Common HVAC Emergencies And How to Avoid Them https://alturascontractors.com/common-hvac-emergencies/

1. 1/5
by WEPL Editor Mgmt February 20, 2023
Common HVAC Emergencies And How to Avoid Them
alturascontractors.com/common-hvac-emergencies/
An HVAC system is essential equipment for any residential, commercial, or industrial
area. The main purpose of (HVAC) is to help maintain good indoor air quality through
adequate ventilation with filtration. It is natural to wonder if something out of the ordinary
going on with your home’s heating and cooling system. We clear things up below by
offering some guidance regarding HVAC Emergencies.
What Are Some HVAC Emergencies?
HVAC equipment contains various components that work together in order for the system
to run efficiently. A malfunctioning HVAC system can be a nuisance as it can drastically
raise your energy bills, reduce the lifespan of your equipment, and affect the indoor air
quality too. Therefore it is inevitable to identify or detect if your heating and cooling
system is having an issue.
This article discusses in detail what is Common HVAC Emergencies And How to Avoid
Them. These common hvac problems and solutions will definitely save you from
facing greater HVAC issues.
Refrigerant Leak
Air conditioning systems use refrigerant to absorb heat and provide cooled air to your
system. The refrigerant lines run between the compressor in the outside unit and the
evaporator coils in the indoor unit. A leak in this line causes a loss of refrigerant. This
causes a negative impact on your system as forces the system to run beyond its capacity
to keep the indoors at optimum temperature. This could cause your compressor to
overheat or even burn out. Moreover, Ice buildup on your lines and coils could cause
system damage as well. Signs of a refrigerant leak may include:
Ice buildup on evaporator coils.
Higher than normal levels of indoor humidity.
Long cooling cycles (air conditioner stays on longer)
Increase in energy bills.
System is overrunning
Hissing sound from Refrigerant lines
Call HVAC contractors forRoutine inspection of your coils, refrigerant lines, and
compressors. This can help spot a leak before it causes damage to your system. It can
also cases prevent a leak before it starts.
Related: AC Refrigerant Leaks

2. 2/5
Clogged drain Lines
One of the most common air conditioning emergencies are clogged drain lines. Air
conditioning units build drain lines into the system. It transports water and debris from the
condensate drain pan under the evaporator coil. It allows the condensation to flow from
the unit to a drain or outdoors. Water can accumulate in these pipes from the
condensation that occurs naturally in the air conditioning process. Sometimes these drain
lines can become blocked thereby causing a water backup into or around your system.
Signs of a clogged drain line may include:
Musty, moldy smell near your indoor unit
Standing water near the indoor unit.
Dampness in the air
Water damage in areas near the indoor unit.
AC system is not cooling your home.
AC system shuts down or doesn’t turn on.
Water leaking from the indoor unit
Mold or rust on or near the unit
In order to avoid clogged drain lines, Inspect your drain pan and the area around your
indoor unit on a monthly basis. Clean or replace your HVAC filters. Since Dust is one of
the most common causes of clogged air conditioner drains. Besides that, Annually Flush
drain lines and proper Installation of the drain line can help prevent clogged drain lines.
Related : Commercial HVAC Air Filters Guide
Ventilation Problems

3. 3/5
The ductwork is the foremost thing you should inspect when your home has ventilation
problems. Obstructions in your HVAC air ducts will prevent your heated or cooled air from
distributing properly throughout the building. Ducts can also become damaged and leak
conditioned air, making the system less effective overall. Moreover, if your HVAC system
is running more than usual or your home has warm and cold spots, you could be
experiencing ductwork problems. Some signs of ventilation problems can be:
Blocked Air Vents Inside the House.
Dirty and Clogged Filters.
Bent Condenser Fins On Exterior Unit.
Damaged Ductwork.
Old Blower Fans.
Poorly Sized Unit.
Debris Buildup on Condenser.
Leaking or Low Refrigerant Levels.
Similarly, the vents may also be blocked by a piece of furniture or other indoor item
placed on or in front of them. Before turning on your heating and cooling unit, make sure
the vents are clear of obstructions.
Electrical Problems
If your HVAC system doesn’t start running when you turn it on, this could be a sign of an
interrupted electrical connection. This is often the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit
breaker. It can happen once in a while but when this happens too often, the unit could be
pulling too much energy. In this case, you need to have it checked by your HVAC

4. 4/5
contractors. In some cases, electrical problems can arise due to bad connections or
issues with the wiring components inside the HVAC system. Signs of an electrical
problem may include:
The hvac System not turning on
Hvac System running continuously
Burning smell
It’s important to regularly maintain your system by changing out worn parts or damaged
wires. Routine maintenance of your electrical components can help prevent electrical
problems.
Inflated capacitors
A capacitor is used to start the motor and keep it running. It sends jolts of energy, without
these jolts the fan will stop operating. When the capacitors of your AC stop working, the
unit shuts down as well. Your capacitors can fail even before your HVAC system. This is a
sign they’ll need to be replaced. In addition, swelling is an indication that it’s time to get
new capacitors.
Moreover, if the capacitors and the unit’s compressor are having trouble functioning it can
lead to mechanical failure. Replacing these components will usually suffice. Although in
the case of compressor failure, replacing the entire HVAC unit would be more cost-
efficient.
Gas Leak
Of all HVAC emergencies, a gas leak can be the most dangerous. If your heating system
runs on natural gas, you can be at constant risk for a gas leak. Leaks are usually caused
by a crack or a break in the gas line. Gas leaks can cause explosions so these should
always be taken seriously and fixed immediately. Signs of a gas leak may include the
smell of gas or rotting eggs.
Call Professional HVAC contractors to run inspections that include checking your gas
lines for potential hazards.
Preventive HVAC Maintenance

5. 5/5
Timely Preventive maintenance can help your commercial HVAC system achieve
maximum efficiency and avoid HVAC emergencies. Moreover, can also help you avoid
replacing your system before it’s necessary.
If you witness any of the above-mentioned types of HVAC emergencies, call an HVAC
professional right away. Alturas commercial HVAC contractors in Los Angeles are
skilled in addressing all types of HVAC systems and their issues. We have professional
HVAC specialists who are well-equipped in diagnosing and treating all types of HVAC
problems that a homeowner may not be able to identify. For more information about
HVAC emergency prevention and services visit Alturas HVAC contractors.