Give your HVAC system some credit. It works hard year-round to keep your home comfortable, and technological advancements have improved reliability and durability. But the daily grind takes its toll.
This article explains the five HVAC components that will wear out over time.
1. Capacitors
Capacitors store and release energy to keep your HVAC system running. Whether they’re working together as a dual capacitor or as separate components (one to “start” and another to “run”), that’s a lot of heavy lifting. They typically last around 10 years but eventually degrade due to heat exposure, electrical stress, and plain old age. As a system starts to age, components of the system will start to add stress to the capacitors causing them to fail more frequently. This is a common sign that there is a part of the system ready to fail.
When your capacitor(s) starts to fail, several signs will tip you off. Your system may struggle to start, make humming noises, or quit altogether. If you recognize any of these symptoms, call in the pros.
2. Blower Motor
Your system’s blower motor is responsible for airflow. It powers the fan, which circulates air into your home’s ducts and out through vents.
Blower motors can last over a decade (10 years min., 20 years max.). Unfortunately, they’re not invincible. In addition to daily wear and tear, they face other challenges like dust buildup that can cause overheating. However, with proper maintenance, you can mitigate this issue. Other issues that can lower the lifespan of a blower motor are air flow issues. Some airflow issue examples are improper ductwork sizing, installation errors, or restrictive filters. Our team has the know how to identify these issues and address them before they cause an issue.
Signs of a failing blower motor include weak airflow, unusual noises, or a system that cycles on and off frequently. As with most components, a clean air filter and regular maintenance schedule are the best low-cost preventative measures.
3. Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your HVAC system. It’s responsible for pressurizing and circulating refrigerant. That’s a technical way of saying it keeps your system running by moving heat where it needs to go.
Compressors work under high stress and can wear down in as little as 10 years, especially if refrigerant levels are low or the system is frequently short-cycling.
You will know when your compressor fails. If it quits, that luxurious AC you enjoy on a hot summer day gives way to a flow of warm air. Like the other components on the list, certain signs indicate your compressor is wearing down before it gives out.
Strange noises, frequent cycling, leaking around your AC unit, and unusually high humidity levels are cause for concern. But don’t worry too much – Hoock’s AC repair team can restore your home’s comfort quickly and affordably.
4. Contactor
The contactor is an automatic switch that controls the flow of electricity to the key HVAC components we’ve covered so far – specifically, the compressor and blower motor.
When your thermostat calls for heating or cooling, the contactor closes, allowing power to reach these components and start the system. When the cycle ends, it opens and cuts off the electrical flow.
Contactors are susceptible to electrical pitting (metal erosion) as they handle high-voltage currents when opening and closing. In simpler terms, if you frequently switch from heat to AC modes during spring and fall months, your capacitor feels the strain. Although they only last around 10 years, our team can assess the contacts and recommend when it’s time to replace.
5. Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is the MVP – most valuable part – of your AC system. It absorbs heat from the air inside your home and cools it.
Over time, these components are prone to corrosion or leaks. If the coil becomes clogged with dirt or refrigerant leaks, your system will struggle to cool your home properly. Signs of a failing evaporator coil include ice buildup, weak cooling performance, or refrigerant leaks.
Keeping your evaporator coil clean is the best way to maximize its lifespan, which is generally 10-15 years. Our advice? Schedule a routine maintenance appointment around the time warmer temperatures arrive. Our expert technicians can also install a UV light on the coil. UV technology can help extend the life of your coil by stopping the growth of Formicary corrosion. Formicary corrosion is the growth that results as a reaction of oxygen, water, and organic acids that will cause damage to your coil. By installing a UV light on the coil, we can help slow this corrosion of the coil and extend the life.
Maintenance Matters: Schedule Your Service Today
Twice a year. These three words can save you money and protect your peace of mind. When you schedule routine system maintenance every six months, you give your system the attention needed to perform efficiently and consistently year-round.
Hoock’s Heating & Cooling provides a full range of HVAC services, but our primary goal is maximizing the life of your existing system. Our expert technicians have the training to identify problems in their early stages and find the most cost-effective fix. When it’s time to upgrade, we’ll help with that, too.
Call us today to get Hoock’d up with the last HVAC team you’ll ever need.