As a homeowner, there are a lot of new things you’re going to have to learn about properly maintaining your HVAC system and its components. While it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to solve all your HVAC problems without professional help, these troubleshooting tips can help you with simple fixes.

Thermostat Not Working

One of the simplest problems that you’re likely to go up against at some point or another is a thermostat that won’t turn on. Probably the most straightforward reason that it won’t turn on is that its batteries have reached the end of their lifespan.

If you replace the batteries inside of your thermostat and it’s still not turning on, head down to see if the breaker has been tripped. If so, turn the breaker off and back on again. If neither of these solutions works, it’s time to replace the thermostat. This is typically easy to do for the average homeowner as it only entails attaching a couple of wires on the back of the thermostat.

Decreased Airflow

Another issue that homeowners tend to deal with in regards to their HVAC system is decreased airflow. The most likely cause of this issue is a clogged filter. Your HVAC system has at least one filter that needs to be changed every two to three months. Whenever the filter reaches the end of its life span, it will start to restrict airflow. To remedy this issue, you’ll simply need to locate where your air filter is. Go ahead and replace it with an air filter of the same model number and check to see if your airflow goes back to normal.

Furnace Not Turning on After Maintenance

If you’ve recently had a furnace professional complete your furnace maintenance, or you were doing some of the maintenance on your own, it’s likely that you had the furnace access door open. In many of the newer furnaces, there is a safety switch on the door.

Whenever the door is opened, the safety switch becomes engaged and prevents the furnace from turning on. To remedy this issue, you’ll simply need to shut the furnace door completely to disengage the safety switch.

Furnace Won’t Stay On

It’s not uncommon to hear your furnace kick on and then kick off right away. When this happens, it’s likely due to the fact that it’s low on fuel. This type of issue is most common with oil and propane furnaces. This is because you’ll need an on-site storage tank for both your heating oil and propane. If you don’t consistently get it filled up, it’s bound to run out.

Resetting Your HVAC System

One very useful skill that you need to have as a homeowner is knowing how to properly reset your HVAC unit. From power surges to internal errors, there are many reasons that your HVAC system may have a problem. Performing a hard reset can be the solution that fixes the issue.

You’ll want to start by turning off your thermostat and then flipping the circuit breaker off for your entire HVAC system. Give it a good five minutes and turn the circuit breaker for your HVAC system back on. Resist the temptation to go up and turn your thermostat on. You want to give it a good 30 minutes for the internal circuit boards of your HVAC system to reset before you turn the thermostat back on.

Once your 30 minutes is up, you should be able to turn your thermostat on, and that should solve the issue that you’re having. It’s important to know that the process to reset your specific HVAC system may vary slightly. It’s best to check the owner’s manual that comes along with your system.

Not Producing Cold Air

There’s nothing more annoying than your air conditioning system not working properly during the hot summer days. You should start by checking to make sure that your thermostat is on cool mode and that your air filter is not clogged. Next, you’ll want to turn off the power to your entire HVAC system at the circuit breaker.

Head outside to your compressor unit and remove its AC grille cover. Visually inspect your condenser coil for any dirt, debris, or soot on the coil. If you notice that the coil is covered with debris, it’s time to get your hose out alongside a coil cleaning solution.

It’s highly likely that the dirt buildup on the outside of your condenser coil is preventing it from properly dispersing heat to the outdoors. You’ll want to thoroughly clean the condenser coil. You should be able to turn your air conditioning system back on and enjoy cold air again.

Decreased Airflow in One Room

One frustrating problem that you may find yourself dealing with is one room in your home that doesn’t get warm in the wintertime or cool in the summertime. The obvious first step to resolving this issue is to check the vents. Both the supply and return vents should be free from obstructions. It’s not uncommon for a plant or a piece of furniture placed in front of the vent to restrict airflow delivery to the room.

Lighting Your Pilot Light

Furnaces typically utilize either a pilot light or an electronic ignition module to start their burners. If you have a version that uses a pilot light, the light should be a bright blue, solid color. It’s not uncommon for a pilot light to be blown out from time to time. This could be due to a simple breeze, or it could be due to dirt that was obstructing the gas orifice. Either way, you can use a lighter to reset your pilot light.

You want to start by locating the pilot light assembly. Turn the pilot valve to the off position and wait for one minute to let the residual gases clear. Next, turn the valve to the pilot position while you press and hold the reset button. If the pilot light does not ignite, you’ll need to manually light it with a grill lighter or long matchstick. Once the flame turns a solid blue color, you’ll want to turn the valve to the on position.

Clogged Condensate Drain

As your air conditioning system is working during the summertime, it is removing excess moisture from the air. This moisture accumulates on the evaporator coil and drips off into the condensate drain. Over time, this drain can develop a hard water buildup that prevents water from draining.

When you encounter a clogged condensate drain, the first thing you’ll notice is that there is water around the inside unit of your AC system. To remedy this problem, you want to turn off the entire air conditioning system. Physically remove whatever debris you have access to. Then, pour a cup of distilled vinegar down the drain. Give it about 30 minutes and test that the drain will work with a cup of water.

Reliable HVAC Services

Comfort Zone Heating & Air Conditioning provides reliable HVAC services for the Cobourg, ON, region. We’re also here for all of your indoor air quality, ductless, heat pump, and water heater needs. Call us today to set up an appointment with one of our service technicians.

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