6 HVAC Problems Common in Older Homes in Angleton, TN

Older homes can experience various HVAC issues due to the age of the system, lack of maintenance or other related causes. These problems can range from minor, easily fixable issues to major problems that require extensive repairs or even replacement of the entire system. Here are six common HVAC problems experienced in older homes in Angleton, TN.

1. Poor Airflow

Insufficient airflow can compromise indoor air quality in your home and contribute to other HVAC issues. Older homes have narrower ductwork and weaker fans, which may limit air circulation. This can result in areas of the home with too little or too much airflow, causing hot and cold spots.

Poor airflow could also result from a dirty air filter or blocked registers. Inspect your air filters every one to three months, and replace them when necessary. Have an HVAC expert check for any blockages in the ductwork that could be restricting airflow.

2. Leaky Ductwork

Ductwork can develop cracks, disconnections or leaks over time due to age or improper installation. Not only does this cause an increase in energy bills, but it can also allow pollutants into your home. Leaky ductwork can also cause conditioned air to escape, resulting in inefficient cooling and heating.

Get an HVAC technician to conduct a visual inspection or an energy audit of your air conditioner to identify leaks in the ductwork. Sealing the ductwork can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and reduce energy costs. The technician may use metal tape, mastic sealant or special aerosol sealants to fix any leaks.

3. Outdated Thermostats

Older thermostats may be unable to accurately measure the temperature of a space or control the HVAC system. Replacing your old thermostat with a newer model can help you better regulate the temperature in your home and save on energy costs.

Most modern thermostats are programmable; you can even control some remotely from a smartphone or laptop. Programmable thermostats help control the temperature when no one is home and ensure it reaches the desired temperature by the time you’re back.

4. Refrigerant Leaks

HVAC systems rely on refrigerants to help with cooling and heating. Over time, however, your air conditioner may develop a refrigerant leak due to corrosion or wear and tear. Refrigerant leaks can reduce the efficiency of your system and cause it to overwork itself, trying to cool the space.

If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your HVAC system, contact a professional to inspect and repair the issue. They will use specialized tools to find leaks and fix them using brazing or welding.

5. Lack of Zoning

Zoning allows you to adjust the temperature settings of different areas in your home independently. Without zoning, there will be a single temperature level throughout the house. This is especially problematic if you have rooms or areas that receive different amounts of sunlight or other sources of heat.

Installing a zoned system can help reduce energy costs and make keeping each room at the desired temperature easier. For instance, you can raise or lower the temperature in areas where you don’t spend much time. Zoning can also help keep dust and pollen from circulating throughout your home.

6. Malfunctioning Outdoor Unit

The exposure of the outdoor unit of an HVAC system to the elements can cause it to malfunction. This could be due to various factors, such as debris or overgrown vegetation blocking airflow, dirty condenser coils or a worn-out fan motor. An HVAC specialist must inspect your outdoor unit at least once or twice yearly to ensure it functions properly.

Older systems may require frequent maintenance to ensure they are running efficiently. If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model.

If you have HVAC issues in your older home, you need to call a qualified technician for help. Contact us at Davis Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. for HVAC tune-ups, maintenance and repairs. Our experts can diagnose and resolve any HVAC problems in your home and help keep your system running smoothly.

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