You can have top-rated HVAC units and still experience issues. No doubt, some problems require a professional. But given the cost of HVAC units, troubleshooting smaller issues on your own can save you dollars and cents while empowering you to do a little DIY work around the house. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the five top HVAC issues and how to approach them.
Indoor Air Quality Issues
No smog allowed. When you’re breathing the same recycled air day in and day out, you want it to be good quality, clean and clear. Letting a little fresh air into your home by opening the windows on nice days is one way to boost your indoor air quality. Keeping up with changing the air filters on your HVAC system is another way. This should be a regular part of your HVAC maintenance checklist, so consult your HVAC manual to determine how often you need to change or clean your filters.
Sluggish Startup
Ignition problems can give you a difficult time when you’re starting your HVAC system. Checking igniters and pilot lights are a good starting point. Make sure there aren’t any drafts from open windows causing problems with the pilot light. If that doesn’t help, you should contact a professional to check for any clogs or electrical problems to make sure your ignition problems aren’t a sign of something more serious.
Thermostat Problems
Has your HVAC system shut down completely? Is the temperature not working according to your plan? These issues can both be tied to issues with the thermostat. Start by making sure it’s on and the batteries are in good working order. Then, ensure you have your thermostat programmed to control the temperature in your home for optimal comfort.
Uneven Cooling
Have you experienced perfectly cool rooms in one part of the home and stuffy areas in others? This could be a sign of leaky ducts or other sealing issues that allow the cool air to seep outside your home instead of efficiently cooling the entire space.
Check all air vents to make sure they’re open Check to make sure the vents aren’t blocked Check the filter – clogged filters can create uneven heating and cooling patterns
If you’re still experiencing issues, an experienced pro can pinpoint the problem and fix it for you. They can provide an HVAC duct size calculator to make sure your ducts are sized correctly, seal up potential leaks and replace ducts as needed, and evaluate HVAC fans and blowers for potential problems.
High Utility Charges
You already know that you’re bound to have higher cooling costs during heat waves in summer and higher heating costs during the cold snaps of winter. But if you’re seeing unexpected spikes, your HVAC system might be getting older, or you might need to change the air filter.
Troubleshooting Checklist
Is your HVAC system not up to snuff? Before you call for help, follow this easy checklist to determine if you can handle it on your own.
Check filters and clean or replace them as needed Check the vents and supply for any clogs or obstructions Clear any debris from the outside unit of your HVAC system Make sure the thermostat is working and set correctly in cooling or heating mode Check all switches and breakers to make sure they’re “on”.
If you’d like assistance troubleshooting your HVAC system, call the experts at HVAC Consulting Solutions today at (833)266-5329.