(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For most homeowners in Texas, maintaining an efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is important for keeping their families cool during the summer and warm in the winter.
Frank Medina is an HVAC Technology instructor at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. Recently he talked about how homeowners can resolve some common air conditioning issues.
What should a homeowner do if their heater is not producing heat?
Homeowners can start by checking the batteries in their thermostat to make sure they are functioning properly. They should also check the thermostat settings and inspect the circuit breakers or, if they have a gas system, the gas shutoff. If these steps don’t work, they should contact an HVAC technician.
What are signs that there is a refrigerant leak in an air conditioning unit?
If a homeowner notices their air conditioning system is not cooling effectively and is running for longer periods, it could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. A system with a refrigerant leak will become less efficient and worsen over time. They should turn off their system and check for signs of a leak. If a leak is found, a homeowner should schedule a repair with an HVAC technician.
How can homeowners prevent clogged air filters that are causing HVAC issues?
Filters are designed to trap small particles of dirt and debris from reaching the evaporator coil. They are rated by microns: The higher the micron rating, the smaller the particles they can capture. Filters should be checked once per month and replaced when necessary. A homeowner should never allow the filter to become clogged, which can lead to system issues.
What steps should homeowners take if their HVAC unit freezes?
When a homeowner’s HVAC unit freezes, it may be caused by low airflow across the evaporator coil, such as a dirty air filter or a clogged evaporator coil. They should check and replace the air filter, followed by inspecting the evaporator coil. Then check the refrigerant levels to make sure there is proper airflow. If those steps don’t work, they can contact an HVAC technician.
In Texas, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn an average annual salary of $50,190, according to onetonline.org, which forecast the number of such workers to grow 21% in the state from 2020 to 2030.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates of completion in HVAC Technology at its Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.
For more information on the HVAC Technology program at TSTC, go to tstc.edu/hvac.
