Many Minneapolis, MN homeowners take their home’s heating and air conditioning systems for granted until something goes wrong. As these complex systems work hard to keep us at a comfortable temperature, it’s hardly surprising that problems crop up now and then. If you think there’s something wrong with your heating or AC, ignoring it can make matters worse in the long run. Promptly calling out a heating and AC repair technician in Minneapolis, MN can quickly get everything running smoothly again. So, what are the most common reasons for heating and AC repair?
1. Faulty Thermostat
One of the most common reasons for heating and AC repair is a faulty thermostat. The thermostat controls your heating or air conditioning system by maintaining your home’s temperature according to your needs. So, you can see why a thermostat issue can wreak havoc with your heating and AC.
It’s a good idea to install a modern digital thermostat in your home if you don’t already have one, as these are an improvement on the old-style analog thermostats. If you already have a digital thermostat and it isn’t working correctly, your first port of call should be to replace the batteries. If this doesn’t solve the issue, call out a Minneapolis, MN repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
2. Blocked Drains
The drainage system is an important part of your heating and AC because it drains excess moisture from the unit. Over time, your system’s drain pipes can become blocked up with grime and deposits. This is particularly concerning in an air conditioning system because it can cause water to back up into the unit itself, potentially leading to significant damage.
Some homeowners in Minneapolis, MN choose to unblock the drainage system themselves. However, it’s important to be confident that you know how to carry the process out correctly. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call in a professional heating and AC repair service to do it for you.
3. Broken Furnace
The furnace is responsible for providing heat to your system. In short, if your furnace isn’t working properly, your heating system won’t warm your home. If the pilot light isn’t on, it’s often a sign of a problem with your gas supply, which is not an issue you can fix yourself. Furnace breakdown can cause major inconvenience and discomfort if it happens during colder months, so it’s important to keep the number of a heating and AC repair company to hand so you can get your system up and running quickly.
4. Banging or Clanking
Your home’s heating and AC systems should operate with a barely noticeable level of noise. If you hear banging, clanking, or popping sounds coming from your system, this is cause for concern. There are lots of reasons for these weird noises including loose parts or problems with the blower (fan) unit.
Some of the issues that cause a noisy heating or AC system can be serious and could get much worse if you leave them. You should never try to diagnose or fix a noisy system yourself as this could be dangerous and may cause damage to the more fragile components of your unit. Instead, always call out an HVAC repair company to find and fix the source of the clanking.
5. Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerants cool the air down inside the coils in your AC unit before it is released into your home. If you have a refrigerant leak, your system won’t be able to cool your home properly. It may also make a hissing sound as the refrigerant escapes from cracks or holes in the pipes. You’ll probably also notice a strong, unpleasant smell.
Some homeowners try to avoid an expensive AC repair in this situation by having the refrigerant in their system topped up. While this saves money in the short term, this is never a good idea as the problem may continue to worsen and the refrigerant will simply continue to leak out. It’s also never advised to try to fix the problem yourself using sealants to plug small holes and cracks. The sealant can cause more serious blockages in your system, which could require a more expensive repair later down the line.
How to Avoid a Heating and AC Repair
There are some simple steps you can take to help keep your heating and AC systems in good running order and therefore avoid costly heating and AC repair. While some people carry out simple system maintenance themselves, many find it more convenient to hire a heating and AC company like Blue Ox Heating & Air, Minneapolis to do the job for them.
One important way to keep your systems in good working order is to have the air filters regularly replaced. Having clean air filters is important because they protect key components, maintain healthy air quality, and help your system to run as efficiently as possible. Failing to replace the filters can cause various issues including a tripped limit switch, which will require a professional to fix.
Keeping your furnace clean and free from dirt and dust can help prevent various issues from arising in your system, including problems with the run capacitor.
Hiring a professional to maintain your heating and AC systems has various advantages over doing it yourself. An expert heating and AC repair technician will be able to spot and fix small problems before they turn into major issues, keeping repair costs to a minimum and ensuring that your system’s efficiency and your indoor air quality remain high. Ideally, you should book in a maintenance session a couple of times a year.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, you now understand the most common causes of heating and AC repair. If you have any concerns about your heating or AC system, Blue Ox Heating & Air, can help. We can carry out repairs and offer routine maintenance of your heating and AC to keep everything running perfectly and prevent the majority of breakdowns.
