HVAC Troubleshooting

HVAC Troubleshooting Before Service Call Saves Money

Before an expensive service call to an HVAC technician, homeowners can perform simple HVAC troubleshooting and maintenance. Geisel, a Carrier distributor and residential HVAC maintenance provider recommends the following steps for troubleshooting HVAC problems.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Work gloves
• Safety googles
• Furnace air filter
• Vacuum
• Weed or hedge trimmer

HVAC Troubleshooting- Check the Basics

1. Check to ensure proper thermostat settings. The system setting must be "Heat" or "Cool" with the fan switch set to "Auto" or "On." For air conditioning, the thermostat must be set lower than the ambient room temperature for the system to kick on. For heating, set the thermostat higher than the room temperature to check if the HVAC system starts up.

2. HVAC Troubleshooting- Check Programmable Thermostat Settings

   Check for correct day and time settings on a programmable thermostat and whether the system has just entered a program period with an undesirable setting that needs modification.

3. If everything seems fine with the thermostat, inspect the circuit breaker box to see if the breaker for the HVAC system has tripped or if a fuse is blown. Some breakers appear "On" when not fully engaged. Flip the HVAC breaker off and on again.

4. Inspect the natural gas line to a gas-fired furnace. The handle should be parellel to the pipe when the gas valve is open.

5. Examine airflow. Supply and return grates should be unobstructed. Blocked grills make rooms too hot or too cold. If supply and return openings are clear, check for a dirty air filter and replace (or clean if permanent) as necessary.

Troubleshooting a HVAC System- Safety First!

1. Before removing access panels, turn off all power to the unit. Many HVAC units will have more than one breaker.

2. Protect eyes from dust and debris with safety googles. Small abrasive particles can lead to major corneal scratches and eye infection.

3. Unscrew the access panel while wearing protective gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges and protect from burns from a recently firing furnace.

HVAC Troubleshooting- Furnace Maintenance

1. Air flow is essential to furnace efficiency. Check air filters once a month to maintain peak operation. Permanent filters are washed and returned to the unit when completely dry. Some models even fit in the dishwasher. Consider keeping a spare permanent filter in humid environments with long drying times or use a blow dryer to speed the process. Geisel reminds homeowners to clean electronic air filters quarterly.

2. Geisel recommends cleaning dust from the indoor coil using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment.

3. Geisal states that evidence of "dirt, soot, or rust" in the furnace combustion chamber warrant a service call to an HVAC technician.

HVAC Troubleshooting- Outdoor Conenser Unit

1. HVAC Troubleshooting- Clear Debris and Vegetation from Outdoor Unit

   Keep vegetation clear of the outdoor unit. Clear area at least eighteen to twenty four inches around the unit to ensure proper air flow and drainage. Do not obstruct the unit for aesthetics.

2. Geisel recommends periodically clearing debris from the base pan to improve drainage.

3. Geisel also reminds homeowners that the outdoor condenser unit of an HVAC system must be level. If the unit has settled, it will need adjustment. A small concrete pad gently sloped for optimal drainage makes an ideal environment for the condenser unit.

4. Clean the outdoor coil on the condenser unit with a vacuum or by blowing off dust using a leaf blower.

Tips & Warnings

• Countless HVAC calls result from misprogrammed or incorrect thermostat settings and neglected maintenance tasks like air filter changes. Save money by troubleshooting your HVAC system first. Consider having HVAC duct work cleaned during a service call. Items like toys, lost socks, and rodent nests reduce air flow and lead to unsanitary conditions exacerbating dust and allergy problems. If an old mercury thermostat needs replacement, hire a professional or get detailed wiring diagrams as incorrect installation can damage an HVAC system.

• Avoid electrical shock while maintaining and troubleshooting heating and air conditioning systems by only removing access panels after disconnecting power supplies. Avoid burn injuries from a recently running furnace by allowing the unit to cool and wearing protective gloves. Take extra precautions around gas furnaces.