Free Common Mechanical Faults Of Heating And Cooling Systems Research Paper Sample

Introduction

The need for cooling and heating systems in buildings and automobiles has been influenced by temperature variations created by climate change and weather changes as well as the desire for an appropriate temperature (Mitchell & Braun, 2013). These systems also referred as HVAC, heating, ventilation and air conditioning are made of various component parts. In the process of manufacturing heating and cooling systems, two major issues that are taken into consideration are: Efficiency and Efficacy. Efficiency in relation to consumption of energy i.e. Electric power is crucial in the manufacture of heating and cooling systems. Additionally, users and manufacturers are usually interested in the efficacy of the HVAC, basically focusing on their ease of operation (Mitchell & Braun, 2013). This report will highlight and explicate the major mechanical faults of heating and air conditioning systems within housing structures.

Discussion

In most cases, Heating and Air Conditioning systems are effective and reliable. However, certain mechanical challenges may arise when operating Heating and Air Conditioning systems. Some of these mechanical challenges can easily be managed or repaired by home owners, while others may require the attention of specialists or electrical experts. A Blown Fuse is a common mechanical challenge on heating and air conditioning systems (Mitchell & Braun, 2013). The function of a fuse is basically to prevent heating and air conditioning motors from over-heating. However, they may be subjected to over-heating when the breaker of the fuse fails. Burnt capacitors are also some of the mechanical failures that heating and air conditioning may experience. The function of capacitors within heating and air conditioning systems is to ensure that the motors of the unit move at a consistent speed, usually rated in terms of microfarads (Mitchell & Braun, 2013).
Another common mechanical problem found in heating and air conditioning systems is clogged and dirty filters. Dirty and clogged filters reduce air and flow of heat within the heating and cooling systems (www.acbyluquire.com). Broken thermostats of failed thermostats are some of the mechanical problems that may be experienced while using heating and conditioning systems. The thermostat plays a significant role in the overall functionality of the heating and air conditioning systems. Basically, its function is to turn on or off the system (www.acbyluquire.com).
In relation to home heating and air conditioning systems, certain strange noises may be heard when these systems are turned on. For instance: Certain failures may lead to gurgling noises, hissing on in some cases squealing noises. These noises are regarded as signs of mechanical problems and require the attention of specialist (www.acbyluquire.com). Air flow problem is also a major mechanical challenge common in home heating and cooling systems. This mechanical problem has been associated with worn out belts, motors, and fans as well as worn out bearings (www.acbyluquire.com). In most cases, this challenge is usually indicated by an improperly functioning furnace for instance: A furnace that over-heats or a furnace that emits inadequate heat (www.acbyluquire.com).
A constantly tripping circuit breaker of a home heating system is another major challenge faced in the home heating and air conditioning systems (Mitchell & Braun, 2013). In as much as, this mechanical problem by resetting the circuit breaker, in some cases it may be faulty creating the need of a specialist’s assistance. Various causes of a faulty home heating circuit breaker that have been identified are inclusive of: Extremely high temperatures that may lead to melting of wires, thunderstorm effects, amperage and voltage. In some cases, constantly breaking circuit breakers may also be as a result of loose electrical connections majorly as a result of loose expanding aluminum wires, faulty compressors, direct electrical shots et cetera.
In some cases, irregular working heat pumps may be as a result of mechanical faults for instance a heat pump that blows cold air during winter season is an indication of various possible mechanical faults. One of these faults that may lead to irregularly functioning heat pump is low refrigerant charge, none operating compressors, faulty reversing valves, problems emerging due to poor refrigerant flow among others. According to Mitchell & Braun 2013, homeowners may experience a challenge where the thermostat red light does not shut off or keeps on flashing. This has been considered an indication that the outdoor cooling or heating unit is experienced certain technical challenges. Some of the mechanical challenges that have been associated with this problem are: Poor liquid line sensor, bad ambient sensor, off on high pressure among other technical problems.
Consequently, home heating systems or cooling systems may be iced-up during the summer (Mitchell & Braun, 2013). This has been attributed as an indication of certain simple mechanical challenges that can be solved by the home owners for instance: A home owner may be required to turn off and on either the indoor cooling or heating unit. However, if the problem persists, it is advisable to seek the services of a mechanical specialist owing to the fact that this may be as a result of the following mechanical failures: Blocked capillary tube, faulty thermostats, low refrigerant charge, broken indoor coil, blocked orifice among other mechanical problems.

References

Mitchell, J., & Braun, J. (2013). Principles of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning in Buildings and Automobiles. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Signs of Heating System Problems. (n.d.). Retrieved February 23, 2015, from http://www.acbyluquire.com/signs-of-heating-system-problems.html