5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips Every Homeowner Should Know  

The HVAC system is often the largest and most important investment inside a home. Yet you probably don’t give a moment’s thought to optimizing its operation or lifespan.  Failing to take simple care of your HVAC system is like owning a car without changing its oil. However, knowing a few handy HVAC tips or troubleshooting solutions can give you better peace of mind when it comes to your home’s most important system.

An HVAC system should last 15-25 years. In our hot South Carolina climate, we work our air conditioners hard, running them for eight or nine months of the year. That shortens the life of the AC but lengthens the life of the furnace or heat pump. Here are five simple HVAC tips to prolong the life of the system and save yourself thousands of dollars. 

1. Change the air filters regularly. This is one of the most common HVAC tips, but it is easy for all homeowners to do. Air flows into the intake duct through an air filter that screens out dust, debris, and toxins before heating or cooling the air and circulating it throughout the house. This is critical to protecting the health of its residents, but a dirty or clogged filter inhibits the airflow and makes the HVAC unit work harder constantly. Check the filter every month and replace it whenever necessary. This will likely be required at least every three months and will take only a few minutes to accomplish. 

2. Check the drainage. Air conditioners pull humidity out of the air and circulate drier air throughout the house. Heating units perform a similar function. That captured moisture runs through drainage lines out of the house, which can get clogged, corroding the unit and reducing its efficiency. If enough water builds up, the units will even shut down to prevent flooding. A quick peek at the drainage lines periodically can uncover a budding problem that is usually simple to fix by manually clearing out the drain. This simple preventative measure can save a lot of trouble, inconvenience, discomfort, and cost. What a payoff for a few seconds of work.

3. Keep the outdoor unit clear. That big box with a fan on top sitting outside your house is the AC condenser, which acts as the heat transfer unit. When used to cool the house, it dissipates heat and sends cooler air in; when used as a heater, it does the reverse. Being outside, the condenser is susceptible to weather, critters, and accumulated debris that can hamper its effectiveness. Inspect it now and then, particularly after storms, and remove any leaves, grass, branches, windblown paper, or other items that can interfere with its efficient operation. 

4. Inspect the thermostat. Most families set and forget the thermostat, at least until the weather turns. But there is a lot going on in that little box that can affect the operation of your AC unit. Take a look at the settings and make sure the system is responding to them. If something seems awry, the solution might be as simple as changing the batteries, or you might need a new thermostat. A programmable thermostat can increase household comfort and improve the system’s efficiency and lifespan by reducing its operation during low-use hours.

5. Inspect the ducts and vents. As air circulates through the HVAC system, particulates can build up and obstruct airflow. Inspecting the duct behind the air filter and the vents throughout the house will serve as an early warning system if this is occurring. If so, have your ducts professionally cleaned.

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