HVAC Troubleshooting Tips – What Experts Recommend You Know

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Is your AC or heater acting up? If so, you’ll want to act fast.

20% of American adults had an HVAC system repair or replacement in the last year. But, taking quick action at the first sign of trouble can save you a bundle on costly repairs.

Before you call in the pros, follow these quick troubleshooting steps:

Check Your Filters

If you only read one of our HVAC troubleshooting tips, make it this one!

Your HVAC filters should be changed regularly to promote good airflow. If suddenly your system isn’t working as well as usual, you could be dealing with clogged or dirty filters.

Visually inspect your filters and replace them, if necessary.

Look Inside Vents

Next, you’ll want to check both your supply and return vents for obstructions. Any kind of blockage here could restrict the flow of air, resulting in an underperforming HVAC unit.

If your vents are prone to blockage like dust, you might not be cleaning them often enough.

Go Outside

It’s also essential to clear any debris that might have gathered around your outdoor HVAC unit. This could include less obvious organic materials like fallen leaves, snow, or grass.

Because this outdoor unit pulls air in, any kind of substantial blockage will reduce airflow. And, if left unattended, this seemingly small issue can quickly transform into a broken or overheated unit.

Check the Thermostat

Have a look at your unit’s thermostat, and make sure it’s in the proper heating or cooling mode.

This is also a good time to test the thermostat’s batteries and replace them if they’ve gone bad. A low battery can cause your thermostat to malfunction, sending incorrect signals about your preferred temperature to the rest of the HVAC unit, and resulting in poor performance.

Examine Your Electric

In some cases, the issue might not be coming from your HVAC unit at all.

Have a look at your electrical system, and be sure that all breakers, switches, and disconnection points are in the proper “on” position. If you do find an electrical issue, remember to turn the unit off or disconnect it from electricity before making any changes.

Call for Backup

If none of these HVAC troubleshooting tips and tricks worked, you probably have a bigger problem at hand. And, it’s time to call in the pros.

The service technician may ask you to perform a few simple steps over the phone to get your unit ready for their arrival. You should also leave your unit’s fan on the continuous setting rather than running while you wait for help to arrive.

HVAC Troubleshooting Made Easy

Now that you know a bit about HVAC troubleshooting, you’ll be prepared if the unit acts up again. But, if the issues persist, don’t wait too long to call the pros. After all, minor issues can become problems if left unattended for too long.