As HVAC professionals, we have seen systems in both major and minor states of deterioration. Being a homeowner, you should not let your HVAC get to the point of complete malfunction. Your HVAC apparatus works tirelessly throughout the year to keep you comfortable in seasons of both extreme hot and cold weather. Left unattended, all the damage and weathering from months or even years of continual work takes a toll, and it might malfunction or stop working altogether. Before you consult an HVAC repair service like us, there are steps you can take to diagnose minor glitches. A little knowledge of basic maintenance and troubleshooting can save you and/or your family some cold winter nights.
However, if the below-mentioned tips do not work, please consult an HVAC provider.
1. Inspect Air Filters
Congested, overworked, and dirty filters are among the frequent causes of HVAC strain and failure. This makes air filters one of the first things you should check when troubleshooting your HVAC system. Any malfunction of the filters forces the system to overwork to deliver the same conditions. The resulting consequences are increased energy consumption and accelerated wear and tear, making your HVAC’s lifespan much shorter than it should be. From experience, we recommend inspection and replacement of your air filters every two to three months. It is also advisable to have a couple of spare filters in the house for convenience. Especially for people with conditions such as asthma, filters must be paid close attention to as dirty filters force the HVAC to circulate allergens in the building such as pet hair, pollen, and dust.
2. Check Your Thermostat
From our vast experience working with air conditioning apparatus, we have seen the thermostat as the second device you should pay close attention to. Even though thermostats are often durable, they, too, are prone to malfunction occasionally. The following are common thermostat issues:
- The system will not turn on
- The set temperature and actual temperature do not match.
- The system turns on at the wrong time.
Most thermostats are battery-powered and have a tendency to malfunction when power is low. Change the batteries and test the system. If this does not work, we recommend getting in touch with HVAC service professionals such as ourselves to solve your problem. A resetting of the on/off function and temperature reading usually solves this issue.
3. Inspect The Outside Unit
The next thing we advise that you check is the outside unit. Note that many people ignore this crucial element of their system even though it is central to airflow throughout the building. Being on the outside, this unit’s exposure to elements such as leaves, tree branches, and other solid matter constrict airflow to the internal space, depleting cooling power and quality of air. We advise opening the air conditioner, condensing the structure, and cleaning out all the debris. To help prevent this from occurring too often, you should also trim any vegetation near the unit and remove any hazards in the surrounding area.
4. Listen For Loud Noises From The Unit
Most HVAC systems, at one point or another, will start producing consistent noises. Whether you are at home or in the office, this is particularly distracting. A common cause is the accumulation of particles and matter on the fan motor. This device is responsible for introducing cold air into the ducts and guiding hot air out of the building. A thorough cleaning of your unit may assist in reducing or eliminating the noise. However, remember that there could be other causes of noise, like a damaged fan. Noises are often hard to locate precisely for both homes and commercial buildings. In both instances, it is much safer to consult an HVAC technician in Philadelphia to avoid any misdiagnosis.
5. Power Supply Issues
This is definitely the easiest issue to deal with. When your unit does not turn on at all and seems totally dead, the problem could be a short circuit or power surge and/or fluctuation. The things that would cause your circuit breaker to trip could be the case here. In this scenario, just recalibrate the system and power up to resume normal operation. For good measure, inspect cords for damage from rodents and other hazards.
Also, note that sometimes the above solution will not work. Here, the outlet is most probably the culprit. Unplug your unit and plug in another high-voltage appliance to test it and replace it accordingly.
When In Doubt, Reach Out
ProMaxx Electric Heating & Cooling is just a call away if you think your system needs professional intervention. We also handle installations and provide stellar electrical services for both homes and commercial properties. Knowing how important HVAC systems are in you and/or your business’s life, we treat any issues with the utmost diligence.
Even when your system breaks down in the middle of the night, ProMaxx HVAC Services is by your side. We pride ourselves on the 24-hour emergency service we provide, and customers love our speed and efficiency.
Give us a call today for the best HVAC Services money can buy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
