HVAC Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks for Homeowners
HVAC Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks for Homeowners
As a homeowner, few things are as frustrating as a furnace that won’t warm you up when you’re chilly, or an AC that won’t cool you down in the middle of July. These issues disrupt your comfort and drive up energy costs. There IS good news, though; you can solve many of these issues without calling in a professional technician! We’re going to walk you through some troubleshooting tips to help you identify and fix minor issues yourself, saving time, money, and stress.
Check the thermostat settings
Often, the quickest and easiest fixes are the ones we overlook first. If your HVAC system isn’t turning on, or not maintaining the temperature you’re going for, start by checking the thermostat.
1. Verify the mode: ensure the thermostat is set to the correct mode. “Heat” for heat, “cool” for cool.
2. Adjust the thermostat: If it’s hot or cold inside, but the thermostat is set to a temperature you don’t want, adjust it accordingly.
3. Check the batteries: If your thermostat isn’t responding to these commands, the batteries might be dead. Replace them with fresh ones and see if that resolves the issue.
Inspect the Circuit Breaker
Scenario: your system has completely stopped working. Nothing is turning on, and all you can hear is your house settling around you. Your circuit breaker might have tripped! This is a safety feature designed to cut power if there is a risk of overload. How to fix this:
1. Locate the breaker panel: Find the circuit breaker. It’s usually in the garage, a utility closet, or basement.
2. Reset the breaker: If the breaker has tripped, flip it to the “off” position. Let it sit like that for 10-15 minutes, and then switch it back to “on”
3. Test the system: After resetting the breaker, try running your HVAC system. If it trips again, there may be an electrical issue.
Change the Air Filters
A dirt air filter is a common culprit. When the filter gets clogged, airflow is restricted, which makes your system work harder. This leads to increased energy bills and breakdowns. Here’s how solve this problem before it happens:
1. Check the filter: Locate your air filter, typically near the blower motor or the return vent.
2. Replace or clean the filter: If the filter looks dirty and gross, replace it with a new one. For reusable filters, wash them thoroughly and make sure to let them dry before reinstalling
3. Little tip: the arrow on your filter should be facing your furnace. If your filter box is higher up, it should be pointing down, and if it’s closer to the ground, it should be pointing up.
Clear the Condenser Unit (AC or heat pump)
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as effectively, the condenser unit outside could be blocked. Dirt, leaves, or debris can accumulate around and inside the unit and restrict airflow, causing it to overheat. Solution:
1. Turn off the Power! Always turn off the power to the unit before cleaning. 2. Clear the debris: Remove any leaves, twigs, or dirt around the condenser coil. You can use a soft brush, vacuum, or hose to clean dirt off of the coils.
3. Check for obstructions: Make sure nothing is blocking airflow around the condenser, such as outdoor furniture, plants, or fencing.
Look for Signs of Inadequant Refrigerant Levels
This one is a little bit tough, because only certified HVAC technicians have the tools to check refrigerant levels with 100% accuracy. However, there are a few tell-tale signs...
1. Iced-over evaporator coil. If the evaporator coil inside the air handler is covered in ice, it could mean low refrigerant OR restricted airflow.
2. Warm air blowing: If your system is blowing warm air instead of cold air, while you can still hear your unit running, this can be indicative of a refrigerant leak.
Inspect Ductwork for Leaks or Blockages
Leaky ducts are the worst. They can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, and can be hard to spot. If certain rooms are too hot or cold, your system is running almost constantly, or you can hear a whistling sound when air is coming through, faulty ductwork could be the issue. How to check:
1. Look for visible damage: Inspect the ducts for visible holes, cracks, or disconnected sections. Pay extra attention to areas near vents, and the unit. 2. Seal any caps: You can use duct tape or mastic sealant to seal small gaps and holds in the ducts.
3. Check for blockages: Look for any signs of debris buildup in the ducts, especially near the air return vents where toys or other random household items could have gotten.
Ensure Proper Insulation
Insulation plays a key role in creating comfortable temperatures. Poor or shoddy insulation can make your HVAC system work harder than necessary, driving up energy bills and wasting resources, while doing nothing to maintain temperature. How to check:
1. Check the attic: symptoms of insufficient insulation include ice dams on your roof, visible gaps, mold or mildew growth, or cold floors and walls near the attic. 2. Seal windows and doors: Drafts around windows and doors waste lots of energy. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal em’ up.
Listen for Unusual Sounds
Odd noises coming from your system are a huge indicator of an underlying problem. Here is a guide to common sounds, and what they could mean.
1. Hissing: This is potentially indicative of a refrigerant leak or a problem with the ductwork.
2. Banging or clanging: Often caused by loose or damaged parts inside the system. Examples of this are a broken blower wheel or motor.
3. Grinding: A grinding sound can suggest that something is wrong with the motor or fan. This will require professional attention.
4. Rattling: Loose parts or a dirty filter can cause rattling sounds. Inspect and secure any loose panels, and change your filter if necessary.
Sooo…How Do You Know When to Call a Professional?
As we’ve discussed, many issues can be put to rest with a little trouble-shooting and elbow grease. Some problems just can’t be addressed without the expertise of a licensed technician, however. Here’s when to call call a pro:
1. Refrigerant issues: Handling refrigerant requires specialized training and equipment. Don’t attempt to refill or handle Freon by yourself. Direct contact is dangerous, and can lead to accidental inhalation, which causes Freon poisoning.
2. Electrical issues: If your system is consistently tripping breakers, experiencing power surges, or having other electrical problems, it’s time to get a professional involved.
3. Frozen coils: Frozen evaporator coils often indicate a more serious issue, such as low refrigerant or a malfunctioning compressor.
4. Banging, clanging, or grinding: These sounds are indicative of a part failure, like a broken blower, motor, or fan. A technician should diagnose with certainty the issue, and make the necessary repairs.
Troubleshooting is a valuable and important part of being a homeowner, saving you all sorts of resources and hassle. Being aware of the health of your HVAC system will bring you peace-of-mind, and keep your system running efficiently. If you encounter problems you can’t solve on your own, don’t hesitate to give us a call! A little proactive care today can ensure your HVAC system operates well for years to come, and will keep your home comfortable year-round.