The following checklist is a way to help you troubleshoot common HVAC issues before you call for emergency service. It’s practical and can save you both time and money.

Pre-Call Checklist for HVAC Issues

1. Check the Circuit Breaker:

• Action: Ensure the circuit breaker for your HVAC system hasn’t tripped.
• If Tripped: Reset the breaker. If it trips again, there may be an underlying issue that requires professional repair.

2. Verify Thermostat Settings:

• Action: Confirm that your thermostat is set to “Cool” or “Auto.” Set the temperature to a lower setting and wait for at least 5 minutes.
• If Unchanged: Check for any other thermostat issues or battery problems.

3. Power Off Before Inspection:

• Action: Turn off the power to your A/C unit at the breaker before inspecting the machinery or fan assembly.
• Why: This ensures safety and prevents damage while you investigate.

4. Inspect for Obstructions:

Using high-quality, properly fitting air filters, and replacing them often, is one of the cheapest and easiest things you can do to extend the life of your HVAC system.

High-quality air filters cost more, but they can easily pay for themselves by improving indoor air quality (IAQ), reducing the likelihood of expensive repairs, and improving your system’s efficiency and performance. In fact, it’s estimated that a clean, high-quality air filter can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by as much as 16 percent!

The basic function of any air filter is to trap dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne particles in its fibers. As filters age and deteriorate, they lose the ability to trap new particles, and they can release those same fibers and other debris into your system.

Higher-quality air filters will trap more particles, this is particularly important if you suffer from allergies or a respiratory condition like asthma or COPD, but a higher MERV rating is no substitute for a properly fitting filter that is changed regularly, and you can overdo it. A higher MERV rating means less airflow, which can damage your HVAC system.

When any air filter becomes clogged, air will bypass the filter and contaminate the evaporator coil, thereby reducing the coil’s heat absorbing capacity. In other words, your air conditioning system will have to work harder to cool your home, resulting in unnecessary wear and tear, higher energy bills, and lower indoor air quality.

Exactly how often you should clean or replace your filter depends on your environment and the type of filter, most residential filters aren’t designed to be cleaned. If you smoke in your home, or you have long-haired pets, you may want to change your filter more often.