Homes are an invaluable asset for most people, but many don’t realize that homeownership comes with many responsibilities. You have to secure the home and do regular maintenance to ensure all the systems are functional.

This includes plumbing, electrical, appliances, yard work, roofing, etc. It’s a lot of maintenance work, and homeowners in Hampton, VA, appreciate any help they can get with it.

This is why today, we will discuss a few HVAC troubleshooting tips that every homeowner should know. It will help you maintain your home’s HVAC system and hopefully prevent any related problems.

What Are 5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips That Every Homeowner Should Know?

Your home’s HVAC system needs to function efficiently to make sure that your home has good quality air and indoor temperature.

If it isn’t functional and efficient, you could find yourself in a difficult situation during the hot and cold days in Hampton, VA.

Knowing some basic tips about troubleshooting will help save you from feeling the outdoor heat and cold and can also save you a ton of money in the long run by increasing the efficiency and longevity of your system.

• Timely Replacement of Air Filters

Majority of the time, home HVAC systems become inefficient because the air filters are either old, blocked, or clogged. Over time dirt and debris in the filter can clog it and block airflow.

The congestion of the HVAC system causes the system to work harder to deliver the desired indoor temperature, like cooling on a hot summer day, thus causing inefficiency. This inefficiency has multiple negative effects.

Firstly, the cooling will be poor, and it will take longer to reach the desired temperatures. Secondly, your electric bill will be higher due to the extra energy the system consumes. Lastly, the extra work will shorten the lifespan of your HAVC system.

It is crucial to check the air filters and replace them at least once every three months. Sometimes, if the filters are worn out, they may need replacement earlier, which is why you should check them every month.

• Clear the Area Near the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of HVAC systems is often surrounded by dust, mud, plants, grass, or other foliage. This means it can easily accumulate debris, leaves, and other things that limit airflow into the compressor over time.

You need to clear dust, debris, and other things from near the outdoor unit regularly, at least once a week. This will prevent unnecessary blockage and keep the system running smoothly. It is also ideal for opening the unit and clearing the debris from the condenser, but unless you know what you are doing, this is best left for professionals.

• Clean Indoor Ducts and Vents

The ducts and vents of your system often accumulate tiny particles of dust and dirt. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also block the flow of air and lower the quality of air in your home. It may not seem like much, but this can cause inefficiency over time.

Knowing when the ducts and vents need cleaning can hugely improve the efficiency and longevity of your system. While you can do it yourself, it is best to hire professionals to clean the ducts and vents of your HVAC system.

• Test the Thermostat First

A faulty thermostat can easily create problems for your system, which is why its proper function is important for the efficiency and longevity of your system. If there is a delay in your system’s startup or it isn’t starting at all, you should test the thermostat first.

Test if it powers on. If not, you may need to change the batteries and check again. If a resetting of the thermostat doesn’t fix things, you may need to call a professional technician from Atlantic PHAC to look into things.

• Check the Power Supply

If your cooling system doesn’t start, check the power supply cords and make sure it is connected. Often, if there is an overload, your circuit breaker has likely cut the power supply, or your locale may be experiencing a power outage.

Check to see if there is a power outage. If not, check the breaker and make sure it is switched on. If this doesn’t help, you’ll need to call a professional technician.

Conclusion

These 5 HVAC troubleshooting tips can help increase the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system and improve indoor air quality and temperatures. Some problems have easy fixes like those mentioned above, whereas others need professional intervention.

We highly recommend the highly experienced professional technicians at Atlantic PHAC for all your plumbing and HVAC system problems in Hampton, VA.

If you want to learn more about HVAC maintenance troubleshooting, or if you need professional help, please visit our website today.

Summers are around the corner, and that means ensuring your air conditioning system is in perfect working condition. After all, you certainly don’t want the heat catching up on you and making you feel stifling humidity inside your house because of a broken A/C.  

Florida experiences hot and humid summers every year. If you want to keep your HVAC efficient and your interior cool and comfortable, you must prepare the unit to welcome the hot weather with open arms.  

Below we offer vital tips to proceed with your HVAC summer maintenance and ensure better ventilation inside your property.  

Inspect The Condenser Covers  

It’s not unusual for people to block cool air from entering the house during the winters. But when you’re preparing your HVAC for the summer, make sure to remove the lids, blankets, and covers.  

You never know; there might be accumulated dirt and debris underneath the covers that need a quick cleanup. You can clean the condenser covers using a coil brush or apply a soft brush on your vacuum to the dirt attached to the condenser coils.  

Cleaning debris doesn’t always ensure your HVAC’s effectiveness. That’s why you must turn the air conditioning unit on after the cleanup to check if it’s working optimally or not.  

Check The Air Filters  

The next thing to do is observe the air filters. Ideally, you must change the filters after every five to six months at max. And if you’re due for a filter replacement, make sure to get the new ones right away.  

If you’ve recently replaced the air filter, you must clean it to remove the dirt that may block your HVAC from cooling your interior.  

Repair The Pipes  

When your air conditioning unit’s suction pipes get damaged, they create gaps that cause cold air to escape. As a result, you might keep you’re A/C open for hours, but it still wouldn’t maintain cool temperatures inside your home. You can contact professional HVAC services to replace the damaged lines and help you prevent energy waste.  

Clean The Vents  

One of the biggest hassles homeowners face during summers is when their vents clog up and disrupt airflow. The best way to avoid such nightmares is by cleaning the dirty ducts beforehand. You can hire professionals to do the job for you. They are more experienced and offer the latest equipment for thorough cleaning.  

Anything that covers HVAC vents is hazardous for the ventilation. Therefore, if you want to maintain a comfy interior, you must ensure that the A/C vents are open and free from potential blockage. If you’re managing the vent cleanup yourself, don’t forget to inspect for pet hair, debris, dust, and dirt.  

Observe For Leaks And Blockage  

Apart from the vents, several other components of your HVAC unit can also block indoor ventilation. Sometimes, there are leaks and gaps around your house, resulting in inefficient cooling. For that, you must check your walls, windows, and doors for possible cracks causing air leaks and seal them immediately.  

Moreover, you must also close your fireplace’s damper to avoid cool indoor air going outside. And lastly, don’t forget to test and adjust the blower components to maintain your air conditioning unit’s efficiency.  

Check The Thermostat  

A thermostat checkup is a crucial part of your HVAC summer maintenance. You must turn the thermostat on and set it to “cool” to assess if it’s working or not. If your thermostat is old and needs replacement, you can install a smart one that does wonders to reduce energy wastage.  

Smart thermostats work when you’re at home and turn off automatically when there’s no one inside the house. You can even manage its setting from your mobile. Overall, smart thermostats are wallet-friendly and reduce your energy bills significantly.  

Professional Maintenance For HVAC, Poquoson, VA, At Your Doorsteps!  

If you plan to schedule seasonal maintenance for your HVAC, Poquoson, VA, offers a reliable solution. Reach out to Atlantic PHVAC and allow us to provide professional-quality services for your air conditioning unit. Our team has extensive industry experience providing A/C repairs, replacements, and installations.  

You can visit our website for further details or call 757-838-1036 to book your HVAC maintenance. You can also send your messages and questions through our online contact form or email your queries at atlanticphac@gmail.com. Our customer representatives are available around the clock to offer emergency air conditioning services for Hampton, VA, and nearby towns.  

Our experienced team is one click away!