HVAC Troubleshooting Tips For Homeowners

By: John Garcia | Date Posted: October 29, 2021

Heating and air conditioning units sometimes experience issues, but you don’t always need to hire a professional for repairs. Many problems are minor and can be fixed by yourself through HVAC troubleshooting and routine maintenance. Knowing these tips can help you save money and keep your HVAC system running optimally.

HVAC Troubleshooting Tips

Here are six HVAC troubleshooting tips you need to know as a homeowner:

1. Check The Thermostat

Thermostat

Inspecting the thermostat is a simple, cost-effective first step in HVAC troubleshooting. Check for power issues: loose connections for electric thermostats and dead batteries for battery-powered ones. Ensure the settings haven’t accidentally changed, as this can cause temperature discrepancies in your home. If problems persist after resetting the thermostat, consult a professional, such as those at eandvenergy.com.

2. Inspect The Vent And Ducts

Dust and dirt accumulation in ducts and vents blocks airflow, affecting temperature, humidity, and air conditioner efficiency. This blockage increases resistance in the mechanical and electrical systems, leading to premature aging or breakdowns. Additionally, accumulated dirt lowers air quality and creates an unpleasant living environment. Regularly check and clean ducts and vents to avoid these issues. If this task is too complicated, consult a professional.

3. Replace The Air Filters

Air conditioner components

Over time, HVAC system air filters clog with dirt and dust, making the air conditioner inefficient as it works harder to perform. This blockage leads to increased wear and tear, reduced lifespan, higher energy use, and compromised indoor air quality.

Fortunately, you can address this issue by changing the air filters regularly. For optimal efficiency, change the filters monthly, especially in dusty areas or if you have pets. Otherwise, changing them every three months will ensure optimal performance and maintain air purity.

4. Clean The Outside Unit

Neglecting the outdoor unit of an HVAC system is a common mistake as it can accumulate debris like branches, leaves, and dirt, hindering airflow. To remedy this, regularly clean the exterior of the unit by removing trapped objects and rinsing off debris with a garden hose. Additionally, maintain a clear area around the HVAC system by pruning nearby trees and vegetation to ensure at least three feet of space around the outdoor unit.

5. Check The Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breaker

When your HVAC system doesn’t turn on despite the thermostat working correctly and all the electrical cords being in place, proceed to check the circuit breakers.

Doing this is necessary because someone might have accidentally switched off the circuit breakers, which can also cut off the power supply when there’s an overload. You need to reset your circuit breakers in such a situation, and your air conditioner will start working as expected. But if this HVAC troubleshooting trick doesn’t work, you might have to contact a qualified HVAC technician.

6. Inspect The Wiring

Inspect The Wiring

Your HVAC unit can stop working because some wires have been disconnected or destroyed. This happens because cables connecting to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are typically exposed. The damage can occur accidentally while you or anyone else is carrying out landscaping duties and destroy the HVAC unit’s wires without knowing.

Therefore, you should inspect the wires of your air conditioner if it’s not working as this might be due to broken wires. If this is the issue, replace the wires, but you should be extremely careful to prevent getting electrocuted.

Takeaway

While you might not be able to repair every problem with your heating and air conditioning unit, it doesn’t hurt to know some HVAC troubleshooting tips.

This will help you from overly relying on a professional technician, which costs money. Also, troubleshooting ensures your HVAC works smoothly for much longer. This guide provides an overview of useful HVAC troubleshooting tips you need to know as a homeowner to repair minor malfunctions.

Thank you for reading!

John
 

John is the founder and chief editor of Homienjoy. With over 15 years of experience in the home improvement industry, John is passionate about helping homeowners confidently tackle their projects. Holding a civil engineering degree and working as a contractor, project manager, and consultant, John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Homienjoy community.

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