5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
If you’re like most people, you probably only think about your home’s or office’s HVAC system when it’s not working properly. And that’s a shame, because knowing a few simple troubleshooting tips can save you a lot of time and money. Here at Elevated Comfort, we’ve seen almost every HVAC issue imaginable. So we wanted to share with our readers some of the most common problems we see, as well as how to fix them. Keep reading for 5 HVAC troubleshooting tips you’ll wish you knew sooner!
What Is HVAC Troubleshooting?
HVAC troubleshooting is the process of diagnosing and resolving problems with your home’s or office’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It can be as simple as cleaning a dirty filter or checking to see if a fuse has blown. Or it could be more complex, like replacing a faulty compressor.
Why Is HVAC Troubleshooting Important?
Most people only think about their HVAC system when it’s not working properly. But taking the time to learn some basic troubleshooting tips can save you a lot of money in the long run. By being proactive and addressing small issues before they become big ones, you can avoid costly repairs down the road.
Plus, knowing how to troubleshoot your HVAC system can help you avoid calling in a professional every time something goes wrong. While there are some issues that definitely require the expertise of an HVAC contractor, many common problems can be fixed by homeowners themselves.
HVAC Troubleshooting vs HVAC Maintenance
Before we dive into the specific troubleshooting tips, it’s important to understand the difference between troubleshooting and preventive maintenance. Troubleshooting is only necessary when there’s an issue with your HVAC system, whereas preventive maintenance should be performed on a regular basis regardless of whether or not there are any problems.
Preventive HVAC maintenance helps to ensure that your system is running efficiently and can help prevent small issues from turning into big ones. It’s always best to consult with an HVAC professional about how often you should be performing preventive maintenance on your particular system. Now that we’ve got that straightened out, let’s take a look at some specific HVAC troubleshooting tips.
HVAC Troubleshooting: How to DIY Basic Diagnostics
If your HVAC system isn’t working properly, the first thing you should do is check for simple solutions. Sometimes, the problem can be as simple as a blown fuse or a dirty filter. If that’s the case, simply performing some basic HVAC housekeeping can save you the time and expense of calling a professional HVAC repair company like Elevated Comfort.
Tip #1: Check the Filters
One of the most common causes of HVAC problems is dirty filters. If you don’t change your filters regularly, they can become clogged with dust and debris, which can lead to reduced airflow and decreased efficiency. Additionally, dirty filters can cause a build-up of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to check your filters regularly and replace them when necessary.
#2: Inspect the Wiring
Another common cause of HVAC issues is faulty wiring. Over time, wires can become loose or damaged, which can lead to shorts and other problems. These shorts can cause the system to overheat, which can lead to serious damage. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to inspect your wiring regularly and have any damaged or loose wires repaired or replaced by a professional.
Tip #3: Clean the Coils
Coils are an important part of your HVAC system, and they need to be kept clean in order for the system to work properly. Dust and debris can build up on the coils over time, causing them to become clogged. This can lead to reduced airflow and decreased efficiency. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean your coils regularly. You can do this yourself with a brush or vacuum, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
Tip #4: Check the Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is an important part of your HVAC system, and it needs to be at the proper level in order for the system to work properly. If the refrigerant level is too low, it can cause the system to overheat and break down. If the refrigerant level is too high, it can cause the system to freeze up and stop working. To prevent either of these from happening, it’s important to check the refrigerant levels regularly and have them adjusted by a professional if necessary.
Tip #5: Get a Professional Inspection
Even if you’re regularly maintaining your HVAC system and doing your best to keep it running smoothly, there’s still a chance that something could go wrong. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a professional inspection once a year. During an inspection, a technician will thoroughly examine your system and look for any potential problems. If they find anything, they’ll be able to fix it before it becomes a bigger issue.
When HVAC Troubleshooting Isn’t Enough
So you’ve tried everything on our list, and your HVAC system still isn’t working right? Sounds like it’s time to call in the professionals! The experienced technicians here at Elevated Comfort have seen it all when it comes to HVAC systems, and we’re ready to help you get yours back up and running. We serve homeowners and commercial property owners in Santa Rosa, CA, and throughout Northern California. We hope you found this list of HVAC troubleshooting tips helpful! Remember, if you ever have any questions or need assistance with your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always happy to help!
