Top 5 Causes Of An Overheating HVAC

Your HVAC is critical equipment at home. If you notice an issue, you should never ignore it, no matter how minor it might seem. For instance, an overheating HVAC could mean an underlying issue could escalate if left unfixed. Therefore, call a technician to look at the unit and fix the issue. This article will discuss the top signs of an overheating HVAC and what causes the issue.

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Top Signs Of An Overheating HVAC

An overheating HVAC unit poses a significant risk to your home. You risk getting carbon monoxide poisoning, and your house is susceptible to harsh weather in winter. Luckily, some signs can tell you when your HVAC is overheating, so you can call a professional to fix it. Here are three common signs of an overheating HVAC.

A Humming Noise

Your HVAC may produce a normal sound you get used to with time. However, there might be an issue if you notice s strange noise like a humming sound. Clicking or banging sounds also mean an issue with the components. It could also mean your unit is malfunctioning.

Persistent Burning Smell

Do you have a persistent burning smell in the house? Your first reaction may be to check the kitchen for any burning materials. However, other heat sources like the HVAC could cause the smell. The burning smell could be because of a clogged air filter causing the unit to overwork. If you have a 24x36x1 or any other filter size, consider replacing it or clearing the clogging.

Sudden Shut Down

A sudden shutdown could also mean your unit has malfunctioned due to overheating. The safety sensors shut down automatically when there is excess heat. So, get the issue fixed since it could repeat itself.

Common Causes Of An Overheating HVAC

If your HVAC is overheating, there is an underlying issue. The following are common reasons why HVAC units overheat.

1. Restricted Airflow

The unit passes hot and cold air through the air filters before circulating in the house. If there is an obstruction in the filter or ducts, it could cause overheating when hot air does not escape.

2. Lack Of Proper Maintenance

HVAC unit components go through wear and tear. With time, these components fail or stress to work efficiently. This causes overheating when the system is straining to push enough air, especially when regular AC maintenance is neglected.

3. End Of Life

If your unit has reached the end of its life, it could start experiencing issues like overheating. The components are failing, not to mention other underlying issues. Therefore, if you have an old system that keeps overheating, it may be time to replace it with a new one.

4. Short Cycling

Short cycling is when the system keeps starting and stopping. It cannot complete a cycle because of an issue with the motor.

5. Dirty Interior

Dust and other pollutants settle in the unit’s interior with time. This dirt reduces the effectiveness of specific components, causing overheating.

Bottom Line

If you notice your HVCA is overheating, it is advisable to call a professional technician to check and fix the issue. Make sure you turn it off as you wait for the professional. Replacing an old HVAC may be the best option to save money by avoiding frequent repairs and downtime on the old one.