Cooling & Air Conditioning Information

A lot of questions arise when your air conditioner starts making weird noises or your furnace stops working. What's the problem? Who am I going to call? How much will this cost? Can I fix it? You get the idea. Without knowing these 7 things you might find yourself out a couple thousand dollars, ticked off with the heating and cooling service or realize it's something you could've fixed. This is going to be your ultimate guide to saving money and working with a heating and cooling company (If necessary). Let's get started. Step #1 Check The Thermostat This one may seem pretty obvious but you wouldn't believe how many times it's overlooked. Double check the thermostat setting to make sure it's set correctly and that the heating and cooling switch is set properly. Once that's been checked off the list of possible issues look to see if your desired temperature is selected. Even just a few degrees off can mean the difference between comfort or not. If the screen is dark it might just be time for some new batteries. So before calling up a heating and cooling company be sure to check the selections of your thermostat. Step #2 Check The Air Filter Always make sure your air filter is clean. It's very common problem and luckily quite easy to fix. And better yet, if the problem was a dirty filter and you clean it yourself, the unit should almost immediately begin to operate normally. If you're having difficulty finding the air filter on your particular heating and cooling unit read these tips: The air filter is usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the air handler. Common locations for air filters include: Horizontal HVAC units with the return duct attached to the side of the air handler, the filter often fits in a slot on the return air (intake) side of the unit. Vertical air handlers with the return air duct entering on the top of the air handler, the filter often slides into a slot above the HVAC unit. Vertical air handlers with the return air duct entering below the air handler, the filter often fits in a slot located below the HVAC unit. Other HVAC systems, the air filter may be located behind the return air grill on a wall in your home. HVAC systems with a return in each room, there may be an air filter behind each of the return grills. Step #3 Check Power Supply This can include a circuit breaker and/or a regular looking wall switch that is close to the unit. Sometimes people can mistake these power supply switches for a regular light switch. They are usually marked with red warning letters but sometimes these switch plates get changed out for a regular one for one reason or another. Most outdoor units come with a disconnect switch. the switch is similar to a breaker and is sometimes fused. These are special fuses so if you notice a blown fuse you can replace it with a like fuse. Try to get an exact replacement. Step #4 Possible Gas Service Termination This issue only pertains to you if you have a gas furnace and are experiencing heating problems. If that's the case, be sure to check to see if the gas service has been terminated. If the gas company detects a leak they will sometimes, without notice, turn the gas supply off. Check the meter for a red tag or a lock on the gas valve leading to the meter. This problem would not require a heating and cooling tech. Step #5 Check Condensation Pump or A/C Drain Line Most A/C units have a water safety switch to stop them from operating if it's possible water could leak into your home and cause damage. Check the water pan underneath the a/c unit for any signs of of the drain being clogged. Simply empty out the pan and flush out the drain line. Step #6 Check For Freezing Or Obstructing Units If you notice any ice on the units, turn it off. Secondly, check the supply vents to ensure they are open and not obstructed. If you don't find any visual problems leave the unit off and call a heating and cooling service company. You might have one of two problems - refrigerant leak or low air flow across the evaporator. Nonetheless, if it turns out to be a leak the repair can possibly be made right away, but it all depends on the severity of the leak. Step #7 Read The Heating And Cooling Company Reviews This step is very important and can sometimes be skipped. Due to the shear amount of HVAC companies in any given area, reviews offer the ability to cut through the clutter and narrow down top picks in your area. Additionally, heating and cooling company reviews are often time longer than other industries or just products. You very commonly get to hear about people's situations and exactly how the tech was able to help. Be sure to look for keywords like "friendly", "diligent", "knowledgeable". These are all great qualities of a service tech and are good signs of a high quality company. If necessary be sure to check the reviews in more than just one place. Facebook and Google typically offer the most insight. Quick Recap 7 things you must know before calling your local heating and cooling company. Check Thermostat Clean Air Filter Check Power Supply Check Gas Furnace Meter Condensation Pump Or A/C Drain Frozen Or Obstruction On Unit Read The Reviews Hopefully this guide helped you identify some possible solutions to problems you might currently be having. Nevertheless, if problems persist or the issue appears to be more serious be sure to call us! We offer the highest rated heating and cooling service in the area. ModernHVAC.com.

Category: Cooling

Heating And Cooling Guide – 7 Things To Check Before You Call A Tech

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