Troubleshooting Electrical Problems With Your HVAC System
In order to ensure that your family can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year, you need access to a functional heating and air conditioning system. The HVAC system servicing your home relies on a series of electrical components to access the power required to generate heated or cooled air.
Being able to recognize some of the common electrical problems that could plague your home's HVAC system will allow you to better maintain your heating and cooling components in the future. Here are three electrical problems to be watching for:
1. Capacitors that are no longer working.
Failing capacitors have the potential to bring your home's HVAC system to a halt. A capacitor is an electrical component that is responsible for sending enough voltage to your home's heating and cooling machines to engage the motors responsible for pushing air through your home.
Over time, capacitors will need to be replaced in order to ensure they function properly. If you notice that your air conditioner or furnace are not turning on when they should, check to ensure that failing capacitors are not to blame.
2. Relays that remain open.
Another important electrical component that contributes to the proper function of your home's heating and cooling systems is a relay. Electrical relays open and close to help regulate the flow of electricity running to your HVAC system's motors.
Dirt, debris, and age can all contribute to the forced opening of a relay. When an electrical relay remains in the open position, your fans cannot engage to push heated or cooled air through your home. When your furnace or air conditioner motors are not firing up properly, check to ensure that your relays are not remaining open.
3. Circuit breakers that trip routinely.
Circuit breakers play a critical role in protecting your home's electrical components from becoming damaged when stray surges of electricity find their way into your home. A circuit breaker that trips routinely could be an indication that there is a larger problem within your home's electrical system.
If the circuit that powers your home's HVAC components is tripping constantly, then the components may be too powerful for the circuit. You may also have faulty wiring running from the circuit to your furnace or air conditioner. Updating your circuits and replacing old wiring should resolve a circuit breaker that is tripping too often.
If you think that your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning due to electrical problems, contact an experienced electrician to help you make the necessary repairs. Contact a company like AAA Home Services for more information and assistance.
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