HVAC Troubleshooting Tips That Every Homeowner Should Know

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your HVAC system until there’s a problem. And by then, it’s usually too late. The good news is that many HVAC problems can be diagnosed and fixed without the help of a professional. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some HVAC troubleshooting tips that every homeowner should know. We’ll also provide information on how our team at Express Tech Air can help you with all of your heating and cooling needs!

HVAC Troubleshooting Tips

HVAC units do a lot to keep you and your family comfortable during the hottest of months and the coldest of months. Because of this, your HVAC system will need regular maintenance. While we always suggest calling our team for maintenance twice a year, there are a few HVAC troubleshooting tips that every homeowner should know to ensure that their system is running properly between your scheduled maintenance services.

Listen for Noises and Check for Any Damages

Our first HVAC troubleshooting tip is to keep an ear out for any damage or loud noises. Typically if something is wrong with your system, it will find a way to let you know. It may produce a noise that will be difficult to ignore or even produce a strange odor.

The first thing you should do is check for drafts. A leaky duct can cause your heating or cooling system to be less efficient, which can raise your utility bills. If the ductwork is badly damaged or too old, you should call a professional. However, if there are only small cracks or holes, you may be able to fix them yourself.

HVAC Troubleshooting

Clean Your Vents, Ducts, and Registers

Another HVAC troubleshooting tip is to clean your vents, ducts and registers. Over time, they can get clogged with dust and other debris. This can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear on your system. You should clean your vents, ducts and registers at least once a year.

Check the Air Filters

Oftentimes when you start to notice issues around your home, the most likely solution to your problem is to change your air filters. Dirty air filters allow debris to clog up essential components of your HVAC system and run up your utility bills.

When your filters are clogged with dirt and debris your system will not cool your home as well as it should. This blockage also greatly increases the amount of energy that is needed to run the HVAC system, which will show up on your utility bills. Depending on the type of HVAC system you have, you should change your air filters every 30 to 90 days.

Another thing you should be aware of is that if your air conditioner is having trouble maintaining temperatures you may have the air filters to blame. As we mentioned, the blockage causes your air conditioner to work extra hard, allowing pollutants to push through the filter and reduce your indoor air quality. Paying attention to your filters is probably one of the most important HVAC troubleshooting tip to follow.

Inspect the Outside Unit

Next on our list of HVAC troubleshooting tips is to inspect your outside unit. If you have an HVAC system that uses an outdoor unit, it’s important to inspect it regularly. Look for any debris that may be blocking the airflow, such as leaves or dirt. You should also make sure that there is nothing obstructing the unit, such as a fence or shrubbery. If you notice any issues, you should call a professional for help with your HVAC troubleshooting needs.

Test Your Thermostat

If you’re having trouble with your HVAC system, one of the first things you should do is test your thermostat. Make sure that it’s set to the correct temperature and that it’s turned on. You should also check the batteries to see if they need to be replaced. If your thermostat is still not working properly, you may need to call a professional.

Check Your Breaker Box

HVAC troubleshooting

If your HVAC system suddenly stops working, the first thing you should do is check your breaker box. Oftentimes, a tripped breaker can cause your HVAC system to shut off. If you see that the breaker has been tripped, simply reset it and see if that solves the problem. If not, you may need to call a professional.

Pay Attention to Your Utility Bills

One of the best HVAC troubleshooting tips is to pay attention to your utility bills. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly higher than usual, it could be an indication that something is wrong with your HVAC system. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as a leaky duct or a clogged air filter. If you notice a spike in your energy bill, you should call a professional.

Our Best HVAC Troubleshooting Tip Is...

But do you want to know the best HVAC troubleshooting tip? Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance! By having your HVAC system serviced by a professional on a regular basis, you can avoid many of the common issues that can cause it to break down. HVAC maintenance is especially important in the spring and fall, when you’ll be using your HVAC system the most.

If you’re looking for a professional HVAC company to help you with all of your heating and cooling needs, look no further than Express Tech Air in Manassas. Our team of highly trained HVAC technicians are here to help you with everything from HVAC maintenance to repairs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

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