If you live in one of America’s hottest regions, like Arizona or Florida, where temperatures can rise to 107°F during summer, the last thing you want these days is your HVAC system to fail. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, your HVAC system suddenly stops working without showing any signs.

If your HVAC system isn’t working, it’s advisable to call a professional HVAC service company provider. However, with a basic knowledge of how to troubleshoot an HVAC system, you can fix a minor issue independently. This blog post will discuss why you should inspect an HVAC unit and ways to troubleshoot your HVAC system.

Why Should You Inspect an HVAC Unit?

Not only is HVAC Home inspection (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system an essential component of routine home maintenance, but it can also have a significant impact on the comfort, safety, and financial stability of your house.

First of all, routine maintenance makes sure the system runs as efficiently as possible. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that HVAC systems can use up to 50% of the energy in a house. Regular inspections can find and fix problems that may be causing energy waste, but an inefficient system can dramatically raise energy expenditures.

Moreover, the safety aspect cannot be overstated. HVAC inspections can reveal potential hazards like gas leaks or electrical issues, which, if left unchecked, could pose serious risks. In addition, poor HVAC maintenance is a common cause of indoor air quality problems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors, and a well-maintained HVAC system is essential in filtering out these contaminants.

What Is an HVAC Emergency?

A competent HVAC technician must be called right away to an HVAC emergency. It is defined by the HVAC system’s inability to maintain a comfortable interior atmosphere or when it is completely inoperative.

Common Reasons for HVAC Emergencies

Let’s discuss some of the most common reasons for HVAC emergencies.

Lack of Maintenance

One of the biggest reasons for HVAC emergencies is a lack of routine maintenance. Dirty filters, clogged ducts, and other problems might break the system and create an emergency.

Electricity Issues

An emergency with the HVAC system might result from electrical problems, including damaged wiring or tripped breakers. Electrical issues may damage the system, requiring expensive repairs or replacements.

Leaks of Refrigerants

A total breakdown of the HVAC system may result from refrigerant leakage. Leaks of refrigerants are also risky since they might be toxic if treated incorrectly.

Leaky or Blocked Ducts

The HVAC system may have to work harder due to clogged or leaking ducts, which might result in malfunctions or breakdowns. Blocked ducts can also bring on poor air quality and other health problems.

Component Error

Several parts make up HVAC systems; anyone failing might result in an emergency. Motors, compressors, and fans are typical parts that might malfunction.

How Can an HVAC Outer Unit Get Water Damaged?

While the rain is great for cooling off the heat and making trees grow, the heavy downpours can nonetheless cause serious water damage to your HVAC outer unit. Though the HVAC system’s outer parts, like the condenser coil and compressor, are structured to withstand all weather elements and handle heavy rain, too much rain can impact the unit and lower its performance. Here’s how:

• Erosion, mud slicks, and gullies cause the outdoor unit’s pad to shift as the rain washes away the earth beneath it. Hence, the system is no longer level. It is either completely off or partly washed away. In such a situation, it is advisable to keep the unit off and not operate it unit it is restored to its optimal functional level.
• Falling branches, leaves, and debris after rain or flooding can damage the system too. The wet leaves and debris can enter the unit and damage the fins and fan blades.
• Flooding and standing water around the unit is also a serious issue. This can also cause water damage to the outer parts of the system. Therefore, to avoid further damage, turn off the unit and inspect it by a professional.
• HVAC leaks can also cause the system to experience water damage. If the damages are not addressed promptly, they can cause serious and costly damage to the system. For example, the HVAC system features a condensate pump. This pump is designed to drain off any condensation your unit may create. Hence, the water from condensation accumulated within the HVAC system collects into its reservoir. When the reservoir fills, the HVAC pump switches on to push out the water, but if there are leaks in the pump, the unit can get water damaged as the water drips and pools in the system.

8 Ways to Troubleshoot Your HVAC System

Here are eight ways you can troubleshoot your HVAC system:

1.     Check the Air Filters

Start with a visual inspection of the entire HVAC system. This includes the outdoor unit (condenser), indoor unit (evaporator), and any visible ductwork and vents. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, corrosion, or any physical damage to the unit. Ensure that the area around the outdoor unit is clear of debris and has adequate clearance for air circulation.

Next, go a little deeper and inspect the air filters since it’s one of the most common ways to troubleshoot an HVAC system. Usually, it’s advisable to clean your air filter every ninety days to prevent it from getting clogged with dust and debris.

A clogged air filter will prevent the air from flowing throughout the HVAC system. As a result, motors and other components may overheat. Therefore, if you want your HVAC system to work optimally, it’s best to clean the air filters on time.

2.     Inspect the Thermostat

In case you have an old HVAC system, a faulty thermostat might be the issue. You need to start off by checking the batteries in order to inspect your thermostat. Once you’re done, reset the thermostat’s temperature and see if your HVAC starts functioning.  

If the problem persists, it’s time to replace the old thermostat with a new one. One thing to note here is that too much fluctuation can cause a thermostat to malfunction. Therefore, it’s best to keep your home’s temperature constant throughout the year to prevent such issues.

3.     Inspect the Furnace Door

Most furnaces come with switches that stop them from working when the service door is open. If your furnace does not work correctly, you can try opening the service door and closing it again to see if this works. 

4.     Reset the Entire HVAC System

This is one of the simple approaches to take if your HVAC system is not working. Though this is a simple fix, it can come in handy. Remember that every HVAC system component has a unique reset method, from the air conditioner to the heat pump.

You can also go through the owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to reset your HVAC system.

5.     Clean the Vents

Vents are prone to get clogged with debris if they are not cleaned regularly. A clogged vent prevents the air from flowing smoothly throughout the system. This results in affecting your HVAC system’s peak efficiency. If you come across this issue, it’s best to reach out to a professional HVAC service company to get the job done.

6.     Checking Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant levels are essential for your HVAC unit to function correctly. Low refrigerant levels can be a sign of a leak or other problems. As HVAC home inspectors, we use specialized tools to measure refrigerant levels and ensure they align with the manufacturer’s specifications.

7.     Inspecting the Electrical Components

Examine all electrical connections, wiring, and controls for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Ensure all electrical components are functioning correctly and safely. This includes checking the capacitors, contactors, and relays.

8.     Testing the System’s Performance

Finally, test the overall performance of the HVAC unit. This involves running the system through a complete cycle to ensure it heats and cools effectively and reaches the set temperatures. Pay attention to any unusual noises or odors which could indicate a problem.

Consult Revolutionary Air for Professional Inspection Today!

Regular inspections by qualified HVAC home inspectors are key to maintaining efficiency and prolonging the life of your HVAC unit. A thorough inspection not only ensures your system is running optimally but also helps identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Reach out to Revolutionary Air today! Our team of skilled HVAC home inspectors is dedicated to ensuring your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are running smoothly and efficiently. Whether it’s routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete system overhaul, we’ve got you covered. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact Revolutionary Air now for reliable, top-quality HVAC solutions that keep your home comfortable all year round.