No one likes to be surprised by problems with plumbing and issues with air conditioning. The HVAC and plumbing systems in your home are critical to comfort, functionality, and peace of mind. Sometimes, however, both systems can have unexpected problems due to wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or old age. Here are the most common problems for homeowners, how they affect your home, and how to prevent or resolve them!
Most common problems:
#1 Poor Airflow in HVAC Systems
ServiceOne often gets calls from customers reporting a problem with their air conditioner not putting out enough air.
It’s a very common problem. In fact, Energy.gov says that 82% of HVAC issues are due to poor airflow which reduces efficiency by up to 15%.
Reduced airflow in HVAC systems can decrease energy efficiency and cause uneven heating or cooling in the home. When the air isn’t flowing, it’s usually because of clogged air filters, blocked ducts, or failing fan motors.
The most common cause of reduced air flow is dirty air filters.
When did you last change yours?
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#2 Clogged Drains
If you think too hard about what goes down your drains, you get grossed out. Dirt, mud, hair, grease, and all kinds of debris can block water flow, leading to slow drainage or backups.
Clogged drains are a common problem, with 67% of homeowners reporting a clogged drain at least once a year.
It’s a messy problem with the potential for water damage if not resolved quickly.
The average cost to clear a clogged drain ranges from $225-$350, depending on the severity of the clog.
Some preventative measures like using drain screens and being careful with what you flush or dispose of down the drain helps prevent clogs.
Another great way to avoid clogged drains is to enroll in ServiceOne’s ClubOne plumbing maintenance program!
#3 Refrigerant Leaks in HVAC
Refrigerant leaks reduce the efficiency of an air conditioning system and may harm the environment. Low refrigerant can cause the system to work harder, leading to a 40% reduction in cooling, a 20% increase in energy consumption, and a resulting increase in costs!
Refrigerants are considered hazardous materials and require special knowledge to deal with, so if you notice a leak, the best thing you can do is call ServiceOne!
#4 Leaky Faucets Plumbing Fixtures
Leaky faucets are a common and often overlooked plumbing issue. A single dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Water is a precious commodity, and small leaks are a big culprit in squandering this resource. Plumbing leaks account for 10% of household water waste.
If you notice a small drip, know that with regard to water, no leak is “small!” Even a slow drip can cause damage to pipes, ceilings, walls, and floors over time.
The best defense is to repair or replace faulty washers and seals if you can.
Better yet, call ServiceOne!
#5 Frozen Evaporator Coils in HVAC
It may seem strange. Even though our AC systems should cool us, they should never be FROZEN themselves! Frozen coils prevent the HVAC system from cooling properly. Frozen evaporator coils are responsible for 35% of AC system failures.
This can happen due to low refrigerant, blocked vents, or dirty coils.
The best way to keep evaporator coils from freezing is to have your ServiceOne technician provide routine maintenance which includes cleaning the coils and checking the refrigerant levels.
#6 Water Heater Issues
If your shower water never gets hot enough, or if you run out of hot water before all the routine tasks are taken care of, you have a problem with your water heater.
Water heater problems are a common issue for homeowners. The National Association of Home Builders says that 21% of all homeowners in the U.S. have experienced a water heater failure in the past five years.
The age of the water heater, the amount of time between flushing-out the tank, and faulty thermostats all contribute to water heater problems. Water heaters that aren’t maintained can lose 20-30% of their efficiency due to sediment buildup.
That’s why it’s important to keep up with maintenance and annual draining of your water heater tank.
Call ServiceOne or join their ClubOne program to enroll in preventative maintenance and tune-ups for your water heater and your entire plumbing system.
#7 Short Cycling in HVAC Systems
We get another call frequently. Customers report that their HVAC system is turning off and on quickly without completing a full heating or cooling cycle. This is called “short cycling.” When a system “short cycles,” it uses 30% more energy than a system that works normally. This common problem for homeowners can also reduce a system’s lifespan.
Short-cycling is usually caused by refrigerant or airflow leaks.
Call ServiceOne Air Conditioning and Plumbing to check your system and fix the problem.
#8 Low Water Pressure in Plumbing Systems
What do you know about the water pressure in your home?
Low water pressure can affect daily tasks like showering and dishwashing. It is often caused by mineral buildup in pipes, leaks, or issues with the municipal water supply. Forty-five percent of homeowners have experienced low water pressure at some point.
Too much pressure can also cause problems, but low pressure is more common. In homes with aging plumbing systems, water pressure issues are 30% more common than in homes with newer construction.
Clean faucets and showerheads regularly, check for leaks, and consult a plumber from ServiceOne to evaluate the home’s plumbing infrastructure.
#9 Thermostat Issues
You may think your air conditioner is malfunctioning, but sometimes it’s the thermostat that’s at fault.
How to figure out if it’s your AC or your thermostat that’s causing trouble.
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the AC to run at incorrect settings, leading to discomfort and increased energy use. One study suggested that 25% of HVAC service calls are due to faulty thermostats or incorrect settings.
One way to upgrade your thermostat and prevent problems in the future is to invest in a programmable thermostat, which the Department of Energy suggests save 8-10% in energy
#10 Sewer Line Backups
If thinking about what goes down your drains and causes trouble is scary, thinking about what goes into your sewer line is even scarier! Sewer line backups are common problems for homeowners and can lead to significant damage and health risks. Tree roots, clogs, and broken pipes are the most common causes.
More than a half a million households report sewer backups every year.
Repairing a sewer line is costly.
The best way to prevent this common problem is to have your sewer line inspected regularly, avoid flushing non-degradable objects, and consider installing a backflow valve.
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Stop problems before they happen!
The most common problems for homeowners – these ten issues to watch out for – can be avoided with regular maintenance. Simple actions like changing air filters, clearing drains, and inspecting systems can prevent costly repairs and improve efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that regular HVAC maintenance can save homeowners up to 15-20% on energy bills, while routine plumbing maintenance can prevent 80% of water damage claims.
Be UNCOMMON. Don’t wait for common problems. Prevent them.
Call ServiceOne. Ask about our ClubOne maintenance plans, and then rest easy.
We’ll be your guard dog against common issues for homeowners.