5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips That Every Homeowner Should Know

When it comes to home comforts, there’s not much higher on the list than a comfortable temperature. You could live in a home with beautiful decor, modern appliances, and all the features you’ve ever wanted, but you won’t want to spend time there if the heating or cooling isn’t up to par!

Heating & air conditioning issues can make life difficult very fast, especially during intense seasons such as the summer months or rapidly dropping temperatures during the winter.

It can take a visit from an experienced team, such as Cool Image Heating & Air Conditioning, to find and repair serious HVAC issues. But there’s several things any homeowner can do year-round to keep their HVAC system in optimal condition.

Here Are 5 Tips To Help Any Homeowner During An HVAC Emergency:

1. MAKE SURE AIR FILTERS ARE REGULARLY REPLACED

Air filters are on the frontlines of any HVAC system, keeping debris, dust, and pollutants out of the HVAC’s inner components and improving your home’s air quality.

Air filters that aren’t replaced on time force your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, which consumes more energy. Over time, this can cause energy bills to skyrocket. This can also affect the life of your HVAC unit.

To prevent this, air filters should be checked and replaced every 2 to 3 months. Make it a habit to keep extra air filters on hand, and set reminders on your phone or calendar to make air filter replacement an integral part of your household routine.

2. CHECK ON YOUR THERMOSTAT

Your thermostat is often the first signal that something might be wrong with your HVAC system. If you set a certain temperature and it fails to adjust, that could mean your system isn’t functioning as it should.

The fix could be as simple as changing out the batteries on your thermostat. However, if you change the batteries and the problem persists, then you’ll need to contact a trusted HVAC technician, like Cool Image, to get to the root of the problem.

Your thermostat can also make it easier to help you save on energy costs. Set your thermostat at a constant temperature — ideally between 68-70 degrees — for a comfortable temperature that puts less strain on your HVAC.

You can also invest in a smart thermostat, which allows you to program your thermostat from your phone. You can set your thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re out of the house to save energy.

3. CHECK AND CLEAN YOUR OUTDOOR UNIT

It’s important to periodically check your outdoor unit to make sure it stays clear of debris, such as fallen leaves, branches, or excessive dust, as these substances can get stuck inside the unit and affect air flow.

Keeping the unit clean can help keep your HVAC functioning as it should. You should also prune plants or trees near the unit to make cleaning easier.

4. MONITOR YOUR HVAC’S POWER SUPPLY

Inspect your HVAC unit’s circuit breakers and power supply if your HVAC won’t turn on. Circuits can sometimes overload, causing them to automatically turn off. Unexpected power outages can also cause issues with circuits and breakers. If your system still won’t turn on, call an HVAC technician.

5. SCHEDULE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Just like a car, HVAC systems need regular tune-ups to ensure they stay in the best possible condition. Make sure you schedule routine maintenance service, especially before high-impact seasons like summer and winter.

Cool Image offers one-time and seasonal HVAC maintenance at affordable prices. Our maintenance services include cleaning and replacing filters, checking electrical connections, refrigerant levels, thermostat calibration, and many other features designed to keep your HVAC system at its best.

With these tips on hand, you can handle any issues that arise with your HVAC system. And for whatever you can’t handle, give Cool Image Heating & Air Conditioning a call. We’re always happy to help take care of any HVAC problems and get you back in comfort again!