5 Things to Check Before Calling an HVAC Company

How You Can Troubleshoot Your Own Heating & Air Repair

When your heating or air conditioning system breaks, the immediate reaction is to call a repair service. But before you pick up the phone and contact your local HVAC technician, it may be worth your while to check a few things out yourself first. Many of the calls we receive are actually things our clients could have done themselves to fix their heating and air problems. Your partners at Western Heating, Air & Plumbing are happy to share tips on our top 5 things to check before calling an HVAC company!

1 – The Air Filter

Your HVAC system’s air filter is extremely important for keeping the air clean, but it can also cause problems with your system if it becomes too clogged with dirt and dust. If your air conditioner or furnace isn’t running properly, check the filter FIRST to make sure it hasn’t been blocked by debris. This simple step may solve your heating and air issues just like that!

Some symptoms your HVAC may be experiencing due to a blocked air filter include:

• Reduced Airflow 
• Strange Noises or Smells 
• Reduced Heating and Cooling Capability

Not only will cleaning your filter regularly help keep your system running as it should, but it will also extend the life of your system and keep the air in your home clean and healthy. Experts recommend that you change your air filter at least twice a year, or even monthly, depending on your unique family situation. For instance, if you have pets, you should change your filter more often to account for the extra dander and fur. If you have an allergy sufferer in the home, you should replace it even more often than that.

2 – Thermostat Setting

It may sound obvious, but if your thermostat is set to the wrong temperature or even turned off, your home will not be as comfortable as you would like. First, check that the thermostat is turned to the correct setting. Second, check that the thermostat is set to the right temperature. 

In addition, if you have a programmable thermostat, make sure the clock and timer are set to the right day and time. If your thermostat is supposed to heat or cool you at a certain time of day, but its clock is off, your repair could be something as simple as correcting the time.

3 – Thermostat Battery

Another problem with your heating and AC system is that it is unable to communicate with your thermostat. While wires and plugs can come loose and require a technician to fix, many times, the reason for the disconnect is simply a dead or dying thermostat battery.

Replace the battery in your thermostat to see if this is the cause of your furnace or AC concern. If you replace the battery and it still appears that there is no power to the thermostat, call an HVAC technician or electrician to help with the wiring.

4 – Air Vents and Registers

Just like a dirty air vent can clog the circulation of your heating & air system, other obstructions in the air cycle can hinder your unit’s functionality. Your HVAC system relies upon airflow to work, so it’s important to check that all of the air vents and registers are open and unobstructed. If they become blocked by furniture, rugs or other household items, your HVAC may not be able to operate correctly.

Some signs that your airflow is obstructed include weak airflow, odd smells and clicking or banging noises coming from the vents. Check around your house for any objects blocking the vents and take the necessary steps to move them before calling in the professionals.

5 – The Circuit Breaker

If you’ve checked everything and your HVAC system still isn’t working, the final step is to check the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If the breaker has tripped, your air conditioning or heating system will simply not turn on at all. 

The breaker is often located in the basement or garage and can sometimes be switched off due to high electrical usage or if there are any short circuits present. A sign that your breaker has tripped is if you see a red indicator light against the switch that’s in the “off” position. Once you reset it, your HVAC system should be up and running again. If you switch on the breaker after it has been tripped and it ends up tripping again, you’ll need to call a technician. It could be a problem with the wiring or a short circuit in one of the components.

You Have A Partner In Western

Following these five steps can help you fix your own system. While our team is always ready and willing to help, these actions ensure you’re not wasting time and money on an unnecessary service visit. 

If these solutions do not fix your HVAC problem, then it’s time to call in the pros! Western techs are available around the clock at (801) 218-2187. Make sure you have all the details about your system before calling so we can come prepared and get the job done right.  

With a little troubleshooting and the Western team ready if you need us, you and your family will stay comfortable without hassle all year round!