lows, the thermostat is one of the most vulnerable components of an HVAC system to take the biggest hit.

The main manifestation of this problem is when a heating and air conditioning system doesn’t turn on when it should or runs when it shouldn’t—a key indicator uncommon with any other problem. Unlike other problems on this list, there is no other way to solve a thermostat issue than to go for a full replacement because there is no way to fix an actual broken piece!

A new solution to other thermostat issues is installing a programmable thermostat or even a smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat will allow you to program the temperature you want in your home without having to monitor or change it manually. A smart thermostat programs the temperature in your home and allows you to change and monitor your thermostat from your smartphone. If you don’t have a programmable or smart thermostat installed and are interested, give your local HVAC expert a call for more information!

Countering against Common HVAC problems

These may be the most common HVAC problems, but there are preventative measures that homeowners can take advantage of to counter these problems. HVAC professionals recommend regular maintenance or preventative maintenance for your HVAC system at least twice a year—one for the AC unit and one for your heating system. Having scheduled maintenance on your HVAC unit will help troubleshoot any of the common HVAC issues before they get worse. 

Preventative maintenance is having an HVAC technician perform a tune-up on your heating or cooling system to ensure it is performing efficiently. The parts and HVAC technician checks out during a service call consist of the following:

• Refrigerant Levels
• Refrigerant Leaks
• Evaporator Coil Cleaning
• Condenser Coil Cleaning
• Heat Exchanger Maintenance
• Compressor Functionality
• Ignition Problems
• Blowers and Burners
• Operational Blower Motor
• Short Cycling occurrences
• Blown Fuses
• Circuit Breaker 
• Thermostat Settings
• Any consistent Water Leaks

An HVAC technician will look at these parts and perform any necessary maintenance. Whether that is cleaning your dirty coils, emptying a drain pan, ensuring airflow, or diagnose any potential major issues.

When it comes to keeping your home in tip-top shape at all times, one of the most important factors you need to watch out for is the common causes of HVAC repairs. Through the help of this guide, you’ll be able to watch out for any potential problems that lie ahead so that you can best prepare for servicing, maintenance, or replacements ahead!

Xcalibur Services offers quality HVAC services from our HVAC experts in Alabama. We make sure your home is always comfortable. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Published: March 31st, 2021