Let's address some of the typical problems homeowners face with their heating and air systems. While some of these issues are manageable for homeowners to fix on their own, others require the expertise of an HVAC professional. For tasks beyond your capability, consider relying on One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Chattanooga. Rest assured, we'll resolve the problem promptly and effectively.

AC Blowing Warm Air

Experiencing an air conditioner blowing warm air can be frustrating, especially when you're seeking relief from the heat. Several factors could be causing this problem, some more complex than others.

One common issue is a dirty filter or blocked vents, which restrict proper airflow and lead to warm air blowing from the air conditioner. Regular maintenance such as cleaning and replacing air filters can prevent this problem.

Another likely cause is low refrigerant levels or system leaks, resulting in inefficient cooling and warm-air output. Hiring a professional to check and refill your refrigerant levels is the best way to tackle this issue.

If these issues don't seem to be the problem, check your thermostat settings to ensure they are accurate and functioning correctly, as a faulty thermostat could also be to blame.

Annual AC maintenance performed by the professionals at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Chattanooga is a proactive way to prevent these types of issues from occurring.

AC Cycling Too Rapidly

Air conditioning cycling occurs when the system repeatedly turns on and off. When a system is frequently cycling, known as rapid cycling, the inefficiency not only wastes energy but also increases costs. Common causes include clogged filters, thermostat issues, and improper system size.

Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the AC unit to work harder to draw in air, which leads to rapid cycling. The best way to prevent this issue is by having regular maintenance done on your system and ensuring that the air filters are routinely switched out. 

Thermostat malfunctions can also cause rapid cycling. Check first to ensure that the batteries in the thermostat are not low. If the batteries are not the issue, the rapid cycling could be the result of a poorly calibrated thermostat that results in incorrect temperature readings. This poor calibration causes the AC to unnecessarily cool and cycle frequently, and it should be looked at by an HVAC professional to determine accurate readings and a fix for the thermostat.

An oversized AC unit can also lead to rapid cycling. If a unit cools the area too quickly, it can cause the unit to shut off frequently. As the temperature rises again, it triggers frequent short cycles. Additionally, mismatched ductwork can contribute to a similar inefficient performance. An HVAC professional can determine whether or not your system is running at the optimal efficiency by evaluating both system size and duct work.

Weak Flow of Air

Clogged filters, blocked vents, and malfunctioning fans are the most likely culprits when it comes to weak airflow. 

A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the unit, which could be contributing to weak output. Check your filters regularly and swap them out for fresh ones to maintain proper air flow and efficiency. 

Blocked vents similarly will restrict flow and efficiency of a system. When vent openings are blocked, it disrupts the cooled air flowing into different rooms, leading to uneven cooling. Ensure that you don’t have any furniture or other blockages such as dust or debris clogging your vents to ensure maximum system efficiency.  

Refrigerant Line Freezing

High humidity levels, lack of airflow over your evaporator coil, and dirty air filters can all contribute to a frozen AC line. Spotting ice build-up and water leaks are common giveaways that your line is likely frozen. 

When warm and humid air enters the system it comes into contact with the cold refrigerant found in the evaporator coil. The difference in temperature causes moisture to condense and freeze on the outside of the refrigerant line, usually forming a layer of ice around the pipe. Ironically, this freezing generally occurs during the hottest and most humid months. If your line is frozen, turn off the AC to prevent further freezing and allow the unit to thaw. Additionally, run the AC unit on fan mode to force warm air over the evaporator coils. Pouring lukewarm or room temperature water over the line itself can also assist in the thawing process, but be sure to avoid any high temperature devices such as heat guns or boiling water. 

If your evaporator coil isn’t receiving adequate airflow it can also lead to a frozen line. The coil itself removes heat from indoor air by absorbing it into its coils and then releasing it outside. Without proper airflow, the coils can become cold and cause any condensation that remains to freeze. If you have issues with the system’s fan or blower motor, you can expect these problems to arise. The best course of action in this situation is to call a professional to come and fix it.

HVAC System Spreads Dust Around the House

If you’re noticing a large volume of dust particles circulating throughout your home when you turn on the heat, you’re likely dealing with inadequate filtration. Old air filters, leaky ductwork, and outdoor pollutants are usually the issue. 

Regular maintenance and replacement of air filters are recommended to avoid having dust or other irritants being spread around your home. When a filter is beyond its lifespan, it does not catch nearly as many particles as a new one would. This can cause it to operate inefficiently, leading to higher overall costs.

Leaky ductwork is another potential cause of dust particles being spread around the house. Ensure that all ductwork is properly sealed around your home. When they are not, they allow dust and other pollutants to escape into the living spaces, leading to poor air quality.  

Having a window open on a refreshing day is something we all enjoy, but it introduces outdoor pollutants into your system. On particularly windy days, or if done often enough, this can build up dust, pollen, and other irritants into your system that will be circulated around the home once the system is turned back on. 

Burning Smell When Heat is Turned On

A burning smell is generally normal whenever you turn on your heater, especially if it is the first time of the year you are powering it on. However, there are some instances where a burning smell is more nefarious. 

Dust buildup on your system is generally the most common reason you’re smelling something burning when turning on the heater. Over the warmer months, this dust can accumulate, and the first time the heater is turned on, it burns off excess particles. 

Another possible cause of this smell is overheating, which occurs when the blower motor exerts extra effort to filter the air. If you detect this odor consistently during each heating cycle, it's advisable to inspect the filter. Replace it promptly if you observe significant dirt buildup to ensure optimal performance of your heating system.

Electrical or metallic burning odors may indicate issues such as damaged electrical wiring or burning plastic, both of which pose significant fire hazards. It is crucial to turn off your heating system immediately and seek professional assistance promptly to address and resolve the issue safely.

Heat Pump is Always On

Heat pumps are engineered to operate continuously to uphold a consistent temperature and airflow within your home, particularly during colder seasons. Maintaining a continuous operation can actually be more energy-efficient compared to frequently cycling the unit on and off for short intervals. Nonetheless, several factors could contribute to your heat pump running constantly, such as dirty air filters, refrigerant leaks, and faulty components. If you think your heat pump is running more often than it should, it is best to consult a professional to have it properly assessed. 

Call the Professionals


If you’re having heating and cooling issues and don’t want to worry about the hassle of diagnosing, fixing, and maintaining it yourself, give the experts a call. The professionals at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Chattanooga are experienced, timely, and effective at solving these problems. Call us at 423.373.2753 or request an appointment on our website to see how we can help: https://www.onehourheatandair.com/chattanooga/request-an-appointment/