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What is normal with HVAC systems and what is not?

Hvac Systems – What Is Normal, What Is Not?

| Clarke & Rush |

With an HVAC system installed at home, there are several issues that you’ll have to face throughout with either the system on the whole or with a particular component of the HVAC system. Interestingly, more than half of the population in the U.S. has very little to no knowledge about their HVAC system and about dealing with the common HVAC problems. We took our collective knowledge and experience to put together this article, highlighting what is normal and abnormal for a residential HVAC system.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Common HVAC Problems” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:275%25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”kern-title”][vc_custom_heading text=”1. Water Leaks” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”kern-title”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1598986372692{border-top-width: 3px !important;border-right-width: 3px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 3px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]

Normal

Here’s what homeowners face most commonly, and also what they tend to get panicky about. Water leaks can be very worrying, and more so if you have just recently installed a new system. We must say, however, that not all drips are indicative of leaks. The sweating effect that the condenser coil gives is a result of usual condensation process and that’s why droplets of water are found on or near the coil. It is nothing to be concerned about.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1598986380962{border-top-width: 3px !important;border-right-width: 3px !important;border-bottom-width: 3px !important;border-left-width: 3px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-color: #e2567b !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #e2567b !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #e2567b !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #e2567b !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]

Not Normal

Any other type of leak is not normal. We hope that you can tell the difference between coil condensation and a significant leak. The volume of water in each will be very different. Heavy water leaks are a symbol of a serious problem. It means some part of the system is draining improperly, is dripping or has been damaged. Call our team professionals to check the system before it gets even worse.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”2. Odd Odors” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”kern-title”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1598987006319{border-top-width: 3px !important;border-right-width: 3px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 3px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]Normal

Odor is another issue that bothers many homeowners. Usually, Air Conditioners, Furnaces, Heat Pumps and all major heating and cooling appliances produce little to no odor. Some odors might be observed at the beginning of the season when the appliance is restarted after a long time being off, however, with everyday use, there should never be smell.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1598987060501{border-top-width: 3px !important;border-right-width: 3px !important;border-bottom-width: 3px !important;border-left-width: 3px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-color: #e2567b !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #e2567b !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #e2567b !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #e2567b !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]Not Normal

From a general standpoint, any type of odor coming from the HVAC system is a sign of an issue. If burning odor is observed, there is a possibility that a component is being overheated, or that there is an electrical issue. You can try cleaning your air filters, but f this does not resolve the smell, then it’s time to call Clarke & Rush for a professional evaluation.

Sometimes, a musty or stale smell comes from the HVAC system. It is usually an indication of mold or mildew growth in the system. It could be growing in drain lines, on condenser coil or system liner. Again only a professional can help alleviate this situation.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”3. Strange Noises” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”kern-title”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1598987143720{border-top-width: 3px !important;border-right-width: 3px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 3px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #7cdd97 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]

Normal

Some people take HVAC noises very seriously while others give no weight at all to any type of HVAC noises. Both viewpoints are extremes. There are sounds that are not worth worrying for and are system sounds while others do need to be taken seriously. The normal HVAC sounds are the very unheard intensity sounds that the components make or the sound of light air whooshes that is heard throughout the house. Nothing more![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1598987162256{border-top-width: 3px !important;border-right-width: 3px !important;border-bottom-width: 3px !important;border-left-width: 3px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-color: #e2567b !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #e2567b !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #e2567b !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #e2567b !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]

Not Normal

If your system begins to make crackling, banging, rattling, buzzing, or banging sounds, there is likely something seriously wrong. Consider the problem and look for the exact component from where the noise is coming in order to fix it. Changing of filters, tightening of compressor screws, restarting of the system, resetting of the thermostat and removing any stuck items from the system often fix the abnormal noises, however, if the problem persists, you know already what you’re supposed to do; call us![/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”In Conclusion:” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”kern-title”][vc_column_text]Heating our customer’s homes has been a core service for Clarke & Rush for over 50 years. Our technicians are skilled and certified to deliver all aspects of home heating. You can trust our expertise and thanks to our outstanding reputation for quality heating installation and repair.

Along with offering the best products in the field of home comfort, our technicians provide all of our customers with professional support. Our staff is available for emergency repair / maintenance on any part of your HVAC system. Clarke & Rush offers full service to our heating and air conditioning clients.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2492″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” link=”tel:9166092669″ css=”.vc_custom_1598987254041{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]

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