We heavily rely on our HVAC systems, especially when the weather is extremely cold or hot. So, when it suddenly stops working, it can be stressful for you and everyone in your home. If your HVAC has been running normally but stops working seemingly out of nowhere, what are you supposed to do? Here are a few repair tips you can use to see if you can get your HVAC back up and running like it should.
Check Your Thermostat
The first thing you’ll want to do when dealing with HVAC troubleshooting is to look at your thermostat. If you see that the thermostat is showing a temperature you haven’t set it to or running in the wrong mode, it’s a huge indicator of a system failure.
When an HVAC system stops working, the thermostat is often the culprit. Since most thermostats use batteries, you’ll want to ensure the batteries are working. If they’re not, replace the batteries and see if that gets the system back up and running.
Look at the Power Supply
Your HVAC can’t run without power. Head to wherever your circuit breaker is and make sure that it’s not tripped. If the breaker is tripped, reset it and see if your system starts running. Make sure to give it a little bit of time to get working and make sure that it stays running. If you reset the breaker and it trips almost immediately or even a while after you reset it, you might have an electrical problem and need to call in an electrician.
Inspect Your Outdoor Unit
If you have an outdoor HVAC unit, you need to check that, too. You’ll want to make sure there’s no debris blocking the unit. Debris can be anything from leaves to snow to twigs. Anything obstructing the airflow can cause your unit to run inefficiently or not at all. While you’re out there, check the fan. If it’s running, listen for any abnormal sounds. If there is anything strange, calling in help might be your best bet.
Check the Air Filters, Vents, and Ducts
You’ll also want to examine your air filters, ducts, and vents. As you look at them, check for any closed or blocked vents, which can lead to airflow problems. An airflow problem can cause an entire system failure. Open any closed vents, remove anything that could be blocking the airflow, look for any damage in your ducts, and change your air filters to see if that solves your problem.
Look for Refrigerant Leaks
While you can’t really fix this problem on your own, you can get a good idea of whether a refrigerant leak is your main problem. If you see ice on your evaporator coils or hear hissing sounds, your system might be leaking refrigerant. You’ll need to hire a professional contractor to diagnose the problem and fix it officially.
Listen for Weird Sounds
When your HVAC system stops working, listen for any weird or unusual sounds. Any sounds that are out of the ordinary can indicate a problem with any part of your system. You might hear rattling, squealing, or banging noises, which aren’t a good sign.
Check the Drain Line
Almost all HVAC systems have a drain line to help remove condensation. When this is clogged, you will likely see water damage, which can also lead to your HVAC system stopping working. You can check for visible blockage, but this is another issue where you’ll want to call a professional to assess and solve the problem.
Call in the Professionals
You can do many things on your own to find out why your HVAC system stopped working and fix it yourself, but more often than not, calling in the professionals is the best thing you can do. HVAC contractors can identify your problem quickly and get it squared away efficiently. When you work with a contractor, you don’t have to worry about potentially worsening the issue by trying to handle it on your own.
When your HVAC system stops working, it can be stressful, especially when it’s particularly hot or cold outside. The best thing you can do is call in the professionals, like those at Schwantes. We’ll be able to inspect your system thoroughly to determine the problem and offer a solution. Contact Schwantes Heating and Air Conditioning today if your system isn’t working or you need to schedule routine maintenance.
