Homeowners know that there are months when you will heavily rely on your HVAC system. It all depends on the season of course. This is why it is possible for it to breakdown. So, what should you do if that happens? Do you immediately call a professional for HVAC repair?
There are some troubleshooting tips that you can follow before you actually need to call the pros. The first would be to check your air filters. A dirty air filter can cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage to your HVAC system. This is why it is important to check your air filter every month and replace it if it’s dirty or clogged. The good thing is that this is a simple task, but if you are unsure how to do it, there are many videos online that demonstrate how to do this on your own.
The next thing you should do is clean your air ducts and vents. Depending on your HVAC system, you can even use a vacuum cleaner or a soft-bristled brush to remove dust and debris from your air ducts and vents. Similar to replacing your air filters, cleaning the air ducts and vents can help improve the air quality in your home and prevent your HVAC system from working harder than necessary.
If you have done all of the above, and you still find your system having issues, then perhaps check out your outdoor unit itself. Of course, this depends on what type of HVAC system you have, but if you do have an outdoor unit, then make sure you inspect and clean it. Remove any debris, such as dust bunnies, leaves, twigs, or grass clippings, from your outdoor unit and inspect it for any signs of damage. Once you clean this, there should be a significant improvement.
However, if your system is still malfunctioning, then it may be time to call for a professional HVAC repair service.
Signs that you need HVAC repair
So, what would be the common signs that you need to have your system repaired? Aside from the temperature being off, for example, it can be too hot or too cold in some areas, there are also other signs that it is malfunctioning: strange sounds or smells, high energy bills, and poor air quality. Strange sounds can be caused by loose or broken parts, while unusual odors can indicate a problem with the ductwork or a dirty air filter. As for the high energy bills, this is a sign that your HVAC system is not working effectively. Whereas for the poor air quality, this refers to the cases when you notice an increase in dust, pollen, or other airborne particles in your home. This could be a sign that your HVAC system is not filtering the air properly, especially if you have just changed the filters.
Now that you are aware of the signs, you can resolve it before it becomes a bigger problem. With the aforementioned tips, you can also save money by doing it yourself. However, it is worth noting that it is still important to hire a professional when it comes to HVAC repair and maintenance.
