When
most people think of emergencies, they think of fires, accidents,
disasters, or medical issues. However, emergencies can affect
different systems in your home, too. For example, your heating and
cooling system is an imperative part of the home and your family's
needs, so issues that affect the system's function would be
considered emergencies in many cases.
Of
course, understanding the possible HVAC emergencies is smart. With
this guide and your contractor's help, you will learn about a few
common HVAC emergencies that could affect your system, home, and
family.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Your
air conditioning system uses refrigerant to absorb heat, which is
essential for cooling the home. Unfortunately, small amounts of
refrigerant can leak out over time. In addition, if there are cracks
in the refrigerant lines, which run between the compressor and
evaporator coils, even more refrigerant will leak out.
You
may not think this refrigerant loss is an emergency. However, without
an appropriate amount of refrigerant, your system will not be able to
cool properly, causing temperatures to be high inside the home during
the warmer seasons. High temperatures are not the only danger of a
refrigerant leak.
If
your AC unit uses Freon as a refrigerant, you can experience other
dangers from a leak. Even though Freon is a tasteless, odorless gas,
it can be hazardous to your health. Exposure to refrigerant can cause
fluid to build up on the lungs, reducing your ability to breathe
properly. Exposure to refrigerant can also lead to organ failure and
death.
Look
for signs of a leak. If your system has a refrigerant leak, you will
most likely struggle to cool your home even when the air conditioning
runs. Air coming out of the vents may actually feel warm. Also, you
may notice an icy buildup on the refrigerant lines and condenser.
Thankfully,
contractors can diagnose and restore lost refrigerant, which will
help your system cool effectively and safely.
2. Gas Leaks
Natural
gas is a common source of energy for a home's heating and cooking
needs. Even though it is safe in most cases, gas can and does leak,
resulting in life-threatening respiratory problems and even dangerous
explosions.
While
you cannot see the gas, you can detect it in other ways. A rotten egg
or sulfur odor is one of the most common signs of a gas leak. If you
smell this odor inside your home, leave the property and contact your
HVAC contractor and a gas specialist immediately. You may also want
to call emergency services.
Hissing
sound from different gas lines, appliances, and HVAC equipment may
also indicate a gas leak. Many people make the mistake of shutting
off power and turning off the gas supply, but this could result in a
spark and deadly explosion. Do not attempt to fix gas leaks yourself.
Allow trained contractors to fix the problem.
3. Complete System Failures
Complete
system failure may also be an emergency, especially if the system
fails during extreme temperatures. In the summer months, outside
temperatures can be quite extreme in some parts of the country. If
your air conditioning fails, the inside of your home will be hot and
uncomfortable.
Air
conditioning does more than cool the home, though. It also plays a
key role to remove moisture from the air. Without a properly working
air conditioning unit, your home will experience high levels of
humidity, which can lead to home damage, mold growth, and respiratory
problems.
In
the winter, a system that does not heat properly will result in an
excessively-cold interior, which could affect your health and
wellness as well. No matter if you are in the midst of the high or
low temperatures, HVAC failure should be addressed immediately.
For
help with HVAC maintenance, repairs, or emergencies, contact
A-1
Finchum Heating & Cooling
today.
