Keeping your HVAC system in check is important since it plays a huge role in ensuring that your house is warm during winter.
Here are a few things you can do if you need help before calling for a professional.
At Finest Heating & Air, we do appreciate the importance of maintaining your system in the best condition.
Below are nine additional and improved HVAC troubleshooting tips to help your system run smoothly and keep you warm this winter.
In this section, we offer tips ranging from the inspection of the power supply up to the thermostat in a bid to assist you in minimizing common HVAC failures.
What is HVAC?
First, it’s important to know what an HVAC system is. HVAC system is the general term used to describe your home’s climate control systems, which include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
The most common elements are your furnace, air conditioner, and heat pump, which regulate your home’s comfort levels.
HVAC systems usually need the services of a technician for repair; however, there are simple tests you can conduct to fix the problem.
1. Check the Power Supply
Most HVAC issues are as basic as a lack of power. If your system is not starting or operating as required, there is one easy fix:
Check your circuit breakers or fuses.
A tripped breaker or blown fuse can completely shut down the whole system.
Here’s what you can do:
- Go to the circuit breaker box and look at the breaker that is related to your HVAC system and then find out whether it has tripped or not.
- If it has, then you have to reorient it and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before powering back the system.
This basic HVAC troubleshooting practice helps solve many power-related issues.
2. Reset Your HVAC System
A system reset can often help deal with problems connected with minor failures.
Every HVAC system has a different way of being reset, but the details are available in the user manual.
Many times, the system may develop what we call glitches, including thermostats that do not respond or a heating system that fluctuates in its performance.
If you do not have the manual, you can always search for it by entering your system’s model number.
Resetting the system should be easy, but it may differ depending on whether it is a furnace, heat pump, or AC unit.
3. Check the Furnace Door
Some of the features that are found in most of the modern furnaces include the service door switch that shuts down the furnace if the door is open due to safety concerns.
If your Furnace is not producing heat turn the service door open and then shut it properly.
Make sure that the door is properly closed because even if it is slightly off the furnace will not turn on.
This tip is a fundamental part of HVAC troubleshooting, and yet, people miss it mostly because it is an easy solution.
4. Inspect Your Thermostat
Some of the common HVAC problems are caused by the thermostat.
Either the thermostat is not working properly or it has not been calibrated properly, which can lead to fluctuations in temperature or the total non-operation of the system.
Check whether the thermostat is getting power supply if it is of the battery operated type.
Do not be deceived by the display because it could be perfect even with weak batteries, so replace the batteries.
Check the temperature settings and modes twice or thrice to make sure that they are correct.
Lack of optimization can result from mere accidental alterations of settings or simply resetting them.
If none of these seems to be an issue, then the thermostat may be off-balance or require replacement and this will need the service of Finest Heating & Air.
5. Change the Air Filter
Another of the most important and easy maintenance tasks is changing the air filter.
Dust, dirt, and debris build up in air filters and obstruct the passage of air, greatly affecting their efficiency over time.
This reduces the system’s efficiency and may result in complications like overheating or total failure to heat.
Remember to replace your air filters frequently, as this will help enhance the air quality in your home and also help your system run efficiently.
Although this job can usually be done without the help of a professional, it is wiser to have a professional take care of the filter replacement and the HVAC system maintenance at least once in a while.
6. Unblock Your Vents
There are cases when some rooms in a house are colder or warmer than others, and blocked vents can cause this.
Make sure all the air vents within your home are available and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains.
Dirt and dust can also block blades, so it is recommended that they be washed to enhance the fans’ performance.
7. Sweep the Floor (In Summer)
During the summer season, fans and air conditioning devices are usually on round the clock, and this may lead to the freezing of some parts of the system.
At this point, the system fails to cool your home as required; hence, there is a need for an efficient home cooling system.
If you notice the AC not working correctly:
- The first one is to switch off the air conditioner and set the system to fan mode.
- Allow the fan to run for some time so that the frozen parts in the circuit can defrost.
However, if the issue occurs often, it may be wise to seek professional help to deal with the system since it may be having other complications.
8. Inspect for Suspected Loose or Damaged Wires
Problems in wiring can result to system failure especially in the outdoor AC units.
Cords which are visible or disconnected are at risk of getting damaged by mowers or other equipment used in the compound or unfavorable weather.
First, one should ensure that there is no power on the given system before proceeding to check on any wires in order to prevent any form of danger.
Although checking wiring is one of the tasks in HVAC troubleshooting, if it is dangerous to deal with electrical parts on your own, call Finest Heating & Air to discuss and fix any issues with the wiring so that your system continues to function as it should.
9. Contact a Professional HVAC Technician
However, there are some complex issues that need the attention of a professional technician, and the following steps may solve most of the simple HVAC problems.
Components that make up a furnace or heat pump are usually very sensitive and can be easily destroyed if not well handled.
This is because an endeavor to resolve huge problems, if not well handled, may lead to warranties being voided or permanent harm.
In any case, it is always the best practice to consult a licensed HVAC technician if one is unsure.
Our team of professionals at Finest Heating & Air is well capable of handling simple repair jobs to major overhauls of the systems.
To clarify, there is no problem that is too big or too small for us when it comes to HVAC repairs and maintenance.
Common HVAC Issues Requiring Professional Attention
HVAC systems can develop some issues that can only be solved by a professional using special equipment. Here are a few examples:
- Refrigerant Leaks: A reduced amount of refrigerant in air conditioning units decreases the system’s efficiency and leads to failure. A technician must identify and correct these leaks.
- Compressor Failures: The compressor is one of the most important components of your HVAC system. If it fails, the system has the inability to control the temperatures indoors effectively.
- Blower Motor Issues: If your blower motor is faulty, you may realize that your airflow is weak, the system produces some sounds, or it turns off and on at random.
For such and many other complicated tasks, it is advisable to hire professionals to extend the system’s lifespan and efficiency.
Preventative Maintenance: The Key to Avoiding Costly Repairs
Preventive maintenance is the best tool for avoiding HVAC-related issues.
At Finest Heating & Air, we are proud to provide maintenance services that cater to all your heating and air conditioning needs throughout the year.
Some of the services that we offer are component inspection and cleaning, leakage inspection, and operational efficiency determination of parts.
Routine maintenance can help:
- Prolong the life cycle of your system.
- Reduce energy consumption.
- Improve indoor air quality.
- Prevent emergency breakdowns.
How We Can Help?
This is the reason why at Finest Heating & Air, we are dedicated to delivering top notch HVAC services.
For example, we have simple HVAC troubleshooting information, as well as full service repairs and installations to make your home comfortable.
Whether it is time for the annual/ bi-annual check-up, or if you require an emergency repair, we’re among the best.
As a company that has been in business for many years providing HVAC services to homeowners we ensure that the system that you have is efficient, reliable and safe.
If you are stuck with an issue that cannot be rectified by basic problem solving, do not waste time, get a professional service here.
Conclusion
It is important to be proactive when it comes to HVAC since small problems may lead to big problems which are costly to repair.
There are many tasks that the homeowner can perform to ensure that his or her HVAC system is in the right condition, but there are some that need the services of a specialist.
Here at Finest Heating & Air, we pride ourselves in offering you services that you will always count on for maintenance services, repairs and even replacements.
For you to have a home that is comfortable all through, it is advisable to have it checked up, repaired and sought professional help.
In case you require any assistance with heating and cooling system, please do not hesitate to contact Finest Heating & Air which is an HVAC company.
