How to Troubleshoot a Home Central Heat & A/C System

Troubleshooting a central air conditione.r

When it comes to central heating and cooling, home owners are usually beset with a myriad of issues. Otherwise known as an HVAC or heating, ventilating and air conditioning, the HVAC system serves you well throughout the year by keeping the temperature of your house at a comfortable degree. Learning how to trouble shoot your HVAC is essential, as you never know when it may begin to malfunction.

Instructions

1. Go to your main switch or home heating and cooling panel. Make sure that the HVAC system is connected to the main power supply. Don't forget to check for tripped circuits and blown power fuses. Often, homeowners ignore the very basic rules of troubleshooting, spending an enormous amount of energy and time on unnecessary trivial matters instead of looking at the root cause of the problem.

2. Locate the central unit of your HVAC system outside your house. The central unit is the heart and the brain of the HVAC system, and uses air ducts and pumps to circulate hot or cool air throughout your house according to the temperatures you have set. Make sure that it is set to your desired configuration.

3. Find the condenser/evaporator of the HVAC system outside your house. Make sure that the fan is running, and the blades and outer coils are clean of dirt and debris. Cleaning may be done with a vacuum cleaner, a brush or a soaked cloth. While cleaning, always make sure that the fan is turned off. Don't apply excessive pressure or the blades may become bent and the motor may malfunction.

4. Replace or clean the filters found in the central unit. These filters trap dust particles from the air flowing into your house by using electrostatic discharge. For best performance, don't run the system without using electrostatic dust filters or when they are wet.

5. Consult the user manual provided by your HVAC manufacturing company to figure out how to lubricate the motor of the condenser. Most condensers usually have ports that allow homeowners to add few drops of oil for lubrication.

Tips & Warnings

• It is usually a good practice to read the owner's manual before any trouble shooting. Common mistakes may be avoided by carefully reading the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Regularly tuning up and servicing of HVAC system also prevent frequent malfunctions.

• Always disconnect the power supply from the electrical equipment while troubleshooting. Also make sure that you wear insulating gloves to protect from any electricity discharges.

References

• Inspectapedia: Air Conditioning Diagnosis, Inspection, Repair Guide