HVAC Troubleshooting: A New Homeowner’s Guide to Common HVAC Issues

You’ve got the keys to your new home. Congrats! But as a new homeowner, there are plenty of issues you might have overlooked; among the most important is the HVAC in your home.

Don’t worry. Troubleshooting your home’s HVAC system isn’t as hard as you’d think.

In today’s blog, Air Authority gives a brief guide on troubleshooting common HVAC issues for new homeowners.

Check on Your Thermostat Settings and Control Board

It’s a simple but often overlooked step. Inefficient thermostat usage or a broken and malfunctioning control board can mean you’re paying more per month than normal.  

Related Post: The Best Thermostat Setting for Every Season

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check on your batteries and replace them if need be.
• See if the screen is lighted (blank or unlighted screen indicates a thermostat failure).

Make Sure the HVAC Unit is Powered On

It seems pretty obvious. But it’s so often overlooked. As a new homeowner, you should check on your power source. Is the power cord disconnected or broken? 

On the other hand, it could be a blown fuse or broken monitor. It’s important to spot the issues like these early on and call your local HVAC experts at Air Authority. 

Check the Vents and Outdoor Unit for Obstructions

Dust, dirt, and general debris can get into your outdoor unit and impair the home’s HVAC system’s performance. Dirt, dust, debris, and foreign objects can obstruct the flow of air through your home. 

Troubleshooting Steps:

• It’s important to check your vents, as well as your outdoor HVAC unit to see if any debris is interfering with the flow of air. 
• Also, check the register (the metal plate covering the vent). If it’s closed, simply open it. 

Reset the Circuit Breaker on Your HVAC Unit

The circuit breaker allows you to have many items plugged into your socket without starting a fire. Your home’s circuit breaker is often located in the garage, basement, washing area, or hall closet.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Simply move the switch all the way to off and then move it back to turn it on
• If your circuit breaker keeps shutting off, you’ll need it serviced by a pro

Check and Change the Air Filter

A clogged air filter can overheat your unit and make it work even harder, driving up your monthly energy bill and causing your HVAC system to “short-cycle,” giving shorter time cycles for giving off heat or cool air. 

If you have furry pets or are located near a construction site that’s regularly throwing off dirt and debris, make sure to keep plenty of spare air filters in your home for easy access. 

How to Check the Air Filter:

• Shine a flashlight through it. If you can’t see the other side, get a new filter.

Check the Ducts for Holes, Dents, or Damage

Provided your home doesn’t have a ductless system (most homes do not), you’ll need to check the ducts for any damages or obstructions. 

How does the duct system work? 

The ductwork carries airflow throughout the entire home. When a duct system wears down over time, some rooms will remain warm and others cool. There’s a lot to check on before hiring a pro.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Get a flashlight and see if there are any holes or tears in the insulation material
• Run your hand along the duct and feel for any leaking airflow
• Fix a poorly sealed register by removing the panel, use caulk or foam to seal it, then use weather stripping on the outer edge of the register. 

Check the Refrigerant Levels

Having low refrigerant levels is a common cause of HVAC issues. The refrigerant absorbs the atmosphere’s air and gives back cool air. But if the chemical is low, you won’t be getting any cool air back. 

Troubleshooting Steps:

• If you hear a hissing or bubbling noise, your refrigerant is low.
• Check for any line breaks that might be causing the refrigerant to leak out
• Peel the insulation off of the copper wire returning to the compressor and put a thermometer on it. If it’s 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s fine. If it’s lower, you’ll need refrigerant or Freon.

Refilling the refrigerant will depend on the size and type of HVAC unit and it can cost between $200-400. Unless the issue comes down to a clogged filter, you’ll need to call a professional to fix most refrigerant issues.

Check the Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil holds refrigerant fluid that absorbs heat. A low refrigerant level means low air pressure. That’s when a layer of frost can build up on the coil, interrupting the flow of cool air from your AC unit into your home. 

Dirt and debris can also collect on the coil. This can be easily cleaned.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Turn off your AC and wait for the coil to defrost (could take an entire day) 
• If the coil is dirty, cleaning it involves mixing warm water and detergent in a spray bottle, spraying it on the coil, and waiting for the debris to loosen. 

Check the Condenser Oil

The condenser coil pushes the heat from your room out into the outdoor air. Because it’s out in the open, dirt and debris can collect on the coil, especially if you’re near a construction site that kicks up a lot of dirt. 

A blocked coil means there’s no cool air.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Listen for any abnormal or loud sounds coming out of the unit
• Keep a lookout for reduced cooling capability 
• You can clean the debris off of the coil with a garden hose and condenser cleaner

Check to See if Your AC Compressor is Working

Here’s what the compressor does! 

The AC compressor moves the outside air into the refrigerant, which takes heat and converts it into cool air. The liquid refrigerant turns into heated vapor, which returns to the compressor to be expelled out of your home.

Low refrigerant damages the compressor. Maintaining the compressor is vital. If it fails, there’s no cool air. 

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Turn off the power (before starting any work on the unit)
• Check on any loose, damaged, or burnt wires 
• Look at the fan motor – if it’s locked up or damaged, it affects the compressor
• Check to see if you’re low on refrigerant (if so, the compressor can get too hot)

Final Tip: Keep Watch for an Unusually High Utility Bill

If you notice your utility bill skyrockets unexpectedly, it’s a sign that your HVAC system has an issue. It might be a problem that won’t be fixed with a DIY method. Although there are plenty of HVAC troubleshooting resources to refer to.

Your best bet is to call the pros at the Air Authority for a comprehensive inspection to diagnose the problem, solve it, and save you on monthly expenses. 

Contact Air Authority for All Residential HVAC Issues

So, now that you know the basics of troubleshooting your home’s HVAC system, you can contact us for any major maintenance, repairs, or installation of your home’s HVAC unit. Call us today for a quote at 513-229-0789, or submit a contact us form online.