HVAC Repairs

The life of a heating and cooling system is determined by many factors — the most important being regular maintenance. A well-maintained system will generally last its full design life, though that varies by equipment type and operating conditions. If you have a split system that is over 10 years old and one section fails, it's generally wiser to replace both the indoor and outdoor units at the same time rather than just the failed component — it's more cost-effective in the long run and avoids the efficiency and compatibility issues that come with mismatched equipment. If you do replace only one section, make sure the new component is matched by model and make to the existing unit — a mismatch will not work correctly.

A system that won't run can have several causes — from a tripped circuit breaker to a failed component inside the equipment. If your system has stopped running unexpectedly, it's worth having a licensed technician evaluate it to identify the actual cause and get it running correctly.

The decision to repair or replace a heating and cooling system depends on several factors — the age of the equipment, its overall condition, how efficiently it's running, and how much longer you plan to stay in your home. A system that's more than ten years old, has needed multiple repairs, or is driving noticeably high energy bills is often a better candidate for replacement than continued repair. A licensed HVAC technician can give you an honest assessment of where your system stands and what makes the most sense for your situation.

Banging or knocking sounds from a radiator are most commonly caused by trapped air or water hammer — a pressure surge that occurs when steam or hot water moves through the system. In steam systems, banging often indicates a pitch problem with the pipes or a failed steam trap. In hot water systems it may indicate air in the lines. These sounds are worth addressing — they often point to issues that affect system performance and can cause component wear over time.

An air conditioner that freezes up is usually experiencing restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Restricted airflow — most commonly from a clogged filter, blocked return vent, or dirty evaporator coil — prevents warm air from reaching the coil, causing temperatures to drop below freezing. Low refrigerant from a slow leak has a similar effect. A frozen system should be evaluated by a licensed technician to identify and address the underlying cause.

Some of the clearest signs that a furnace may be approaching the end of its useful life include: it has needed multiple repairs in recent seasons, heating bills have increased without a change in usage, some rooms are noticeably harder to heat than others, or the system is making unusual sounds. Age is also a factor — an older system showing any of these symptoms is a stronger candidate for replacement than a newer one with the same issues. A licensed HVAC technician can give you an honest assessment of where your system stands.

A gas smell near any appliance or equipment is a serious safety concern. Leave the home immediately without using light switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark. Once outside, call your gas utility's emergency line and 911. Do not re-enter the home until it has been inspected and cleared by the appropriate authorities.

If the coils of your outdoor unit are covered with a significant layer of ice, it may indicate a serious problem. Common causes include a malfunctioning defrost board, low refrigerant, a restriction in the refrigeration line, or a failed fan motor or capacitor. A light frost on a heat pump's outdoor unit in cold weather can be normal — but significant ice buildup warrants a professional evaluation.

A drain pan that's filling with water indicates a problem with the system. The two most common causes are a clogged condensate drain line or a rusted primary drain pan inside the unit. Many systems have a float switch in the drain pan that will automatically cut the system off if water accumulates — a safety feature designed to prevent ceiling damage. Water around your HVAC equipment is always worth having evaluated promptly by a licensed technician.

Yes — and it works both ways. A system that's too small will always be running and will never satisfy the required temperature. The constant strain also means undersized equipment won't last as long as a properly sized system. A system that's too large short-cycles — it reaches temperature quickly and shuts off before running long enough to remove the proper amount of moisture from the air, which is particularly noticeable in summer when it's hot and muggy and the home feels cool but still uncomfortable. In either case, the right solution starts with a load calculation — an assessment that takes into account your home's size, windows, and insulation to determine the correct equipment size for your specific situation.