If your HVAC system simply doesn’t turn on at your thermostat, you’ll want to start by checking the power. If the breaker for your HVAC system was accidentally tripped, turn it off and back on. If it wasn’t tripped, you may just need to replace the batteries in your thermostat. If replacing the batteries doesn’t solve the problem, then you’re going to need a new thermostat.
Try Resetting Your System
It’s best to check the owner’s manual of your system to ensure that you’re resetting it appropriately. In most cases, you’ll need to turn off your thermostat and the breaker. After turning the breaker back on, you’ll typically need to let the system sit for about half an hour or so to allow the internal components to reset before you turn your thermostat back on.
Check Your Furnace Door
On most newer furnaces, that access door has a switch. Whenever the door is open, the switch will flip to the “on” position. When the safety switch is on, it prevents your furnace from firing up. Simply shutting the service door or re-shutting it can deactivate the switch and solve the entire problem of your furnace not turning on.
Keep Your Air Filter in Mind
A reduction in the performance of your system could be because the air filter is clogged. If you pull the filter out and you can no longer see through it, it’s time to replace it. It’s always a good idea to have a few filters on hand so that you can replace them whenever it’s necessary.
Check Your Vents
Another reason that your HVAC system may be underperforming is that you have the vents blocked. Each room in your home has at least one supply and return vent. If you block either of those vents with furniture or even a plant, it can reduce the performance of your system. Additionally, if your vents aren’t cleaned regularly, they can accumulate large amounts of dust buildup that can restrict airflow.
Give Your Outdoor Unit Space
Reduced performance of your system can also be caused by an outdoor unit that is encased with debris. The unit that is outside of your home has a bunch of grates on the outside of it that are necessary for the air to flow through the system. Especially in the fall, leaves and other debris can be blown up against the side of your unit and encase it.
When your outside unit cannot get the airflow it needs, it can significantly reduce or even stop the performance of your HVAC system. Check the outdoor unit to ensure that there is a good 3 feet of space surrounding the entire unit. If there are any leaves or branches stuck in the grates of the AC grille or bushes that are growing up next to the unit, remove them.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat settings can be to blame for a number of problems that you have with your system. If it’s just starting to get cold outside, you may be frustrated when your HVAC system won’t produce heat. However, you may have simply forgotten to switch it from the cool function to the heat function.
Unthaw Frozen Coils
It may be surprising to discover that the coils in your AC system are frozen when it’s the middle of summer. However, when your HVAC system is overworked, it can cause an ice buildup on the evaporator coils. To fix this issue, you’ll want to turn your HVAC system to fan mode and let it run until your coils are no longer frozen. This could take an hour or more.
Unclog Your Condensate Drain
If you start to notice water accumulating underneath your interior AC unit, it’s an indication that your condensate drain is clogged. This can be a result of debris on your evaporator coils that falls down into the drain. You’ll want to remove any debris and water that you can. Then, pour a cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain and give it about an hour to break down the rest of the clog.
Expert HVAC Services
Zark Heating & Cooling offers expert HVAC services for those in the New Lenox, IL, region. We also provide excellent indoor air quality and ductless mini-split services. Contact our office today to schedule your next HVAC appointment.
