When fall is in the Illinois air, people begin to look forward to the holidays, go to football games, and enjoy the changing colors. It’s a wonderful season, but it brings with it unpredictable temperatures, which means that your HVAC system needs to be running properly. Unfortunately, many HVAC problems can occur during the fall, so you need to be vigilant about giving it the proper care.
Here we’ll discuss some of the most common fall HVAC problems and how you can fix or prevent them.
Dirty Air Filters
Over the summer, your A/C unit is probably used heavily, which means that a lot has passed through your air filter. This means that your filter is likely full of dust and debris, which can make your HVAC system inefficient. Replacing the filter is simple, and the beginning of fall is a good time to replace it since colder temperatures will mean that your furnace is going to start seeing some action.
Duct Leaks
Holes and gaps in your ductwork allow cold or warm air to escape into areas that you can’t see, which can unnecessarily increase your energy bills. Checking and fixing broken seals or other gaps can prevent this from happening. You might be tempted to use duct tape to seal them, but that’s not the right fix (ironically). Duct sealing requires several materials and a specific method, so it’s better to call a professional. The TR Miller team of certified HVAC technicians can take care of it for you.
Tripped Breaker
Your HVAC system works hard in the fall as you switch from cooling to heating as the temperature fluctuates. This means that your blower is overworked and using more energy, which is a problem that can be compounded by dirty parts in your unit. Because of this stress on the system, your breaker may trip periodically. A professional can clean your system’s parts and check for any other issues that might be causing circuit problems.
Clogged Drains
Your HVAC system has a condensation drain system that removes moisture from your system and sends it outside to storm or sewer drains. For a variety of reasons, when your cooling system runs a lot, the condensation drain lines can become clogged, which can cause damaging moisture to build up in your HVAC system. To avoid this, clean the condensation line regularly and clear your drains outside if leaves accumulate.
Overactive Blower Motor
If your blower runs continuously rather than going on and off with your system’s cycles, you may have a stuck relay, limit switch, or safety control. First, make sure that your thermostat has the blower set on “auto” instead of “on”. If it’s set correctly and the blower is still running continuously, give us a call and we can diagnose and fix the issue.
Refrigerant Pipe Leaks
Refrigerant pipe leaks are common in homes that use a heat pump, and often occur in the fall. These leaks can occur at various points in the unit. Signs that you may have a leak include:
- The unit taking excess time to heat or cool your home.
- Hissing sounds.
- A greasy film on your outdoor unit.
If you notice any of these signs, turn the system off and give TR Miller Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing a call. Our technicians are well trained in heat pump repairs.
Ignition Issues
Ignition issues are common when you try to use your furnace for the first time. The causes of these issues vary based on the model you have, but generally you’ll need a professional to assess the problem and repair it for you. Dirty burners can also be a problem, so you should have your technician check and clean them when they’re repairing your ignition. Give us a call if you have ignition issues, and our pros will come to you quickly and take care of it for you.
Odd Furnace Sounds
After your furnace has taken a break for the summer, you may notice strange sounds when you finally turn it on. These sounds may come from loose parts or a faulty motor, or your unit may just need to be cleaned. If you hear sounds like squeaking, whining, or cranking, give us a call and we can diagnose and remedy the cause.
Faulty Thermostat
Fall is the time to reprogram your thermostat to change temperatures at certain times based on your schedule. Once you do so, check to make sure it’s changing temperatures correctly. If not, the issue could be your thermostat, not the furnace itself.
If your thermostat ends up needing to be replaced after you have it checked, consider getting a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats use Wi-Fi to connect with an app. Through the app, you can automate temperature adjustments based on when you’re usually home or not home, or when you’re awake or sleeping.
In the fall when temperatures are unpredictable, you can also change your temperature settings on the app even when you’re not home. So, for example, if you’re getting off work early and it’s particularly cold outside, you can set your thermostat to your desired heating temperature so that your home is already comfortable when you arrive.
Lack of Maintenance
To get the maximum life out of your HVAC system, it needs to be regularly cleaned and serviced. If you have not done this for a while, fall is a great time to have it done.
A professional inspection, cleaning, and servicing will ensure that your HVAC system is ready for fall and winter, but still ready for the warm temperatures that can still happen in the fall.
After inspection, your HVAC technician will make any necessary repairs, or let you know if it’s ready to be replaced.
An inspection, cleaning, and servicing will include (but not be limited to) the following:
- A filter check
- Cleaning and adjustments of all furnace components
- Air flow adjustments
- Leak check
- Cycle check
- Thermostat inspection
- Drain inspections
- Lubrication of parts
- Flue inspection and clearing
- Check of carbon monoxide levels
- Gas line check
- Sensor check
- Heat exchanger inspection
- Wiring test and adjustment
TR Miller Is Your HVAC Partner
TR Miller Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has been serving the HVAC needs of Greater Chicago residents since 2008. We are a family-owned company, so we understand the needs and concerns of our customers. Our certified technicians are highly trained in HVAC maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and replacement and our entire team is dedicated to ensuring your family’s comfort and safety.
Give us a call when fall comes (or anytime), and we can thoroughly inspect your HVAC system, clean it, and perform any maintenance or repairs that are required. With TR Miller as your HVAC partner, you can rest assured that your HVAC system will perform properly and at maximum efficiency throughout the fall, winter, and the rest of the year.
