common HVAC Problems

This is one of the most common calls we get during Sacramento summers. If your air conditioner is running but the air coming out isn't cold, the most likely culprits are:

• Low or leaking refrigerant

• A dirty or frozen evaporator coil

• A failing compressor

• A clogged air filter restricting airflow

Don't let it run too long in this condition — a struggling compressor can overheat and fail, turning a minor repair into a major one. Give us a call early and we can usually catch it before it becomes costly.

Your HVAC system should run relatively quietly. If it's making new or unusual noises, here's what they might mean:

• Banging or clanking — a loose or broken component inside the unit

• Squealing or screeching — a worn belt or failing motor bearing

• Rattling — loose panels, debris in the unit, or ductwork issues

• Clicking repeatedly — a failing relay or electrical issue

• Humming — electrical problems or a stuck contactor

Strange noises rarely fix themselves. Catching them early almost always means a simpler, cheaper repair.

If your bills are going up but your usage habits haven't changed, your HVAC system is likely working harder than it should. Common reasons include:

• A dirty or clogged filter making the system strain

• Refrigerant that's low or leaking

• An aging system losing efficiency

• Ductwork leaks losing conditioned air before it reaches your rooms

• A system that hasn't been serviced in years

Regular maintenance is the simplest way to keep efficiency up and bills down. We recommend servicing your system twice a year — before Sacramento's summer heat and before winter.

Nothing worse than waking up to a cold house on a Sacramento winter morning. Before you call, check these quick things first:

• Is the thermostat set to "heat" and set above room temperature?

• Is the filter extremely dirty? A clogged filter can trigger a safety shutoff

• Is the pilot light out? (older units)

• Has the circuit breaker tripped?

If none of those are the issue, it's time to call. Furnace ignition problems, faulty heat exchangers, and failed blower motors all need a professional eye — and are much safer left to an experienced technician

If some rooms are comfortable while others are too hot or too cold, the issue is usually one of the following:

• Blocked or closed vents

• Leaky or poorly designed ductwork

• An HVAC system that's undersized for your home

• A dirty air filter reducing airflow

• Zoning issues in larger homes

This is a quality of life issue that's also quietly increasing your energy bills. Chris can assess your system and ductwork to find the real cause rather than just guessing.

Ice on your air conditioner might seem harmless, but it's a sign something is wrong. The most common causes are:

• Restricted airflow from a dirty filter or blocked vents

• Low refrigerant levels

• A dirty evaporator coil

• Running the AC when outdoor temperatures are too low

Turn the system off and let it thaw completely before running it again — continuing to run a frozen unit can seriously damage the compressor. Then give us a call so we can find the root cause.