The Most Commonly Replaced HVAC Components

An HVAC system has various sensitive components. Over time, wear and tear can take its toll on these components, causing them to break down. One simple malfunction can set off a chain reaction that results in further damage to your HVAC system. When one component breaks down, other components will have to work overtime to compensate for the drop in performance, further increasing wear and tear on your HVAC system. That’s why you should have a technician or electrician inspect your HVAC system every time you notice a drop in its performance.  

What are the most commonly replaced parts of an AC or HVAC system? 

• Gas valve – This component is used more sparingly than the other components, as it’s only used in the winter when the heat is running. As the name suggests, it’s responsible for regulating the flow of gas to your unit. But over time, corrosion might damage the gas valve. 
• Thermostat – The thermostat is the component that’s responsible for controlling indoor temperatures. In most cases, issues with this HVAC component are due to incorrect settings or calibrations. 

Here’s a tip: if you want to reduce your heating and cooling costs, a smart thermostat would be a smart investment. As the name suggests, smart thermostats can be set to automatically turn off your HVAC system when no one’s at home to do it, and turn it back on again before you get back. This optimizes indoor comfort as well as your HVAC system’s energy efficiency. 

• Capacitors – Capacitor-related issues are the main reason for more than 80 percent of air conditioning service calls, which isn’t surprising given that capacitors are one of the most heavily-used parts of an AC unit. A capacitor is a small cylindrical device that’s responsible for storing and supplying electricity to your AC or HVAC system. In addition to wear and tear, exposure to heat or an undersized capacity are some of the factors that can cause capacitors to malfunction. 
• Blower or motor fans – Wear and tear on your HVAC unit’s blower or motor fans increases in the winter as well as the summer. At a certain point, the fans will burn out, or in some cases stop working properly because of debris lodged in the fans. Fortunately, the latter issue can easily be prevented with routine residential and commercial HVAC maintenance. 
• Compressor and evaporator coils – The compressor is responsible for converting refrigerant—a chemical that absorbs heat—from its gaseous form into its liquid form and circulating it until it reaches the tubing in the evaporator coils, which are made of copper, steel, aluminum and other metals that conduct heat easily. The blower fans then draw in hot air, and the evaporator coils absorb the heat from the passing air, cooling it in the process. However, if the coils—which are located in the outdoor compressor unit—become dusty or caked in dirt, they won’t be able to absorb heat efficiently. And if enough heat isn’t removed by the evaporator coils, the compressor will be forced to work harder to keep temperatures at a comfortable level. This will, in turn, increase wear and tear on the HVAC system, not to mention your electricity bill. 

Important note: Refrigerant leaks and damage to the compressors and evaporator coils usually go hand in hand. Refrigerant is supposed to be recirculated throughout your HVAC system continuously, but damaged compressors and evaporator coils and lines can allow the refrigerant to leak. Some of the warning signs of a refrigerant leak are higher utility bills, frozen evaporator coils and uneven indoor temperatures. If you notice any of these warning signs, contact a residential or commercial HVAC contractor as soon as possible. 

Reducing Wear & Tear on Your HVAC System

In a lot of cases, wear and tear is the main culprit behind damaged HVAC components. Fortunately, the effects of wear and tear can be reduced through proper maintenance, which should be conducted every six months, ideally in the spring and fall.

Here are some of the other ways to reduce the effects of wear and tear on your AC or HVAC system: 

• Keep lamps and other sources of heat away from the thermostat – Your thermostat may mistakenly lower temperatures in response to the heat coming from nearby lamps and appliances. 
• Make sure nothing is blocking the air vents – Check if any of your furniture is blocking the air vents. If warm or cool air can’t be distributed evenly, your HVAC system will have to work overtime to keep temperatures at a comfortable level, increasing the strain on sensitive HVAC components. 
• Change the air filter – Clogged air filters can prevent warm or cool air from circulating around your house. As a rule, air filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days. If you have pets or family members with allergies, you should change the filter at least once a month. 

Warning Signs It Might Be Time for an HVAC Upgrade 

Of course, HVAC maintenance can only do so much. At a certain point, your HVAC system’s performance and energy efficiency will drop to a point where it’ll make more practical—and financial—sense to get an HVAC upgrade. 

How can you tell if it’s time for an HVAC replacement? By keeping an eye out for the following warning signs: 

• A consistent spike in utility bills – It’s normal for electricity consumption to spike during the summer and winter months. However, if you’re seeing a consistent spike in electricity consumption throughout the year, an inefficient HVAC system might be to blame. As your HVAC system ages, expect a 5% to 10% drop in energy efficiency. In general, an HVAC unit—which has an average lifespan of 15 years—is considered old if it’s more than 10 years old. If your HVAC unit is older than 15 years old, you’ll likely need to get a new HVAC replacement soon.  

Important note: If your HVAC unit is still relatively new, consult an electrician. Issues with other appliances or electrical wiring may have resulted in a sharp rise in electricity consumption.

• Uneven indoor temperatures and lower indoor comfort – In addition to a drop in energy efficiency, you should also expect lower  performance, which will impact indoor comfort negatively. 
• Frequent HVAC repairs – As your HVAC system ages, it will suffer more frequent breakdowns. Individually, HVAC repairs might not seem too significant, but keep in mind they can add up quickly over time. 

Choosing an HVAC Replacement 

When investing in a new HVAC unit, it’s important to not get too preoccupied with the cost. Focus instead on maximizing the return on your investment (ROI). Here are some tips on choosing an HVAC replacement: 

• Find out how much capacity your HVAC system needs – A bigger HVAC system isn’t necessarily better for indoor comfort. This is because short cycling could become an issue if your HVAC system has too much capacity. Short cycling occurs when your HVAC unit cools or heats your home in a short amount of time and then shuts down quickly. If the HVAC unit shuts down too quickly, not enough moisture is removed from the indoor air, resulting in higher indoor humidity levels and uneven indoor temperatures. 
• Check an HVAC unit’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating – The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient an HVAC unit is. 
• Stick to reputable brands – When in doubt about the quality of an HVAC unit, it’s best to stick to reputable brands such as Carrier®.  

One more thing: To protect your ROI on a new HVAC system, only qualified contractors should handle your HVAC installation. 

If you’re looking for an HVAC contractor near you, here’s a vetting tip: The number of years a contractor has been in business should give you a good idea of their level of expertise. 

Broom Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing professional electrical and HVAC services, including HVAC installation, maintenance and repairs, to local residents since 1970. To request a quote, call us at (803) 754-5466 or fill out this form.