We have all been there: broken heaters or air conditioners on the hottest or coldest days of the year, throwing our homes into disarray. With the right information, though, those difficulties are easy to navigate. This blog is here to give just such helpful advice—so keep reading for five essential tips that will equip you to tackle any minor HVAC-related hiccups with minimal fuss!
5 Things to Check If Your HVAC System Is Having Problems
Check your home circuit breaker panel.
Your home's HVAC system is a high-powered device. As such, it draws a lot of electrical current through your home's circuits, and it's not unusual for the circuit breakers to trip -- especially on really hot or cold days. Make sure all the breakers are switched to "on," and if any switches have been tripped, reset them before attempting further troubleshooting.
Inspect the air filter.
Your HVAC system's air filter is its first line of defense against dirt and other airborne impurities; if the filter becomes clogged, airflow can be significantly reduced, and your system's efficiency will drop. The filter should be changed approximately every three months or so—more often if you have pets in your home or if you're running your system multiple times a day.
Keep in mind that the filter's efficiency rating should be compatible with your HVAC system. Some older systems have a hard time drawing air through filters with really high-efficiency ratings. If airflow through your system appears to be an issue, even with a clean filter in place, you may want to try an air filter with a lower efficiency rating.
Check the thermostat.
The thermostat is your HVAC system's "command center," so if something is operating correctly, check there. After checking the thermostat, many people realize that they had switched their system's fan on, but neither the heat nor the air conditioning was actually running. Make sure that "heat" or "cool" is selected if you want your system to actively heat or cool your home while the fan runs.
If your thermostat is acting strangely, you might need to change its batteries or update its software (if it's a Wi-Fi thermostat). If the thermostat isn't responding at all, this means the batteries are probably dead, the thermostat is broken, or there's a problem with the wiring connected to the thermostat.
Check for debris blocking airflow.
The area around the outside unit must remain clear of debris and other objects, as any obstruction can reduce the airflow and prevent your system from working correctly. Remove all obstacles to ensure optimal performance: clear away weeds, trim back your landscaping, etc.
Look around your home for closed or blocked air vents.
Locate all of the air vents in your home and make sure they're fully open and that no furniture or decor is in their way. Try adjusting the level next to the air register and holding your hand up to the vent to see which direction allows the most air to come out. Remember: if your system doesn't have adequate airflow, it will struggle to perform and may overheat and shut down altogether.
HVAC Services in Dixon, CA
If you need assistance from an experienced HVAC technician, the team at Scorpion Legacy is here to help! We offer a range of repair and maintenance services to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. Our professionally trained and insured technicians have the tools and expertise to get your system up and running in no time.