Installing and Maintaining an HVAC System

How Can You Check for Obvious Issues with Your HVAC System?

5 January 2023

Aaron Kennedy

A domestic air conditioning unit can be a huge relief on a typically toasty Australian day, and most families rely on a working system to keep life going. Yet should this system start to act up, complications can quickly arise, and it's important to find out what is wrong before everything grinds to a halt. So, if you suspect issues with your HVAC, what steps can you take immediately to investigate?

Check the Thermostat

The first thing to do is assess the basics. Make sure that your thermostat is working as it should and that the settings are still valid. Reset if this is not the case, and double-check the cooling schedules on your smart device if one is fitted.

Inspect the Condenser Unit

A ducted system has an external condenser unit, which is your next point of focus. Over time, grass or bushes may grow and could obstruct this unit, so get rid of anything that is close by and clean any debris out of the fan area. When it's working properly, warm air should emanate from the top part of the condenser.

Look for Refrigerant Leaks

As you may know, an A/C system relies on an adequate supply of refrigerant. This can sometimes leak, so you should trace the refrigerant lines throughout the system to look for any problems. These lines can sometimes be insulated, so look carefully for any breaches, tears or something obvious. In some situations, you may actually hear a "hissing" noise when the system is active, which may indicate issues with your refrigerant lines.

Check the Ducting System

Where you can access it, take a closer look at the ducting system. Much of this will be contained within an attic of a typical home, and it should be kept in good condition. If there are cracks or tears, some of your expensive conditioned air could simply seep into the attic space. Clearly, this will make it harder to cool your home to an adequate temperature.

Call in the Experts

When you are unable to find any issues by tackling these basic checks, you probably need to call in a technician. They will double-check the condenser, evaporator, compressor and other parts of the system and conduct any repairs as needed. For future reference, it's always a good idea to schedule a seasonal service, as this will often catch any growing issues before they become a big deal. 

For more info about air conditioning services, contact a local company.

Share

Search