DIY Heating and Air Conditioning Repairs
September 20, 2016

While it may be true that a good number of HVAC repairs are only fit for the competent hands of a professional, it is also a fortunate fact that there are some basic fix-ups that you can do on our own before you resort to calling in the big dogs.

Here are some DIY heating and air conditioning repairs that are worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with:

Filter replacement.

Oftentimes, seemingly big problems can come down to relatively simple solutions. If your HVAC filters are old, dirty, and clogged, then they aren’t allowing your HVAC to run at its best. This can lead to poor air quality, high electric bills, and inefficient heating and cooling. Fortunately, making this repair is as simple as unscrewing an access panel and plopping in a new filter.

Power supply.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but the simplest problems are often the easiest to overlook. If your heater or air conditioner is not running, then the first place you should look is the power supply. Make sure that the unit is turned on. Then check the circuit breaker to make sure there’s not an electrical interruption. Additionally, it is likely that your unit has an emergency switch. It is possible that this switch could be flipped unintentionally. So verify that the emergency switch is properly in place if you cannot locate the source of a power supply problem.

Thermostat problems.

If your HVAC is not maintaining the temperature you intend, it may be that you simply have the thermostat set to the wrong temperature, or even that you did change the thermostat to the appropriate temperature but that it went into lockout mode (a common feature of more modern units), in which case it will ease into your temperature setting once the lockout mode has timed out. Another simple alternative to a thermostat problem may be that you need to replace its batteries.

Condensate pump.

This contraption is a standard addition to high efficiency heaters and air conditioners. If your HVAC system is equipped with a condensate pump, then some troubleshooting of that area may solve your heating or cooling problem. Check the drain pan and drain line to make sure they are free of debris and allowing proper drainage. Tap on the pump float to see that it’s not stuck in place. Examine the wires of the safety switch to determine that they are fully attached to the outside of the unit with wire nuts.

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