19 Sep Top Ten Fall Issues Impacting Your Forced Air HVAC System
As the seasons change, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance for your HVAC system, whether you use a furnace or a heat pump to heat your home. Fall can present several common problems for forced air HVAC systems. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent issues to look out for and how to address them.
1. Dirty Air Filters
Throughout the summer, air conditioners run frequently, causing air filters to accumulate dust and debris quickly. By the time fall arrives, these filters are often clogged and left unattended as the system shifts from cooling to heating. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, which can affect indoor air quality and even cause your furnace to overheat when it kicks in during cooler weather.
To avoid these issues, make sure to replace your air filter at the start of fall and continue doing so regularly throughout the year.
2. Malfunctioning Thermostats
As temperatures drop, you’ll need to reprogram smart or programmable thermostats to align with your heating needs. If you’re unable to adjust your thermostat, or if the furnace doesn’t operate correctly, there could be a problem with the thermostat itself. In some cases, a simple battery replacement may solve the issue. If that doesn’t work, contact a technician to troubleshoot and potentially replace the thermostat.
3. Lack of Routine Maintenance
Skipping professional HVAC maintenance in the fall can lead to a variety of problems. Wear and tear on system components like sensors or heat exchangers may go unnoticed, potentially causing malfunctions or complete system failure. Overheating can also occur, forcing your furnace to shut down at an inconvenient time.
To prevent this, schedule regular maintenance with a licensed technician each fall to keep your heating system running smoothly and efficiently.
4. Leaky Ducts
If you notice uneven heating throughout your home, duct leaks may be to blame. Cracks, gaps, or holes in your ductwork allow heated air to escape, reducing the overall effectiveness of your system. This not only lowers your home’s comfort level but also increases your energy bills.
If you suspect ductwork issues, contact an HVAC professional for duct sealing services to improve your system’s energy efficiency.
5. Tripped Circuit Breakers
A tripped circuit breaker is often caused by an overworked blower motor, which may occur due to airflow blockages from dirty filters or closed vents. In some cases, dirty coils can also exacerbate the issue. If your circuit breaker trips, check the air filter and ensure all vents are open. If the problem persists, it’s time to call in a professional for a deeper inspection.
6. Clogged Drains
Your HVAC system uses a condensate drain to remove moisture. However, these drains can become clogged due to dirt, mold, or even fallen leaves blocking the outdoor drainage system. A blocked condensate line can lead to water leaks around your unit and cause serious damage.
To prevent clogs, clean the condensate drain regularly and clear away any leaves or debris from outdoor drains.
7. Continuous Blower Operation
If your furnace blower motor runs constantly, it’s often due to a simple mistake: the thermostat’s fan switch may be set to “ON” instead of “AUTO.” If resetting the switch doesn’t solve the problem, there could be a stuck relay, limit switch, or safety control issue, all of which require a technician’s expertise.
8. Refrigerant Leaks
For homes using heat pumps, refrigerant leaks are a common fall issue. Low refrigerant levels hinder the heat pump’s ability to effectively transfer heat, leaving your home under-heated. Leaks may occur in the evaporator coil, condenser coil, or refrigerant lines, and should only be handled by a certified technician.
If a leak is found, the system will need to be repaired and recharged with the correct amount of refrigerant to restore efficient operation.
9. Ignition Problems
Ignition system issues are a frequent problem for furnaces in the fall. For older models with pilot lights, check to see if drafts are causing the pilot to go out, or if the thermocouple or gas intake valve is malfunctioning. Modern furnaces with hot surface ignitors may experience problems due to dirt buildup, faulty wiring, or stuck limit switches.
While you can clean a dirty ignitor yourself with steel wool or emery cloth, most ignition problems should be diagnosed and fixed by a professional technician.
10. Dirty Burners
Gas furnaces rely on clean burners to function properly. Over time, dirt and rust can clog the burners, reducing heat output and causing the furnace to use more energy. Annual maintenance by a qualified technician should include a thorough burner cleaning to ensure efficient operation.
By staying proactive with HVAC maintenance and addressing common fall issues like dirty filters, malfunctioning thermostats, and clogged drains, you can ensure your forced air system runs smoothly throughout the colder months.
For homeowners in Boerne, Texas, Boerne AC & Heating is your trusted local provider for all HVAC services. Whether you’re dealing with common fall issues or need routine maintenance, our team of experienced, licensed technicians is ready to help keep your heating and cooling systems in top condition. Give us a call today for reliable HVAC solutions tailored to your needs.