A crucial part of keeping your HVAC or refrigeration system in working order is replacing parts that have failed or are about to fail. With proper routine maintenance, technicians are typically able to detect failing parts before they cause bigger problems.
But which parts are most likely to need replacing? Here’s a list of some of the most common HVAC replacement parts:
Contractor/Capacitors
The start capacitor provides the electricity to turn the system on, and the run capacitor provides electricity to keep it going, making it arguably the most vital of the HVAC replacement parts. The contactor controls the flow of electricity to the unit’s components, and as a result, the regular wear and tear of these parts means you’ll likely have to replace them several times during the useful life of your HVAC system.
Blower/Fan Motor
If your system runs continually throughout the year, your fan or blower motor can be more prone to burning out. Replacement is fairly routine, and being another of the most common air conditioner replacement parts, ensuring to check the blower, motor and fan blades should be a regular part of your maintenance routine.
Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils attract the most dust in air conditioner units that tend to interfere with their normal functioning. If they are not given proper attention, they become more vulnerable to corrosion, creating small perforations in the sealed system that can release refrigerant into the air and damage them permanently. While not as easily detectable by owners, this is one of the most common HVAC parts you’ll want to monitor.
Compressor
The compressor is one of the most expensive HVAC replacement parts you’ll encounter. Its failure can cause breakdowns throughout the rest of the system, putting it near the top of the list of air conditioner replacement parts you’ll want to keep an eye on over the years. As a standard rule, if your HVAC system is eight years old or older, it’s probably cheaper in the long run to purchase a new unit rather than replacing the compressor.
Air Filters
Slightly different than the other HVAC replacement parts on this list, air filters should be checked regularly and replaced every three to six months as needed. While a simple fix, these common HVAC parts shouldn’t be overlooked – clogged filters can restrict the system’s air flow, using more energy and wearing out the system more quickly, all leading to additional costly repairs.
Ducts
Leakages in the duct of your HVAC system can waste almost 40% of the energy from an air conditioner, making this a costly issue if you don’t tend to these common HVAC parts. Be sure to check for proper sealing and insulation during your next inspection to see if you’ll need these air conditioner replacement parts in the near future.
Defective Thermostat
One of the most vital parts of your HVAC unit is the thermostat that measures the temperature and guides the machine on when to switch on and off. If the thermostat gets defective, it may wrongly instruct the unit to run when it shouldn’t and vice versa. As one of the common HVAC replacement parts that has experienced plenty of technological advancement in recent years, you’ll have plenty of upgrade options should you need a replacement.
Now let’s take a look at the most common refrigerator replacement parts:
Thermistor
The thermistor is among the most common refrigerator replacement parts. It’s responsible for monitoring the temperature inside your refrigerator, so whenever the thermistor is defective, the cooling system won’t work properly.
Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor powers the fan that circulates cold air throughout the freezer and refrigerator compartments. These motors are common refrigerator replacement parts, so if your refrigerator feels warm or is sounding louder than normal, this is a good place to start.
Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor is another possible reason why your refrigerator is not cooling. When you locate the condenser and find that it’s making unusual noises, look for debris caught in its blade – if there’s no debris, it’s bearings likely need to be replaced.
Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve regulates the supply of water to the refrigerator dispenser and ice maker. If your refrigerator is leaking water, the water inlet valve could have a crack or is not tightly secured to the water supply line. Since the water inlet valve is not a part that can be repaired, it’s one of the most common refrigerator replacement parts you’ll need to be aware of.
Knowing how to look for and replace these common heating replacement parts, refrigerator replacement parts or other common HVAC parts is the first step in helping to ensure your system can run properly for years to come.