HVAC systems are designed to keep residential and commercial properties cool and comfortable in the hot season. The same units tend to keep people warm and cozy during the winter season as well. The HVAC system comprises two main units i.e. the air handler unit and the outdoor unit. You may have heard of air handler unit and ductwork problems, but outdoor unit issues are also quite common. This is why you should hire AC repair services for HVAC maintenance and repairs. Below are the most common outdoor unit problems along with their troubleshooting tips to help you get the system running back to normal in no time.
Thermostat Malfunctions
When it comes to diagnosing HVAC-related issues, people tend to focus on the major potential issues rather than thinking about the fact that minor factors can also result in complications. For instance, thermostat issues can prevent an HVAC unit from performing the way it should be.
If you have multiple people living in the house and some tend to be sensitive to warm or cool air, they might adjust the temperature accordingly. Plus, there are several other features added for user convenience that might make it appear as if the unit is not working normally.
The thermostat serves as the brain of the HVAC unit and keep track of the temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality. If there is something wrong with it or the settings are not right, it will not be able to communicate with the unit properly, causing it to run the indoor unit only and not the outdoor.
Plus, if you were to set the system to “fan only”, it could cause the fan to circulate air without engaging the outside unit to cool the air. In addition to that, if the thermostat was recently maintained, it might be that the thermostat lost its calibration and you will need to contact the expert to re-calibrate it.
Mechanical Issues
If you have ruled out the thermostat or other minor issues and the outdoor unit is still not running, it might be time to focus on the mechanical issues. You should know that an HVAC unit has multiple parts that work together. So, inspecting them is crucial.
If you know where to look, you have already solved half the problem. For instance, if the HVAC system happens to be old or components such as the contactor or capacitor failure may prevent the outdoor unit from running properly. Such problems are not necessarily limited to old units but also new ones.
If there is a power surge in your house, the capacitor or contractor will take the brunt of it, which will result in their burning. Fortunately, diagnosing and replacing a faulty capacitor or contractor is very easy. If you plan on replacing these parts on your own, you will need to consult the user manual and the manufacturer for exact replacement. You can also consult an expert.
Refrigerant Levels
HVAC units utilize refrigerant to produce both cool and warm air. Every unit comes with a certain refrigerant level without which the unit is not able to perform normally. If the refrigerant level in your HVAC unit is low, the unit will continuously trip or the outdoor unit will simply fail to respond.
Refrigerant leaks are a common issue among old units as rust and corrosion can cause minor holes to appear and make the gas escape. To fix the issue, you will need to consult the expert who will most probably weld the area or apply some sealant.
But, if the unit happens to be new, you can claim the warranty. In such cases, gas leaks take place when the experts performing maintenance are neither aware of how to deal with the gas nor skilled enough to know the particular type of Freon that is used.
Keep in mind that the refrigerant itself is an expensive item. Added with labor, it can set you off a good several hundred bucks. That is why, always call in an expert.
Fan And Fan Motor Problems
The fan in the outdoor unit can stop spinning for reasons like obstructions, no power, thermostat issues, or failed fan motor. You should first check the fan for obstructions because that’s easy. Leaves and debris can cause the fan to stop spinning so remove them. But sometimes, the issue is a blown fan motor. You will need to contact HVAC repair services Huntington who will replace the fan motor and along with that, they will also perform a thorough inspection to prevent upcoming problems from arising.
Lack Of Power
Lack of power is another noteworthy reason your outdoor unit may not be working. HVAC units are usually connected to the main circuit breaker. The circuit breakers are fuses that protect your appliances in case there is a power surge. When there is a power surge, the fuses take the brunt of it and burn, protecting the unit from expensive and permanent damage.
This means that if your outdoor unit has stopped working for no apparent reason, you will need to check the circuit breaker. Inspect the fuse box and see if you come across some that are burnt. Try replacing the fuses to see if it fixes the issue.
If not, you might want to check the power socket for any issues. Try plugging in the unit in some other socket to see if the issue is fixed. Plus, try plugging in some other electronic device in the same socket to see if it works. If the device has trouble running, it means the socket is the issue.
Moreover, if your HVAC unit happens to be old, it could be that the wires are causing the issue. With time, wires tend to catch rust and crack as well. So, if the outdoor unit is not working, you will need to closely inspect the wires for any damages or faults.
Does Professional Maintenance Help?
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your HVAC unit runs without any problems for years to come. Most people believe it is simply an expense as they can perform the maintenance and inspections on their own. But, the fact of the matter is that some complications require proper skills and tools to fix the issue. In such cases, you will need to consult an expert.
Professional maintenance is not just limited to cleaning but also inspecting the unit for repairs and replacement. This helps the experts avoid any problems that may cause complications down the road. In simple words, it is a small price to pay to keep future troubles at bay.
And, keep in mind that you should always choose a licensed expert to perform the maintenance. The reason is that the market is saturated with experts nowadays. Some states even have strict regulations pertaining to licensed professionals performing maintenance and similar tasks.
So, do not be tempted by cheap quotes. Instead, opt for someone who carries a license, and insurance and offers a guarantee for their work.
Conclusion
The outdoor unit of your HVAC system may not work for various reasons so you should find the cause of the issue. If it’s difficult or you’re busy, contact air conditioner repair services Stony Brook. Plus, always keep an eye out for unusual signs and schedule professional maintenance combined with routine maintenance to keep things running smoothly.
