Troubleshooting Your Heating & Cooling System Before Scheduling a Service Call

There are a few simple issues that can occur with your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that you can often alleviate yourself. Service calls can be expensive, so before calling in a professional, following are five checks you can perform on your own to determine if the problem is a quick fix or serious enough to require further investigation.

#1 Check your thermostat

Settings on your thermostat can cause issues with your HVAC system. And you never know who else in your household may be fiddling with the settings when you’re not around. Make sure your settings are in order and check thermostat has power/batteries (if applicable) before calling in a pro.

#2 Examine your circuit breakers

If the settings and power/batteries on your thermostat are in order but the system still isn’t working properly, check the circuit breakers. A jolt of electrical energy can sometimes trip a breaker, so this is worth further investigation before calling for help.

#3 Monitor filters

Your HVAC filters should be checked monthly, especially during heavy use like frigid winter days or humid summer ones. If your HVAC unit doesn’t seem to be blowing a sufficient amount of air through your vents, a clogged filter could be the culprit. Changing filters on a regular basis will not only help your HVAC system last longer, but it will also ensure it runs at top efficiency, which saves money long term. 

#4 Make sure interior & exterior vents aren’t obstructed

If certain parts of your home aren’t getting enough hot or cool air, it’s important to check your vents. A vent can sometimes get accidentally shut or covered without you noticing. Also ensure that vents are free from dirt, dust or foreign objects that could obstruct airflow.

#5 Inspect indoor & outdoor switches/exterior disconnects

Most HVAC units have switches located next to the furnace and outdoor air conditioning unit. It’s wise to doublecheck that these haven’t been turned off before calling for service.

If you haven’t been able to resolve your issue after performing the five checks above, it’s time to call for service. Your comfort is important and you also don’t want to risk further complications – and costs – if you don’t get your HVAC system serviced as required.