These HVAC Problems Are the Most Commonly Misunderstood

As heating season approaches, it’s important to keep your furnace running smoothly. If something goes wrong, particularly when the weather is freezing, your first instinct may be to panic. However, even seemingly big issues are often nothing to worry about. Here are a few HVAC problems that are commonly misunderstood.

Little HVAC Problems, Big Effects

One of the most common HVAC problems people have is to assume that any problem with the system is a problem with the unit itself. If your furnace won’t turn on, it must be broken. Surely, it needs extensive repairs, if not a full replacement.

However, the problem might be something simple. For instance, if your thermostat batteries die, it may look like the whole system has failed. Likewise, if your home isn’t warming up or cooling down fast enough, your thermostat may just be on the wrong setting and need adjustment.

Your unit may also have accidentally been switched off or have tripped a circuit that needs to be reset. Try these simple, quick fixes before making that worried call to your HVAC technician.

Noises and Smells

If your HVAC system is making strange noises or emitting weird smells, it’s easy to assume something is seriously wrong. However, depending on what noises and smells you’re experiencing, it might be something minor.

A grinding noise from your system can be disconcerting, but most of the time it just means the fan needs to be lubricated. Rattling noises also sound like big problems, but it probably just means a screw came loose. Both of these are quick fixes for your HVAC technician.

As for smells, it’s not uncommon to get a burning odor the first time you turn on your furnace at the beginning of the season. It may seem dangerous, but it’s nothing to worry about. The dust that’s accumulated over the past year is burning off. The smell should dissipate after awhile. If it doesn’t, then call your HVAC technician.

When you have HVAC problems, we have HVAC solutions. Contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve all of Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin’s home-comfort needs.