When things go wrong with your HVAC system, it can be challenging to determine the best approach. You don’t want to ignore problems, but you also don’t want to call in a professional for something you can handle on your own. As the owner and user of your HVAC equipment, you are in a position to compare how it’s acting up versus how it should behave. Here are some tips for approaching HVAC issues to overcome challenges.
Identifying the problem: Look for patterns
One of the first steps in solving a problem is identifying it. When it comes to your HVAC equipment, you live with it on an ongoing basis. You know how it operates when everything in your home is comfortable and functioning. Use this baseline knowledge to find patterns that could indicate issues. For example, your cooling might be sufficient on most days but lacking when the temperature is extreme. If this has always been the case, you can consider upgrading to a larger system. If this is a recent issue, it may indicate a problem with the unit’s performance. Knowledge of the baseline will help you and an HVAC technician determine what the next step could be.
Pay attention to how you use your system
Do you crank up your heating or cooling to the max and leave it there when you’re not at home? Or do you constantly adjust the temperature, turning it up and down to always ensure you’re perfectly comfortable at all times? Depending on how you use your HVAC system, certain issues are more likely. This information is useful for a technician reviewing your system as it paints a picture of the conditions that your equipment experiences through use.
Look for easy solutions first
When things go wrong, it can be tempting to assume the worst and overreact. Sometimes the best solution is the simplest. Review basic maintenance items first. If you notice that your heating isn’t what it should be or the airflow through your grilles is slow, look at your filter. Are you overdue on its replacement? If your system isn’t responding to temperature changes, inspect your thermostat to see if there are loose wires or if the batteries need to be replaced.
Know when to call for help
Knowing when to call for professional help is key. The more you know about your equipment, the easier it will be for you to judge whether you have a small problem that can wait or whether to call for help immediately. Ongoing maintenance and open communication with the right HVAC professionals will help you get there.
By Service Roundtable, Eco-Pro HVAC
