5 Things to Do Before Calling for HVAC Repair

The minute your air conditioner or heater starts malfunctioning, you are inclined to give up and call a professional technician for HVAC repair in St. Petersburg, Clearwater. But sometimes, there is something you can do before making that call. These steps will save you from unnecessary service calls, and money, and can even get your system up and running without the help of professionals. In this article, we will outline the five key steps you should take before reaching out for HVAC service in Clearwater.

1. Check Your Thermostat Settings

Incorrect thermostat settings are one of the simplest yet most overlooked causes of HVAC issues. If your system is not heating or cooling as you expect, check the thermostat to make sure it is set in the proper mode--either "cool" or "heat." Be sure the temperature is set properly. This is because the switch may flip over to "off" or "fan only" mode, meaning the system will not fully engage and will not take action to adjust the temperature.

2. Replace or Clean the Air Filters

Another cause of inefficient HVAC systems is dirty air filters. As air filters fill up with dust and dirt, debris, it can limit airflow forcing them to work harder, and potentially cause a breakdown. Before you make a call to arrange for an HVAC repair service provider, check your air filters. Dirty air filters might be your solution. If you have washable filters, clean them or if they must be replaced, use new ones.

3. Look at Your Circuit Breaker

Any HVAC unit uses tremendous amounts of power, and if the installation ever overloads the circuit, the circuit breaker could potentially turn off and thereby shut the power down to your whole system. Go to your breaker box and look for the switch that operates your HVAC unit. If it is in the "off" position, flip the switch back on and check for function there. If it trips again, it may have been an issue of greater electrical importance, but at least you are going to save an unnecessary call by doing this quick check.

4. Look at the Outdoor Unit

Your home's HVAC's outdoor unit controls temperature regulation in any household. In case leaves, dust, or other rubbish components obstruct the unit, the system may not work properly. Spend a few minutes checking over the outside condenser unit. Remove any debris, plants, or dirt that may be disrupting the airflow. Basic cleaning might return your HVAC system to peak efficiency and save you a service call.

5. Check for Leaks or Blockages in Ducts

The probable reason for your HVAC system failing to maintain temperature is that the fault might be located not within the system itself, but in your home's ductwork. Check on the parts of the duct accessible to you, and look for leaks, holes, or blockages. A small tear in the duct can cause heated or cooled air to escape, causing your system to work harder to compensate for this lost air. If you spot any, then taping them with duct tape will work as a stopgap measure till you can have professional ductwork repair done.

Summing Up 

Going over these five steps might save you time and money before you make the call to get an HVAC repair in St. Petersburg. You may be able to troubleshoot it on your own by checking the aforementioned. And if the problem continues or appears more complicated, it would always be best to call a professional HVAC service provider for proper diagnosis and servicing. For a top-quality HVAC repair service providers in Clearwater, consult companies such as 1st Call Air Conditioning that can handle heating, cooling, and heat pump repairs.