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.