8 Things to Check in Your HVAC System Before Seeking Professional Help
Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be a lifeline if you live in regions with extreme weather conditions. When your HVAC system breaks or shows some faults, it can get really tough to go through the weather conditions in the time that a professional contractor arrives. So, here is a list of all the things you can check before calling a residential HVAC company.
1. Pay attention to the thermostat’s auto settings
If your AC keeps turning on and off in short intervals (a common sign you need HVAC repairs), it could be because the thermostat is set to “auto” or “automatic”. The AC system will only turn on after the temperature inside the house has risen above the set temperature on the thermostat.
On the other hand, in “on” or “manual” mode, the AC system will run continuously regardless of the temperature inside the house. Note that it is more energy-efficient to keep the thermostat set to “auto” when heating or cooling your home, and can lead to smaller electricity bills.
If your problem persists in non-auto mode, contact an HVAC installation Company in Glenwood to diagnose and fix the problem.
2. Check the air filter before AC Repairs
A dirty or clogged air filter can cause irregularities in the cooling or heating system. It’s quite simple and easy to check their air filters and replace them if necessary. Additionally, regularly replacing air filters can also improve the efficiency of the HVAC system and reduce energy costs.
The frequency of filter replacement can vary depending on factors such as the presence of pets, carpet, or proximity to fields or construction zones. The filter’s size also plays a part. For example, 1-inch filters should be changed every month, 2-inch filters should be changed every 2 months, and 4-5-inch filters should be changed every 6 to 12 months. You can mark the calendars as a reminder to check and replace filters, or you can have a residential HVAC company do it for you.
3. Inspect the circuit breaker before calling an HVAC Company
Due to high power usage or other issues, power switches and breakers sometimes get turned off accidentally due to the usage of other appliances. So, sometimes your job to fix the HVAC could be as simple as turning the switch back on on the circuit breaker. A tripped switch will be in the middle position. You can reset it by turning off and then switching it all the way on.
However, if your circuit breaker has been tripping frequently, it again means that you need to contact residential HVAC installation Glenwood services to take a look at the problem.
4. Take a look at your HVAC vents
HVAC vents and other components such as ducts and grills are all sensitive. Check for blockage caused by dust particles, as that could lead to irregular air flow. If you have furniture or plants in the house, make sure that they are all 2-3 feet away from the vents, so that no additional blockage is caused.
5. Clean the condenser coil outside the HVAC unit regularly
Due to weather conditions, the condenser can be doped with garbage, which could lead to disrupted air flow or excessively warmer temperatures indoors. You can rinse them until the water runs clear to ensure the well-being of your HVAC system.
6. Maintain the outdoor system of your HVAC unit
The condenser unit outside your house is responsible for the airflow indoors. It expels the heat absorbed by the refrigerant inside the unit. However, leaves, branches, dirt, and dust can accumulate on the surface of the unit, restricting the airflow and reducing the system’s efficiency.
Make sure to periodically clean the outside unit, especially during spring and fall, before the heating and cooling seasons. To clean the unit, the power should be shut off first and then use a hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the unit starting from the top to the bottom. You can also hire a HVAC installation Glenwood company to do regular servicing of your outdoor unit.
7. See if the batteries have lost their charge in the Thermostat
Sometimes, the problem can be as simple as changing the batteries in the thermostat. This is an often-overlooked HVAC troubleshooting tip. If the thermostat is not lit or not functioning properly, it could be due to a dead or low battery. In this case, it is time to change the batteries. Most thermostats use standard batteries, such as AA or AAA.
8. Defrost the outdoor system is summers before calling for HVAC maintenance
Frozen pipes can be a cause of irregularities in the cooling system during the summer. So, it is important to thaw out the system by turning it off and allowing it to thaw naturally, or by using a hair dryer or heating pad to speed up the process. However, if the problem persists for several days, it’s important to call HVAC installation Howard County specialist for further diagnosis and repair.