Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 12:21 am
One of the worst things that can ever happen to your building or home is your HVAC system breaking down, no matter the season. The HVAC system is one of the essential household systems, which makes them break down a nightmare to deal with at best, and at worst, it can cause health conditions like respiratory issues or heat stroke.
To avoid this situation you will want regularly scheduled maintenance check-ups for your HVAC system from providers that use the best HVAC software that will prolong the life of your system.
When your HVAC system breaks, it might be something you can fix by yourself before you call the professionals. So, this post will walk you through 5 steps you should take once your home HVAC system breaks.
1. Check Your Thermostat
Whenever your HVAC system stops working out of the blue, the first thing that you should do is check your thermostat. The primary purpose of a thermostat in an HVAC system is to allow you to set the temperature you want and to monitor the air in the room.
If the thermostat malfunctions, then it may cause the whole HVAC system to shut down. Also, if the thermostat is set in the wrong mode, it may be the reason for your HVAC system malfunctioning. So before you do anything drastic, ensure the thermostat is on and in the right mode. Gaining popularity are hydroair heat systems, if there are continuous issues with thermostats and your current system malfunctions, you may want to look into this evergrowing system.
There is also a chance that your thermostat may be in the correct setting but not working correctly. If that’s the case, then you need to call the professionals.
2. Check The HVAC Power Source or The Circuit Breaker
When your HVAC system fails, the cause might be as simple as the power source is off or the circuit breaker might have tripped. In such a scenario, you should inspect the power source to see if it’s turned on or in the right state.
If the power source turns out to be in order, you should see if the breaker has tripped; if it has, flip it back on and test the HVAC system to see if it’s working. If your circuit breaker keeps constantly tripping, it’s evident that you have a much-complicated electrical problem. Also, a blown fuse might sometimes cause the HVAC system to fail, so ensure that you replace any blown fuse.
3. Inspect Both the Indoor and Outdoor System
As the main components of your HVAC system, the indoor and outdoor units house almost every component of the HVAC system. Hence a slight dent or crack on the unit might cause your HVAC system to malfunction. So, during the inspection, ensure that there’s no debris blocking the condenser unit since this can cause the system to shut down.
Also, ensure that there isn’t any water damage to the units. Water damage to the units is evident if you see leaking or rusted tubes. If this is the case, scheduling a repair and maintenance session would be wise.
4. Check The Air Filter
The air filter is an essential component of your home HVAC system, which most people ignore. The primary function of the air filter is removing impurities like dust and even bacteria from the air flowing into your home.
Therefore, if the air filter is clogged, it can lead to your HVAC system breaking down, especially in the recent HVAC models where the system shuts down if the air is full of impurities to prevent you from inhaling dirty air.
Dirty air also restricts airflow into the HVAC unit, thus forcing it to strain and leading to a malfunction. This problem can be prevented by regularly changing your HVAC system’s air filter, preferably after at least three months, and always ensure that your regularly clean your HVAC system.
5. Call A Professional
Finally, you should call a professional after you have taken the steps stated above and found that none seems to be the cause of the breakdown. The HVAC system can be pretty sophisticated, so if you lack basic knowledge about them, call professional HVAC contractors to perform the necessary maintenance and repairs.
Professional HVAC technicians can also offer advice on how to prevent your HVAC system from failing. Remember to ensure that the contractors you hire are certified and licensed to work in the area. Also, remember that the best way to prevent your home HVAC system from failing is by regular maintenance and repairs.
Final Verdict:
In conclusion, if your home’s HVAC system breaks, there are a few steps you can take to prevent or reduce the chances of discomfort and potential damage. Be sure to call an HVAC specialist as soon as possible, have an emergency plan in place, keep a supply of emergency supplies close by, and check for carbon monoxide poisoning if you experience trouble with your heating and cooling.
