Common HVAC Problems and HVAC Maintenance Tips

1. Lack of Maintenance

Having regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance performed by a licensed professional is essential to keeping your system working properly. Your heating and cooling systems were likely very costly, so why not protect your investment? Neglecting to have regular maintenance can lead to costly system breakdowns, and increased energy costs.

2. Dirty Filters

Regularly replacing air filters is one of the easiest and most important ways to extend the life of your HVAC and furnace systems. A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing your furnace to work harder to circulate air through your home. This can cause your furnace to overheat and adds money to your monthly energy bills.

3. Pilot or Ignition Issues

A number of problems can cause pilot issues, including dirty pilots, sensors, or burners. This can lead to pilot outage, short cycling, or delayed ignition of burners. The issue could also be caused by a gas supply problem, or an ignition component that needs replacing, such as a hot surface ignitor. Regardless of what you believe the problem to be, it’s always best to allow a trained professional like those at Advantage Air HVAC to handle the problem as it deals with dangerous elements like natural gas and high voltage electricidal equipment.

4. Malfunctioning Thermostat

There are many types of thermostats on the market, both programmable and non-programmable. Oftentimes, when you believe your furnace is malfunctioning, it is actually an issue with the thermostat. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as replacing batteries in a programmable thermostat. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s best to call a professional technician to provide maintenance.

5. General Wear and Tear

Your heating system relies on several mechanical components to function properly. If one, or more, of these components has worn out your furnace’s performance will be negatively affected. The most common pieces to wear out are belts and bearings, which can result in overheating, poor heating, and issues with airflow. Regular maintenance should include checking belts, and bearings.

6. Unusual Noises

Many noises are simply associated with typical furnace operation. Other noises are indications of a mechanical issue. If your furnace’s motor is whining or squealing, it could be a sign the bearings in an inducer motor or blower motor are failing. Some noises can be caused by airflow issues, or dirty burners. It’s always best to give us a call, as ignoring certain issues can lead to a system failure.

7. Blower Stays On

If the blower on your furnace is running continuously, first check the fan switch on the thermostat. It’s very easy to accidentally set the switch to the on position. Every furnace has a fan relay that turns the blower on when there’s a call for heat. If that relay sticks the blower will stay on. One of our service technicians can evaluate the cause of the blower running, and offer you repair options.

Contact Us

If your furnace is currently experiencing any operational issues, or it does in the future, give us a call at (859) 559-6409. Our team has more than 30 years of industry experience and can diagnose and repair any HVAC problem. We are conveniently located in Lexington, KY, and are happy to serve the surrounding area, including Versailles, Winchester, Georgetown, Paris, Wilmore, and Nicholasville, KY.