Furnace and air conditioning care and upkeep improve the equipment’s energy efficiency, reducing utility costs for residents in McKinney. Many homeowners perform essential maintenance on their own to save costs, but neglecting professional servicing can cause disrepair or malfunction.
Preventive maintenance is typically done before winter, mid fall, for seamless operation throughout the season.
The recommendation is to be inspected again in early spring to prepare for the extreme summer temperatures. Visit Essential HVAC Maintenance Tips for Texas Homeowners – The Old Dog House – for essential HVAC maintenance tips for Texas Homeowners.
As is true with all household appliances, the heating and cooling become susceptible to problems as time goes. Older equipment will undergo periodic repairs, where a neglected unit lacking adequate maintenance will prematurely age, develop worn components, and have a shorter lifespan.
Homeowners are urged to keep their heating and cooling serviced in the fall and spring.
Common Winter Heating and Cooling Problems in Texas
Winter is right around the corner, so many Mckinney residents have already had their heating and cooling systems serviced. A professional AC repair service will inspect, clean, and repair any defects to shut the cooling system down for the season.
While winters in Texas are typically mild, it can become bitterly cold and has been known to snow in recent years. That means the heating system needs to be prepared and tested to ensure it’s ready to perform efficiently for the season.
Despite the systems having adequate servicing, problems can still arise and will need assistance. Let’s review a few issues to be aware of and look at potential solutions.
Clogged filters
Inefficiency can be the result of dirty air filters. When these are clogged, it blocks airflow, forcing the equipment to work harder. The system will produce uneven heat and a dusty smell, indicating it’s time to switch the filters. This is a commonly neglected part of heating and cooling maintenance.
Whether you need to set an alert on your mobile’s calendar or set up a manual system, it’s essential to develop a schedule for changing filters. The process is simple and can be done in only a few minutes time.
The recommendation is to switch them roughly every 90 days or every 30 days if you have pets or are more susceptible to pollen, dust, or other particles that can trigger those with respiratory concerns or allergies.
If the airflow doesn’t improve after changing the filters, it’s vital to reach out to a repair contractor to diagnose the underlying cause. When the exact cause of the problem is addressed, the equipment can resume efficient and reliable operation.
Broken thermostat
The heating and cooling system isn’t always the issue when the unit isn’t running smoothly. A malfunctioning or inaccurate thermostat can lead to problems. There can be numerous reasons this component becomes faulty, such as bad batteries, broken parts, and wiring issues.
Broken parts mean the thermostat must be replaced with a new one. If you have a manual unit, investing in a programmable setup is wise. These are recommended for key features that allow homeowners improved efficiency when regulating the home’s temperature.
If you do change out the batteries, make a note of it or set an alert for roughly a year out that they need to be changed again so you can stay a step ahead to avoid issues in the future. Click for a checklist to help you maintain household HVAC maintenance.
Broken/frozen heat pump
Heat pumps are a favored heating system because they are incredibly energy efficient when warming the home in the winter and work to cool the house in the sweltering summer temperatures.
Typically, the heat pump is a reliable resource but can be impacted by extreme winter temperatures. Icy conditions and heavy snow with blustery winds can lead to malfunctions.
When exposed to the cold for a prolonged period without running, the unit can freeze and will need to defrost before the system can be used.
The objective is to prevent a buildup by keeping the ice and frost cleared away so the unit doesn’t freeze up. The fans should be able to turn freely with no obstacles, and the coils should be free of frost. Some equipment is set up to defrost automatically periodically for roughly every four hours.
If this isn’t the case or the setup isn’t working, contact a qualified and reliable repair contract such as Airview AC. The more ice accumulates, it will become increasingly difficult for the system to defrost the buildup.
Also, an underlying issue could create a defrost malfunction, and the professional can diagnose and repair the problem.
Final Thought
With winter on its way to McKinney, Texas, homeowners must be aware of common problems that can arise. Having a heating and cooling repair service ready to address the issues will ensure defects are fixed quickly and adequately to maintain efficiency and avoid the potential for a malfunction.