As with other home appliances, HVAC systems are not immune to problems over their lives. Some problems you may experience are more common than others. There are some that are minor, which you may be able to troubleshoot yourself, while others may require major repairs or even replacement after having a professional HVAC technician perform an inspection. Here are some of the most common issues people in Chicagoland experience with their HVAC systems, along with some possible solutions.
Impaired airflow
If you’re not feeling enough hot or cool air coming through your vents, there’s likely something that is blocking it. One of those things could be a dirty filter. Make sure to change your filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines or every three months. If you have a reusable filter, be sure to wash it regularly, about every three months or so, depending on the amount of dust in your home. You’ll also want to make sure all of the registers are open. If they’re not, the air won’t be able to circulate into rooms and back through to your HVAC system.
Running too much or not enough
If your HVAC system is running too much or not enough, this may indicate a problem.If it’s running too much, you could be experiencing a dirty filter that needs to be washed or replaced. There might also be dust or debris in your vents that is preventing the air from heating or cooling rooms. An HVAC system that is running too much isn’t good for your wallet, as it will increase your electric bill.
A furnace or air conditioner that is not running enough is likely a problem with the unit if the thermostat is working properly. In that case, it’s a good idea to call an HVAC technician to take a look and evaluate the situation before determining the best course of action. Their expertise can help resolve issues of inconsistent temperature in your home.
Pilot light burning yellow
Your pilot light should always burn blue. If it is burning yellow or another color besides blue, you have a problem. Yellow is the color you have to watch for, as it’s an indication that the flame is contaminated by carbon monoxide. You should have an experienced HVAC professional come to your home to troubleshoot the issue. It’s also vital that you find the source of the carbon monoxide immediately.
Problems with thermostat
If you’re having trouble with your thermostat, there are some basic steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. The first thing you’ll want to do is check that it’s sufficiently powered. If it runs on batteries, try replacing the batteries. Most modern thermostats are connected to the electrical wiring of the building, so you’ll want to check the status of the breaker it’s connected to if that’s the case. If it’s on and running, make sure the settings are adjusted appropriately to your liking and nothing is askew. If issues persist, you’ll need to have an HVAC technician troubleshoot the problem.
Excess water
The presence of excess water in or around your furnace or air conditioner is never a good sign. It’s typically an indication of a crack in the pipe that runs off the condensation into the ground. Water inside your HVAC unit is arguably worse, as the water can damage other parts of the system and can indicate a need to replace the coolant and the unit as a whole.
Would you like to make a career of troubleshooting issues with HVAC systems? With a certificate in HVAC Refrigeration from Coyne College in Chicago, you can make that dream a reality.
Learn Heating and Cooling at Coyne College
Coyne College’s HVAC-R program is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge you need to begin your career as an HVAC technician. As a student in Coyne’s program, you will actively engage in learning the finer points of the occupation. Some of the classes in the HVAC-R curriculum include:
- Introduction to Mechanical Refrigeration Systems
- Air Conditioning, Electric Heat and Heat Pumps
- Introduction to Commercial Controls
- Gas Heating
- And more!
You’ll get a mix of textbook and hands-on learning from instructors who have valuable experience in the HVAC field. They’ll teach you the whys and the hows of HVAC work to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding by the time you graduate.
Coyne College has more than 120 years of experience helping aspiring skilled trade professionals in Chicago build the foundation of their careers. With day and night class options available at our Chicago Loop campus, we do our best to help you fit a skilled trades education into your schedule.
To schedule a visit, contact an advisor or request more information about the program, call 800-720-3990 or visit https://www.coynecollege.edu/contact.
