If you’re a homeowner in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who relies on an HVAC system to keep your home comfortable year-round, it’s important that you are able to detect potential problems with the system before they become a reality.

System Wear and Tear

Your HVAC system is one of the hardest-working units in your home, so there’s natural wear and tear on the system’s mechanical components. From belts and bearings all the way down to your ductwork, when these parts aren’t working properly it negatively affects the efficient operation of the system. To prevent a costly system breakdown, you should definitely schedule annual maintenance by a professional HVAC technician.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Whether your HVAC system is controlled by a programmable or non-programmable thermostat, it can malfunction for reasons other than bad batteries. You might have accidentally set it incorrectly, elements inside the thermostat may be damaged, or hot or cold air blowing directly on the thermostat has caused the settings to become misaligned. Whatever the issue may be, it’s best to err on the side of caution by having the problem diagnosed by an HVAC expert.

Clogged Coils

Coils are key components of an HVAC system. The components of an HVAC system have the job of removing heat from an area. As heat is removed through the system, layers of dirt and dust can build up on the coils. The buildup is like a blanket that allows the coils to hold in the heat versus releasing it.

Coils need to be free of buildup to avoid slow and inefficient system operation. To prevent buildup, the coils should be cleaned by a professional technician once or twice a year to ensure a smooth and efficient airflow. Depending on the type of environment your HVAC system is subjected to, it may require more frequent cleaning by a technician.

Pilot/Ignition Problems

Several issues can result in ignition problems. For instance, the burners, pilot, or flame sensor may not be clean. If any of these components are dirty, it can lead to an outage of the pilot system or it can take longer to ignite the burners. There may also be a problem with the gas supply, or the ignition component may be malfunctioning.

If you’re experiencing any problems with the pilot or ignition systems, call a professional service technician to check out the problem and repair or replace any damaged components.

Unusual Noises

If your HVAC system is running around the clock, you’ve become tuned in to the normal sounds that it makes. If you begin to hear unusual sounds, such as squealing or whining, these can be warning signs of a failure of one or more system components. If left unattended, it could lead to a dangerous situation. So if you hear unusual noises, have the system checked by a technician.

Tripped Breaker or Blown Fuse

An overworked blower is a common cause of a tripped circuit breaker. This is usually caused by blocked airflow, which puts stress on the system as it must work harder to get air past the blockage. The harder the system works, the more energy it uses, which may result in a tripped circuit breaker. If the breaker is frequently tripping or fuses are being blown, it may be due to blockage. One of the main culprits that can cause a blockage is a dirty air filter.

This isn’t the only reason for tripped breakers and blown fuses. Other reasons include dirty coils, blocked air registers, or there may be problems with the ducts.

Dirty Filters

Filters that aren’t changed regularly lessen the efficiency of the system, restrict the flow of air, and put unnecessary wear and tear on the system. This can lead to overheating and system shutdown and shortens the system’s lifespan.

At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Baton Rouge, our experienced technicians can take care of HVAC troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation. Whether your HVAC system is having a problem, or you just want to schedule a system check, call us at (225) 320-4162 today.