HVAC Problems You Can Diagnose Yourself

In any home, when the AC stops working or the furnace quits blowing warm air, a sense of dread comes over the homeowner thinking about having to pay for HVAC repair or worse, a full installation of a new system. But before you start thinking about how to pay for the worst, there are a few things that you could do yourself to diagnose and potentially fix the issue. There are a lot of parts within the entire HVAC system, both moving and stationary, that could cause the system to not function properly or not work at all. Here are some things you can do yourself before you call a HVAC company to come out and help.

Check the Filter

Many of the problems we see is when regular maintenance wasn’t completed often enough to prevent a problem. And one of the biggest maintenance issues is when the air filter gets dirty and clogged. A dirty air filter will prevent air from freely moving throughout the system, meaning your home isn’t getting the cool or warm air you want. Simply changing out the filter can make a world of difference.

The Ignition

If you have been hearing strange noises from the furnace, noticing a smell, if the pilot light actually looks discolored, or if the HVAC system isn’t starting at all, there could be an issue with the ignition system. The overall ignition system includes the pilot light, igniters, and other electrical components. If you have a general understanding of these parts, you may be able to tell which one is at fault. You may still have to call for HVAC repair to let an experienced contractor replace the faulty part, but this will cut out some diagnostic time.

The Thermostat

If it’s been a while since the heater turned on and you’re waiting impatiently bundled in a blanket, first check the thermostat. It may seem silly, but no one wants to call for HVAC repair when all that needs to be done is adjust the thermostat. It could also be that the thermostat isn’t working properly. This is what tells the system what it needs to be doing, so if the thermostat isn’t functioning, neither will the furnace or air conditioner.

The Coils

Your heater won’t be able to do much without coils. There are two coils in your HVAC system: a condenser coil and an evaporator coil. Over time, these will slowly degrade and may even break apart. It’s recommended that you have a professional contractor replace the coils, but you can save money by ordering them ahead of time.

At All Air Heating & Cooling in Fredericksburg, we want each of our customers to have a warm home in the winter and a cool home in the summer. And we will do everything we can to make sure this happens. We have been in the HVAC industry for decades and our team has the knowledge and experience you need for a fast and effective repair. If you’re in need of HVAC repair, give our technicians a call today.