6 Common and Dangerous HVAC Problems

6 Common and Dangerous HVAC Problems

If you own a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) in your home, you know how integral part of your home it is. It keeps you comfortable year-round and ensures you breathe in good air quality. However, like any other appliance or system, it can develop problems over time. Some HVAC issues are just inconvenient, and others are downright dangerous. Here are a few common HVAC problems that you cannot ignore:

1. Electrical Issues
   Faulty wiring, loose connections, or overloaded circuits can lead to serious problems like electrical fires. Trouble shows if your HVAC system frequently trips the circuit breaker or you notice a burning smell when it’s running. A licensed HVAC technician or electrician should always inspect these issues.

2. Carbon Monoxide Leaks
   If you have a gas furnace or other gas-powered HVAC equipment, there’s a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) leaks. CO can be fatal or cause significant health issues if inhaled in sufficient quantities. It’s also odorless and colorless, making it undetectable without tools. CO poisoning can appear as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Installing carbon monoxide detectors and scheduling regular HVAC maintenance can help prevent this silent threat.

3. Cracked Heat Exchanger
   Is your furnace making weird noises or releasing a strong odor? That might be due to a cracked heat exchanger. If left unchecked, it can allow CO to leak into your home. Heat exchangers often crack due to overheating, poor airflow, or lack of maintenance. Turn it off and contact an expert to resolve the issue.

4. Gas Leaks
   Propane or natural gas leaks pose serious fire and explosion hazards. If you ever smell an odor similar to a rotten egg, evacuate your home and contact your utility company and HVAC technician immediately. Remember, you can catch leaks early when regularly inspecting your furnace or gas-powered HVAC units.

5. Refrigerant Leaks
   While not as immediately dangerous as gas or CO, refrigerant leaks in your AC unit can pose health risks. Breathing in refrigerant can cause dizziness, headaches, and even respiratory issues. Leaks also reduce the efficiency of your system and can damage the compressor over time.

6. Poor Ventilation
   Vents should be clean and unobstructed, and filters should be replaced regularly. Blocked vents, dirty filters, or damaged ductwork can restrict airflow and reduce indoor air quality. Poor ventilation can build up harmful substances like mold, dust, or CO in extreme cases.

Stay Safe With Preventive Maintenance Today
Schedule regular maintenance is the best way to avoid these dangerous HVAC problems. A certified technician can inspect your system, fix minor issues before they become serious, and ensure everything works safely and efficiently. If you notice any warning signs, contact Bounds Heating & Air today.