Your heating and cooling system keeps you comfortable and, in extreme temperatures, keeps you safe. Chances are, every home you’ll ever live in will have one of these systems. Regular maintenance and upkeep are key to keeping them, and you, healthy and happy. But what happens when something does go wrong, should you call a professional technician? Luckily, not all problems require an expert, especially if you know these 5 HVAC troubleshooting tips.

Check Your Air Filters

If your unit seems to be working much harder than usual at heating or cooling your home, the problem could be as simple as your air filter. Air filters are designed to keep debris out of your air handler, but over time that same debris will build up on the surface. This forces your air conditioner or furnace to work harder to pump air throughout the system. When your unit seems on longer than normal or isn’t quite getting to the temperature it’s set at, check to see if the air filter needs to be replaced. 

Consult Your Circuit Breaker

At times when your unit refuses to turn on altogether, it could simply be a blown breaker. Take a gander downstairs to find your circuit box and see if anything has been tripped. If so, switch it back on and your unit should start running again normally. If this doesn’t seem to solve the problem, you will need to call in a professional.   

Routinely Tidy Your Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor compressor has to put up with the elements and everything else that comes along with being outside. Trees, grass, animals, poor weather, and a number of other factors could be impacting the efficiency of your unit. Make it a habit to tidy up the area around it at least once a month to be sure that nothing is clogging it.

Clean Registers & Vents

In our day-to-day lives, it can be easy to forget the little openings in each room that keep the temperature-treated air flowing through the house. Covering them up or allowing dirt and debris to settle into them can obstruct that airflow, force your HVAC to work harder, and increase your energy bills. 

Inspect Your Thermostat

Sometimes the issue isn’t your HVAC unit at all, it’s the thermostat. A loose connection or dead batteries could be the culprit. Take a look to see if anything is loose or needs replacing. You would be surprised at how many calls are a simple matter of new batteries!

Follow these troubleshooting tips anytime your HVAC seems to be having issues. If these 5 steps don’t improve the problem, then you can call in the pros. For professional and friendly HVAC service in the Wickenburg and Surprise areas, contact our team at McMillin Air!