It is essential that your HVAC is working during the hot, humid months, especially in Raleigh Durham and surrounding areas. During the seasons where it is in constant use, your system might experience a few technical issues mainly related to either human error or electrical failure. Problems with the thermostat, the air filter or condenser can usually be fixed without calling a technician, so it’s a good idea to become familiar with the most common issues you can repair yourself. If you have a whole-home forced air unit, check out our list of DIY solutions for the most common problems.
Photo by KML
Stuffiness/Poor Air Flow
The easiest problem to deal with (and remedy) is poor air flow due to a clogged filter. During the summer and winter, when your unit is constantly running, it is important to change the air filter at least once a month. This is especially important if you own pets as summer shedding will lead to an increased amount of hair in your home, which can get inside the duct system and clog the filter. If changing out the air filter doesn’t help with the air flow, check the outside condenser unit. If it is obstructed by grass or other plant life, your air could be affected. You need at least 24 inches of clearance on each side of your outside condenser unit. ). Also, make sure that the coil is clear of detritus and is clean. Remove any obstructions and take a hose to the coils if they appear dirty.
The HVAC Won’t Turn On
Most modern HVACs are used in tandem with a digital thermostat, which is sometimes the problem if your system doesn’t turn on. Make sure that it is set to the AC mode and programmed properly. If you are manually adjusting the temperature it is easy to hit a wrong key – especially with a touch screen design. If these fixes don’t help with your issue, check the thermostat to see if it needs a new battery. Last, check for a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. Make sure that the electrical system wasn’t compromised by a storm or local power outage.
Noises at Start-Up or Throughout Cycle
There are a few reasons you might be hearing odd noises when the unit is running. One of the most common issues is a loose screw – either on the unit itself or one of the registers or grilles. If the noise is loud and seems to be coming from a specific room, it could be a register or grille that simply needs to be tightened. You can also try tightening the unit where you find obvious loose areas if the sound emanates from the system. A consistent noise during a cycle might also allude to a bigger problem – including a bent fan blade – in which an HVAC professional will need to assess the unit.
HVAC Cycles On/Off Frequently
This is another common problem with modern units and is often the result of incorrect thermostat placement. If the thermostat is placed somewhere that is warm, either in direct sunlight or close to an appliance, the temperature readings can be compromised. If the location needs to be changed, a professional should be consulted to ensure proper placement and installation. You might also have a unit that is the wrong size for the square footage of your home. If you have recently renovated your home or rearranged the layout extensively, you will want to contact an HVAC professional to do a load calculation.
It’s important that your HVAC is in proper working condition throughout another hot summer in the Raleigh Durham area. If you are experiencing any of the highlighted issues and our quick fixes aren’t working, contact 6 & Fix Heating and Cooling and let one of our HVAC professionals get your unit working again in no time!
