Menu

HVAC Troubleshooting: What All to Check Before Calling a Pro

Before calling in an HVAC tech, try these troubleshooting tips. You may be able to fix the issue yourself and save some money along the way.

When your HVAC system stops working, your first instinct may be to reach for the phone. While large problems may merit the expertise of a professional, there are several things you can check first to do some troubleshooting yourself. If the issue appears to be one of the options on this list, then there’s good news! You can fix the problem yourself and save the money you would have spent on an HVAC technician for your home improvement budget, your fun spending, or just set it aside for a rainy day. We spoke to some HVAC experts to get some insight on what to look for and when it’s time to call in a professional. This way you can go out with confidence, knowing that you’re well equipped to keep your home at the right temperature. Additionally, you can rest assured that if you’re calling in help, it’s because the problem is serious.

Renting vs Owning

If you’re renting your home, your property manager is likely in charge of scheduling big repairs. If you do end up needing to call in an HVAC tech, it’s a good idea to call your property manager to report any issues prior to calling a technician. It is not uncommon for technicians to arrive and be unable to make repairs without the owner’s consent.

Help Your System Out

You should help your system out as much as possible to prevent issues. When the temperature becomes unbearable outside, it’s a good idea to keep your curtains and blinds closed on the west side of their home since this is normally where the sun shines and traps heat within the home. Even something this small can keep your HVAC system operating smoothly and in top condition for many years. You should also be aware of the limits of your system. On average, there will always be a 20-degree temperature difference between the inside of your property and the outside. For example, if it is 92 degrees outside, homeowners can expect their indoor temperature to be an average of 72 degrees. However, if it is significantly warmer such as 100+ degrees, the unit can experience difficulty in trying to cool the property. So while it may be warmer than you’d like on a particularly hot day, if you’re around 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature, your system is probably still working.

1 / 8
air conditioner
Family Handyman

Air Filter

There are several HVAC issues that you can fix yourself. If your system isn’t working as expected, your first order of business should be checking your air filter and replacing it if necessary. If you have pets, carpet, or if your home is near fields or construction zones, it’s a good idea to have multiple filters on hand for convenient replacement. As a general rule, 1-in. filters should be changed every month, 2-in. filters should be changed every 2 months and 4 – 5-in. filters should be changed every 6 to 12 months.

2 / 8
FH07DJA_474_05_042_1200x1200 Understand Electrical circuit breaker box

Circuit Breakers

It is not uncommon for power switches and breakers to be accidentally turned off when other appliances are being installed. If the air filter wasn’t the issue, you should check your circuit breaker to make sure the issue isn’t as simple as needing to turn a switch back on. Circuit breakers are typically located in the garage, although in some homes you can find them in the basement, hallway or storage room.

3 / 8
FH14JUN_549_56_003 air conditioner vent
Family Handyman

Vents

Vents are a sensitive component of any cooling and heating system. When HVAC troubleshooting, it’s important to check vents, ducts, and grills for blockage as that can be the leading factor of irregular air flow. Be sure to keep your furniture or plants at least two feet away from vents.

4 / 8
fh13mar_536_60_032-1200x1200 family playing board game during a power outage
Family Handyman

Power Outages

Before you call an HVAC tech, it is imperative to ensure you have power. If you’re having issues at a commercial property, it can be difficult to determine during business hours. However, this is often the main cause of irregular airflow. If your issues is in your home this is still a good step; a power outage is a straightforward explanation and generally doesn’t require expensive parts to repair.

5 / 8
shutterstock_99673421 rechargeable batteries
VLADY SLAV DANILIN/Shutterstock

Check the Batteries

While there are a number of contributing factors such as blocked vents that can constrict air flow or lead to irreversible damages, the problem might be as simple as changing your batteries. This HVAC troubleshooting tip is often overlooked, but it’s one of the easiest fixes out there! If the thermostat is not lit, it is time to change the batteries.

6 / 8
dfh13_shutterstock_220726759 air conditioner
GSPHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Check the Outside Unit

It’s easy to overlook your outside unit during checks of the HVAC system. However, it’s the central point for airflow into a building. Debris such as leaves and branches can suffocate the entire unit as they are sucked onto the surface. If this is the issue, you can utilize a hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the unit. Start from the top to the bottom to remove excess debris once you’ve shut the power off. To prevent this from happening in the future, we recommend keeping a minimum of a 3-feet radius of debris free area to ensure healthy air flow in addition to preventing future complications.

7 / 8
Shutterstock 631330193 air conditioner
Thana Thanadechakul/Shutterstock

Summer Frost

If you’re having problems with your cooling system in the summer, sometimes the cause is counterintuitive. Believe it or not, your pipes can actually freeze from overuse. If this turns out to be the problem, you’ll have to thaw out the system to resolve the problem, which can take up two hours. Turn the unit off at the thermostat but turn the FAN on to efficiently thaw out the system. And to prevent the issue from happening going forward, be realistic about your settings. As tempting as it may be, do not set the thermostat below 70 degrees no matter how hot it gets outside! Otherwise you run the risk of freezing the system again.

Please note, when the system is thawed out and you turn it back on, it will continue cooling. However, it can potentially freeze over again. This could go on for a day or two. If this continues to persist for several days, it’s time to call in a certified HVAC tech as it can be an indication of further damage.

8 / 8
Sears-Dealer-Conversation air conditioner repair

Watch Out for Wires

Sometimes you can damage your HVAC system when clearing your property of weeds. Exercise caution when using a weed whacker around an outdoor unit because it can lead to clipped wires. Be on the lookout for wires that are out of place as you approach the unit. If you spot any, please contact your local certified HVAC tech.

About the Experts