HVAC Troubleshooting

Possible cause: Your thermostat is set incorrectly.

Solution: Check and see if your thermostat is on, and ensure it’s set to your desired temperature. Try lowering the temperature on your thermostat and wait to see if you feel a change. If not, reset your thermostat.

Possible cause: Your circuit breaker malfunctioned.

Solution: First, turn off your HVAC system, then locate your home’s circuits and fuse box. Reset the system by flipping the switch off and back on.

Possible cause: Cool air is escaping your home.

Solution: Check the doors and windows in your home to ensure they are secure and closed. Seal doors and windows while your cooling system is on.

Possible cause: Your air cleaner or air exchanger is switched off.

Solution: A whole-home or single-room air cleaner or exchanger helps circulate the air in your home. If you have one of these products, ensure it’s switched on to perform its function.

Possible cause: Your home has poor ventilation.

Solution: Open the windows to improve air circulation and ventilation within your home. Consider opening your windows for a few minutes each day — even in the winter to — increase air circulation and get rid of that stale air.

Possible cause: Your HVAC systems are old.

Solution: Old HVAC systems can decrease the quality of the air we breathe in our home. Talk to your local HVAC technician about the lifespan of your system, and start a conversation about upgrading if it’s necessary.

Learn more about Indoor Air Quality.

Possible cause: Your thermostat is set incorrectly.

Solution: Check your home’s thermostat to make sure it’s turned on and set to the indoor temperature you desire. Try raising the temperature by a few degrees to see if you notice a difference. If not, try resetting your thermostat.

Possible cause: Your circuit breaker malfunctioned.

Solution: If you suspect your circuit breaker might be the problem, turn off your HVAC system and locate your circuit breaker. If you feel comfortable and confident resetting the breaker do so, otherwise contact an HVAC professional for help.

Possible cause: Warm air is escaping your home.

Solution: Your problem might not be with your system, but with your home’s insulation. Make sure your doors and windows are securely closed and insulated, to keep the warm air your heating system produces inside your home.

Possible cause: The area surrounding your outdoor system isn’t clear.

Solution: Visit your outdoor unit and check for any buildup of leaves, plants, or general debris around your system. Clear the area to ensure your outdoor unit has at least one inch of clearance in all directions.

Possible cause: Your system has dirty filters.

Solution: Turn off your HVAC system, then remove and check the filters inside. If they seem clogged or dirty, replace or clean the filter, following the instructions in your owner’s manual. If you aren’t comfortable changing the filters yourself, call your local HVAC technician to assist.

Possible cause: The vents in your home are closed.

Solution: Locate your home’s vents, usually on the floor or ceiling of each room in your home. Ensure the vents are open and clean, if not open them using the switch on the side of the vent and clean them by dusting with a brush or broom.

Possible cause: The area surrounding your system isn’t clear.

Solution: Inspect the area surrounding both your indoor and outdoor units to see if anything is banging against or touching your system. Turn off your system and safely remove any debris so there’s at least at one inch clear area around your unit in all directions.

Possible cause: A part inside your system is malfunctioning.

Solution: If you suspect a part inside your HVAC system is malfunctioning, turn off your system completely and call an HVAC technician. Never attempt to open your system to look for a problem, leave that to the professionals.

Possible cause: Your system is old.

Solution: Depending on the age of your system, it could produce strange noises or smells due to general wear and tear. If you notice a strange noise or smell and can’t identify any problem by looking at your unit, call an HVAC technician to diagnose the problem and recommend replacement if necessary.