Maintaining your home’s temperature through the changing seasons is essential for your comfort and safety. Homeowners must consider it a top priority since many factors depend on it.
The HVAC system enables a house to breathe even when the weather changes. When a component fails, it can lead to further troubles and discomfort. Therefore, knowing the first signs of issues is necessary.
That said, here are the top seven troubleshooting tips for homeowners.
Table of Contents
1- Check Thermostat Setting
One of the essential HVAC troubleshooting tips is checking the thermostat, primarily when the vents are blowing out cold air instead of warm. Sometimes, homeowners forget to change the thermostat setting during seasonal transitions.
A poorly set thermostat is not an HVAC problem per se. However, it might lead to a faulty conclusion of a more significant issue, such as the air conditioning unit needing repair. Before checking the other parts, ensure the thermostat is set to the right temperature.
If the thermostat is set perfectly, but there are no changes, you may try replacing the batteries. When other issues persist, it’s time to look at the other factors.
2- Clean Or Replace Dust Filters
Dirt buildup in filters is one of the common causes of HVAC issues. Failure to clean or replace them regularly might lead to unit malfunction.
Most manufacturers and HVAC professionals recommend replacing dust filters at least every three months. However, it depends on your location and current house conditions.
When residing in a dry and dusty environment, you might need to replace the filters more frequently. The same goes when you have furry pets at home.
3- Clear The Clogs In Vents And Ducts
Over time, dust buildup becomes a severe issue, particularly in older properties. When a house has remained unoccupied for years, mold formation in the ductwork is highly probable.
Experts recommend cleaning the air vents and ducts every two to three years. However, annual cleaning is ideal for family homes with children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to allergic reactions.
Uneven temperature and humidity around the home are one of the early signs of duct obstruction, such as dirt, dust, and mold buildup. When not solved immediately, this problem may lead to health issues such as allergies, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties.
4- Inspect The Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker is a common problem in the HVAC system. One of its causes is an electrical issue within the air conditioning unit.
One of the first steps in troubleshooting is to reset the circuit breaker. When it breaks again, it’s best to contact a professional. Electrical problems can be too risky to fix, so it’s best to leave it to the experts.
When the circuit breaker trips, it indicates faulty electrical wiring, which can be a fire hazard. To prevent further damage, call your local HVAC services provider to inspect and repair it.
5- Check The Units Outside
The next troubleshooting tip is to check your AC units from the outside. Since they’re exposed to outdoor elements, dirt buildup in the condenser coil is common.
Aside from simple dust accumulation, some problems may occur within the unit. These are frozen coil and faulty electrical connections between the condenser fan, compressor, and blower.
When the evaporator coil is frozen, chances are there’s not enough airflow or the fan isn’t turning on. The two main factors are clogged ducts and electric control failure. If the AC unit still won’t work after the clogs are cleared, it’s time to call in an expert.
6- Monitor Your Electric Bills
Comparing your current electric bill to the previous ones can help determine when HVAC troubles occur. If your electric bill skyrockets unexpectedly, there’s a huge possibility of AC unit malfunction and ductwork obstruction.
If the ductwork is clogged or your thermostat sensor isn’t working, your AC unit will constantly work harder than it should. Therefore, it uses more power than intended, dramatically increasing your electric bills.
Moreover, there could also be problems with electrical wiring, which an HVAC technician can detect and repair. Having an expert inspect your unit is best when it concerns more than cleaning. Doing so will help ensure your safety and prevent the problems from recurring.
7- Call HVAC Professional
Although homeowners may do initial troubleshooting, some issues are only noticeable to the experts. In most cases, it’s easy to look over subtle problems which may lead to further damage.
Calling an HVAC technician or your local service provider is best when you can’t seem to specify the problem after trying the steps mentioned. For instance, faulty wiring inside the unit is difficult to determine without a background in electrical. Therefore, leaving it to the experts is the ideal solution.
Call a professional immediately if you notice one of these signs in your HVAC system.
- Extremely high humidity.
- Unusual noises coming from the unit.
- There’s no water flowing from the drain pipe.
- The refrigerant is constantly leaking.
Conclusion
Being equipped with basic HVAC troubleshooting can be a lifesaver as a homeowner. Noticing the subtle system malfunction can help you solve the problems immediately.
