Trusted Local News

Common HVAC Problems You Must Know

Your HVAC system rarely fails without warning. It usually sends signals first, such as weak airflow, strange noises, rising energy bills, or uneven temperatures.

The problem? Most homeowners ignore the signs until the system completely stops working.

Common HVAC problems include poor cooling, heating failure, airflow issues, refrigerant leaks, clogged filters, thermostat malfunctions, and electrical problems. Some are minor and inexpensive to fix. Others can lead to full system failure if ignored. 

Queen City Heating and Cooling is here to guide you about common HVAC problems and the solutions that can save you hundreds of dollars from Heating and cooling service in Nixa, MO.

1. HVAC Not Cooling Properly

What It Means

Your air conditioner runs, but your home never reaches the set temperature. You definately needs our ac repair service

Common Causes

  • Dirty air filter
  • Low refrigerant
  • Dirty condenser coils
  • Leaky ductwork
  • Failing compressor

Warning Signs

  • Warm air from vents
  • Long run times
  • High humidity indoors
  • Rising electric bills

Safety Concerns

Low refrigerant can damage the compressor—one of the most expensive parts of your AC.

DIY Checks

  • Replace the air filter
  • Make sure the outdoor unit is clear of debris
  • Check thermostat settings

When to Call a Professional

If the system runs constantly or the air feels warm.

Estimated Repair Cost

  • Refrigerant recharge: $200–$600
  • Capacitor replacement: $150–$400
  • Compressor replacement: $1,500–$3,000

2. HVAC Blowing Warm Air

What It Means

Your AC is on, but warm air is coming from the vents.

Common Causes

  • Thermostat set to “heat.”
  • Low refrigerant
  • Electrical issue
  • Dirty evaporator coil

DIY Checks

  • Verify thermostat mode
  • Reset the system at the breaker

If warm air continues, you likely have deeper air conditioner problems requiring professional repair.

3. Furnace Not Heating

What It Means

Your furnace runs but doesn’t produce heat—or won’t turn on.

Common Causes

  • Dirty flame sensor
  • Ignition failure
  • Gas supply issues
  • Blower motor problems

Warning Signs

  • Cold air blowing
  • The furnace is clicking but not igniting
  • Burning smell

Safety Concerns

Gas furnaces can leak carbon monoxide if malfunctioning.

When to Call a Professional

Immediately if:

  • You smell gas
  • You suspect carbon monoxide

Repair Cost Range

  • Flame sensor cleaning: $80–$250
  • Ignitor replacement: $150–$400
  • Gas valve replacement: $400–$900

4. HVAC System Won’t Turn On

What It Means

The system is completely unresponsive.

Common Causes

  • Tripped breaker
  • Blown fuse
  • Thermostat wiring issue
  • Failed control board

DIY Checks

  • Check the breaker panel
  • Replace thermostat batteries

If it still won’t start, it’s likely an electrical failure.

Repair Cost

$150–$1,200 depending on component.

5. Short Cycling

What It Means

The system turns on and off every few minutes.

Why It’s Serious

Short cycling strains components and shortens the system's lifespan.

Common Causes

  • Oversized system
  • Dirty filter
  • Refrigerant issue
  • Thermostat misplacement

Cost

$150–$2,000 depending on the cause.

6. Weak Airflow From Vents

Common Causes

  • Clogged air filter
  • Duct leaks
  • Blower motor failure
  • Blocked vents

DIY Check

  • Replace filter
  • Open all vents

Weak airflow is one of the most overlooked signs that your HVAC needs repair.

7. Thermostat Problems

Signs

  • Inaccurate temperature readings
  • The system won’t respond
  • Blank screen

Cost

  • Battery replacement: $5
  • New thermostat: $150–$500 installed

Smart thermostats improve efficiency and reduce heating and cooling issues.

8. Refrigerant Leaks

Signs

  • Hissing noise
  • Ice buildup
  • Poor cooling

Safety Concern

Refrigerant must be handled by licensed professionals.

Cost

$300–$1,500 depending on leak location.

Ignoring this can destroy your compressor.

9. Frozen Evaporator Coil

Causes

  • Restricted airflow
  • Refrigerant imbalance
  • Dirty coils

Turn the system off and allow it to thaw.

Call a professional if freezing continues.

10. Clogged Air Filters

The #1 cause of common HVAC problems.

