What if you tried to fix a “little” HVAC problem and got seriously injured?
This happens every year with HVAC issues. Even among professional technicians, there are over 37,000 injuries each year involving HVAC and plumbing. This showcases how difficult and dangerous it can be to attempt repairs on your own.
With that being said, there are some common HVAC problems you can probably handle on your own. However, there are also plenty of issues that require a professional.
When should you call the pros, and when should you handle things yourself?
Keep reading to find out!
Problems You Can Handle On Your Own
Not ready to call an HVAC expert? Here are a couple of problems you can handle on your own.
1. No Power
One common problem with heating and cooling systems is ensuring that you always have power. This often involves checking your circuit breaker to make sure it has not tripped and repairing any ignition problems in your heating or air conditioning unit.
With any luck, you’ll just need to flip a switch or, at worst, reset the system. If this doesn’t work, though, or you see damaged wires, then you’ll need more than simple HVAC troubleshooting tips to deal with it.
2. Running Fan
Sometimes, your HVAC problem is as simple as the fan not working. And this may be a problem you can troubleshoot on your own.
For example, you may have the fan switched to “on” rather than “auto.” If it seems to be malfunctioning though, never hesitate to call in an HVAC maintenance professional.
3. Air Filters: One of the Simplest HVAC Issues
Air filters are an essential component of any HVAC system, as they help to improve air quality in your home.
Over time, however, these filters can become dirty and clogged with debris, causing them to work less efficiently and ultimately making it more difficult for your home heating or cooling system to operate correctly.
To prevent this from happening, it is important that you replace your air filter regularly, preferably once every few months or so. Fortunately, replacing an air filter is a relatively simple task that you can easily do yourself.
All you need is a replacement filter and a few basic tools, such as a screwdriver or wrench. If you are unsure about how to change the filter or what type to buy, there are many online resources available that will walk you through the process step-by-step for your equipment model.
Whether you are looking for a quick replacement of a dirty air filter or need help with your whole HVAC system, it is clear that a little bit of regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your home safe, comfortable, and functioning at its best.
Problems That Require a Professional
Not every HVAC issue has a DIY solution. Here are a few cases where calling a professional is the only answer.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Are parts of your home not cooling down as they should? In that case, you may have a refrigerant leak on your hands. When this happens, it’s time to make a service call for professional HVAC repair.
You can’t just put more refrigerant in the system on your own because that will leak out, too. Plus, the fact that you are dealing with dangerous chemicals is another reason to call a pro.
2. Faulty Thermostat
At first glance, a faulty thermostat seems like something you could handle on your own. However, we recommend you contact an HVAC service and have them take a look.
That’s because a faulty thermostat may have more wrong with it than needing a battery replacement. And if the thermostat calibrations are incorrect, it may be impossible to figure out if your readings are accurate or not without an expert in troubleshooting HVAC issues.
3. Water Leaks
One of the most common HVAC issues you may encounter is water leaks. Most of the time, you need to call a professional HVAC service to deal with this.
That’s because leaks are often caused by issues with your drain pipe or drain line. While you may be able to track the root cause down yourself, you’ll need to call a service technician to fix it.
4. Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils are an essential component of any air conditioner. These coils cool the air that is expelled from the unit by evaporating liquid refrigerant into a gas. This process will also produce condensate, which needs to be drained away regularly for the evaporator coils to operate properly.
Because evaporators contain hazardous chemicals and require specialized knowledge in order to safely repair them, it is usually not recommended that homeowners attempt this task on their own. Instead, it is best to call a professional technician who has the experience and equipment needed to repair evaporator coils quickly and safely.
Whether you need preventative maintenance or your evaporator coil has stopped working altogether, a trusted HVAC company can help.
Hire the Right Professional to Handle Your HVAC Issues!
Now you know which HVAC issues you can handle on your own and which require a professional. But do you know where you can find the best local HVAC experts in Pittsburgh?
Here at JDC Heating & Cooling, we specialize in keeping you comfortable throughout the year. To see what we can do for you and your home, just contact us today!