Most of the time, your HVAC system works wonders heating and cooling your entire home or business—but sometimes things don’t go quite the way you expected. Whether it’s strange noises or sudden fluctuations in temperature, you want the problem solved now.
Here’s our guide on how to diagnose HVAC problems—and when you should call in the pros.
Start with the air filters
Many issues with HVAC systems start with the air filters. These need to be changed out regularly (at least twice a year) to avoid problems. That’s because air filters are responsible for removing harmful particles from the air like dirt, pollen and pet dander. Failure to change out a dirty filter can lead to the HVAC system working harder, meaning it will not circulate air properly. This is among the most common HVAC problems.
Inspect the thermostat
Check out how your thermostat is powered. Most thermostats are connected to the electrical system, but some are powered by batteries. If this is the case, switch out the batteries. Look for other signs of malfunction in the thermostat that could be the root of the problem.
Check your circuit breakers
This is another of the most common HVAC problems. Find the fuse box, and take a look at the breakers. If you see one or two that are flipped in a different direction than the rest, then you’ve likely found your culprit. The furnace and air conditioner should have their own breakers which are labeled.
Flip the switch for the appropriate breakers. Wait about 10 seconds before turning the unit back on. If there are repeated issues with the circuits switching off, then there may be a deeper root cause that you’ll need to bring in the pros to solve.
How to approach air conditioning problems
The first thing you want to do is look for any visible damage. This includes elements such as a broken coil or exposed wires. If the unit looks okay, then set it to the right mode and adjust the temperature. Go for about five degrees cooler than the room’s current temperature. Wait about half a minute, and then check to see if the vents are blowing out cold air.
If your unit is on but it’s not blowing out cold air, then you want to inspect the air conditioner. This could be due to poor ventilation, coil damage or low refrigerant levels. In the event of ice forming on the coils, turn the unit off for three hours. Remove any dirt or moisture from the coils, and then restart the air conditioner.
We hope this guide on how to diagnose HVAC problems has been helpful. Many times, HVAC repair is better left to the professionals, as these are complex machines that require an expert hand. The pros at Air Climate Control, Inc. are here to help. Whether it’s heating, air conditioning, refrigeration or commercial repair, we do it all. We’ve been in the business for more than three decades, offering commercial HVAC services that can’t be beat. Call today to set up your first appointment.