What Happens

  • Restricted airflow
  • Frozen coils
  • Overheating furnace
  • Higher energy bills

Prevention

Replace every 1–3 months.

Skipping this increases failure risk by over 40%.

11. Strange HVAC Noises

Banging

Loose or broken part.

Squealing

Worn belt or motor bearing.

Rattling

Loose panel or debris.

Cost

$150–$800 depending on the issue.

Never ignore new noises.

12. Burning or Musty Smells

Burning Smell

  • Dust burning off (normal briefly)
  • Electrical issue (danger)

Musty Smell

  • Mold in ducts
  • Drain line clog

Musty odors affect indoor air quality and health.

13. High Energy Bills

If bills suddenly spike, your system is losing efficiency.

Causes

  • Aging system (10–15+ years)
  • Dirty coils
  • Leaking ducts
  • Failing components

An inefficient system can increase energy use by 20–40%.

14. Water Leaking from HVAC Unit

Causes

  • Clogged condensate drain
  • Cracked drain pan
  • Frozen coil melting

DIY

Check the drain line for blockage.

Cost

$150–$600 typically.

Water damage can become expensive quickly.

Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Do this to avoid most furnace problems and air conditioner problems:

Replace filters every 1–3 months
Schedule professional maintenance twice per year
Keep the outdoor unit clear
Clean vents and registers
Check thermostat calibration
Inspect ductwork every 2–3 years
Flush the condensate drain annually

Regular maintenance:

  • Extends HVAC lifespan (15–20 years typical)
  • Protects the manufacturer's warranty
  • Reduces emergency HVAC repair risk
  • Improves efficiency by up to 15%

Skipping maintenance is the fastest way to shorten system life.

When It’s an Emergency

Call for emergency HVAC repair immediately if:

  • You smell gas
  • You detect burning wires
  • System sparks or smokes
  • The carbon monoxide alarm goes off
  • No heat during freezing weather
  • No cooling during extreme heat

Delaying service in these cases can cause safety hazards or major damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most common HVAC problem?

The most common HVAC problem is a clogged air filter. Dirty filters restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, cause frozen coils, and strain motors. Replacing filters regularly prevents many larger heating and cooling issues.

2. Why is my HVAC running but not cooling?

If your HVAC system is running but not cooling, it may have low refrigerant, dirty coils, restricted airflow, or a failing compressor. Start by checking the filter and thermostat before calling a technician.

3. How much does HVAC repair cost?

HVAC repair costs typically range from $150 to $1,500, depending on the issue. Minor electrical repairs are inexpensive, while compressor or major component replacements are significantly more expensive.

4. How do I know if my furnace is failing?

Signs your furnace needs repair include strange noises, uneven heating, frequent cycling, higher gas bills, and difficulty starting. Systems over 15 years old are especially prone to failure.

5. Why is my HVAC short-cycling?

Short cycling happens when the system turns on and off frequently. Dirty filters, oversized equipment, thermostat placement issues, or refrigerant imbalance may cause it.

6. Can I fix HVAC problems myself?

Homeowners can safely replace filters, reset breakers, and check thermostat settings. Electrical repairs, refrigerant handling, and gas furnace repairs require licensed professionals.

7. How often should HVAC be serviced?

HVAC systems should be serviced twice per year—once before cooling season and once before heating season. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and keeps warranties valid.

8. What reduces HVAC lifespan?

Skipping maintenance, ignoring repairs, dirty filters, and short cycling significantly reduce system lifespan. Most systems last 15–20 years with proper care.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Breakdown

Most HVAC systems not working could have been prevented.

Small warning signs turn into expensive failures when ignored.

If your system is:

  • Making noise
  • Struggling to cool or heat
  • Driving up energy bills
  • Over 10–15 years old

Now is the time to act.

A licensed HVAC technician can diagnose the issue, prevent further damage, and restore efficiency quickly.

Don’t wait for a complete breakdown in the middle of summer or winter.

Schedule a professional inspection today and protect your comfort, your budget, and your home.

Your comfort isn’t optional—it’s essential.

author

Chris Bates

"All content within the News from our Partners section is provided by an outside company and may not reflect the views of Fideri News Network. Interested in placing an article on our network? Reach out to [email protected] for more information and opportunities."

STEWARTVILLE

JERSEY SHORE WEEKEND

LATEST NEWS

Events

February

S M T W T F S
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28

To Submit an Event Sign in first

Today's Events

No calendar events have been scheduled for today.