5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Cooler weather is here which means COLD weather is just around the corner. In Huntsville and Madison County, we never know what winter weather will bring. It could be mild with occasional temperatures below freezing, or we could get snow and freezing temperatures for several days. If your heating system stops working when you need it most, this helpful article will provide you with a few tips to get your system running again without having to call a service tech out right away.
1. Ensure The Power Is On
One of the most common complaints homeowners have is that their HVAC system won’t turn on at all. It’s not making any sound and it’s not blowing any air. Before you panic, check to make sure you’re not dealing with a simple power issue. You could have a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker, or you could be dealing with some loose or broken wires. Once you remedy the power issues, your system should resume working normally again.
2. Program Your Thermostat
Another reason your AC might not be turning on when it should is that you have an issue with your thermostat. Try turning it up to the highest setting and see if this causes the heating system to kick back on. If not, you probably need to recalibrate or replace your thermostat. This is particularly true if you have an old dial-type thermostat. They’re notoriously difficult to calibrate and far less efficient than the newer smart thermostats. In this case, you’re probably better off taking this opportunity to make an upgrade.
Some digital and smart thermostats are difficult to program. You may want to take another look at your manual and make sure everything is set up correctly. If this doesn’t help, it might be time to call in the professionals.
3. Clean Or Change Your Air Filter
Believe it or not, 90% of HVAC system failures are caused by a dirty or clogged air filter. Sometimes simply changing or cleaning your filter can remedy your HVAC system’s problems. Be sure to always turn the system off before changing the filter as this can be a safety issue and hinder your home’s air quality.
4. Un-obstruct Your Vents and Returns
Closed or blocked air vents or returns can cause your heating system not to function properly. If vents are blocked by furniture, draperies or anything else, air cannot flow evenly throughout your home. Dirty or clogged vents and returns also restrict the flow of air. Be sure to vacuum and or otherwise clean your returns and vents regularly to make sure the air flow remains constant. This will also help keep your home’s air cleaner.
5. Inspect Your Ductwork
Ductwork that is cracked, deteriorated, or installed incorrectly will cause your conditioned air to leak out and never make it to the inside of your home. Even a small crack or hole in your home’s ductwork can cause poor air flow and very high energy bills. Look at the areas of your ductwork that you can easily see to ensure there are no visible dysfunctions. If you find any, call the professionals right away.
Contact Us
If a simple fix doesn’t get your home’s heating system back up and running, give Bunns & Bennett a call at (256) 536-0967, or email us at [email protected]. We’re your local American Standard Customer Care Dealer in Huntsville, AL. Our factory trained technicians specialize in making sure your system operates like it should.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful information regarding your HVAC system. HVAC troubleshooting tips HVAC troubleshooting tips HVAC troubleshooting tips HVAC troubleshooting tips
