4 HVAC Hazards AL Homeowners Should Know About
During the summer, HVAC systems in Alabama homes work overtime to combat the constant heat and humidity. While these systems are built to handle regular use, they’re still vulnerable to breakdowns that compromise performance and safety. In some cases, these malfunctions can pose serious safety risks for your household. From carbon monoxide leaks to electrical issues, here are four common HVAC hazards to watch for.
#1 Faulty Wiring
Damaged or faulty wiring can cause the components inside your HVAC system to overheat, starting fires in the process. Exposed wires can also cause electrical shocks, with injuries ranging from mild to life-threatening. To prevent injuries and damage to your own, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of faulty wiring.
Some indicators of damaged wiring include:
- Circuit breakers tripping
- Exposed wiring
- Scorched plugs
- Buzzing sounds
- Burning smell
#2 Refrigerant Leaks
Another common hazard that homeowners need to watch out for is refrigerant leaks. Over time, seals and refrigerant lines can fail, causing refrigerant to be released into the air. When refrigerant gets into the air, it can cause respiratory issues. If exposed to the skin, refrigerants can cause eye irritation and chemical burns. While this is rare, prolonged exposure to these chemicals can even result in refrigerant poisoning, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
If you’re experiencing high energy bills and have warm air blowing from vents, you might have a refrigerant leak. Some other signs include:
- Ice forming on the coils
- Oily stains around your AC’s components
- Hissing sounds coming from your unit
#3 Pollutants
If your HVAC system is allowed to accumulate debris, it could cause issues for your respiratory system. Dirty filters, dust-filled ductwork or debris-filled components can cause pollutants to develop inside of your HVAC system. If allowed to build up, dirt, dust and even mold can be released into the air, which can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks.
Some signs that pollutants are in your air include:
- Dirt and dust building up around your vents
- Mold growth around your vents, filters and ducts
- Musty odors
- Increase in allergies
- Hot and cold spots in your home
- Higher energy bills
#4 Carbon Monoxide Leaks
If you have a furnace or any other gas-fueled appliance, it’s very important that you keep an eye out for signs of carbon monoxide leaks. These leaks can happen when a furnace’s heat exchanger cracks, allowing the gas to seep into the air.
Since carbon monoxide is colorless and tasteless, it’s incredibly difficult to detect. In high concentrations, the gas can cause death to occur within one hour of exposure.
To protect you and your family, it’s crucial to have functioning carbon monoxide detectors. If dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are found in your home, the detector will sound an alarm, letting you and your family know it's time to vacate the area. Additionally, homeowners should be on the lookout for:
- Soot around furnaces and other appliances
- Rust on vent pipes
- Excessive moisture/condensation
- Yellow flames in your furnace
How Preventative Maintenance Helps Mitigate Risks
While these hazards aren’t completely avoidable, preventive maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood that they will occur.
While these hazards aren’t completely avoidable, preventive maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood that they will occur. Regular HVAC tune-ups allow technicians to inspect and address potential issues before they become dangerous.
Faulty wiring, refrigerant leaks and damage to your furnace can be detected early on, which not only saves on costly repairs but also prevents health issues from occurring. In addition, clean filters and well-maintained systems help minimize airborne pollutants, improving air quality and HVAC efficiency.
Looking for HVAC Professionals? C&G Is Ready To Help!
If you're a homeowner looking for HVAC professionals, our technicians at C&G Heating & Air Conditioning are eager to help! Based in Smiths Station, we proudly serve communities along the Alabama-Georgia border, including Phenix City, Auburn, Opelika and Columbus.
Whether you need routine maintenance or repairs, we’re committed to delivering prompt, reliable service that keeps your home comfortable season after season. To get a free estimate, call our team today at 334-489-3329. To explore our other services, including AC repairs and unit installations, click the link here.
