The 5 Most Common HVAC Issues

From funky noises to wonky thermostats, here’s what to be on the lookout for when it comes to your HVAC system.

Winter weather is still thriving as we make our way through the month of February. During times of extreme cold or warm weather, you depend on your HVAC system to function at its best. Regular maintenance will help keep minor issues in-check and prevent major problems from impacting your system.

Whether you decide to schedule regular maintenance or not, there are 5 common HVAC issues we want you to be aware of as the winter season continues and we make the turn toward spring.

  1. Furnaces can leak water if the drain lines are clogged or cracked. If you notice any water around your HVAC system, you may have a leak. The source of the leak may stem from excessive condensation, the heat exchanger, collector box, or evaporator drain pain. In order to identify and fix the problem, you’ll want to call in the professionals.
  2. Clicking, banging, or grinding noises coming from your HVAC system are annoying, and can mean you have a mechanical issue to worry about. You will likely hear your system turn off or notice a gentle hum while it is running—but if you hear whining or squealing, the furnace motor may be failing. In this case, a motor replacement will be necessary to keep your current HVAC system functioning for years to come. A professional can install a new motor quickly and efficiently.
  3. If regular maintenance is ignored, dirt and debris can infect the condenser or evaporator coils of your system, reducing efficiency and causing exacerbated wear. Replace your furnace filters regularly to help reduce dirt and debris accumulation.
  4. One of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your HVAC system is to replace your furnace filters, and clean your hoses and vents regularly. We noted this above, but it is worth repeating! Dirty filters, hoses, and vents restrict airflow, forcing your system to work much harder to circulate air throughout your home. Plus, a dirty filter can cause your system to overheat, leading to shut off safety measures that stop the system from running until it has time to cool down.
  5. Programmable and non-programmable thermostats can be tricky. Most often than not, if you think you have a HVAC issue, it is actually a thermostat problem or setting. Keep your owner’s manual handy! For homes with battery-operated thermostats, be sure to replace the batteries periodically. As always, if you can’t seem to troubleshoot the thermostat on your own, schedule time for a professional to review your system.

Schneider Heating & Air Conditioning is the leader in heating, cooling, ventilation, and air quality products and services in the La Crosse area. We have been serving the Coulee Region for more than 80 years. Our technicians are highly and continually trained utilizing the most sophisticated HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technologies and equipment. All of our service technicians are NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified—the largest non-profit certification organization that is governed, owned, operated, developed, and supported by the HVAC industry. At Schneider Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on amazing customer service. Contact us today.