Fixing Common HVAC Problems on Your Own

Most heating and air conditioning problems can and should only be repaired by a trained, licensed professional like the kind you’ll find at Go Heating , Air &  Plumbing — the number one HVAC repair and service company in the Plano area.

Anything that involves dealing with gas or electrical issues, for example, can present hazards that only a trained professional can deal with safely. There are, however, some problems that can be fixed by a homeowner or headed off by performing routine home maintenance. Of course, if you’re not sure, you can always contact Go Heating, Air & Plumbing and ask for our advice.

Easy DIY Maintenance Tips and Quick Fixes

There are a number of simple, easy-to-perform types of maintenance that any homeowner can do on their own to keep their HVAC system running properly. Here are just a few that we at Go Heating, Air & Plumbing recommend.

Clean and Replace Filters

Filters are easy to remove, clean or replace. They are also comparatively inexpensive and require very little time or effort to clean, and even less to replace. We suggest that you clean or replace your systems’ filters at least once every three months. If you have pets, clean or replace them every two months, as loose pet hair can clog up a filter very quickly.

Clogged filters block air flow, which means your equipment has to work harder — and use more expensive energy — to heat or cool your home.

Replace Thermostat Batteries (Or Replace Old Thermostats)

Many thermostats fail simply because their batteries are low. (We can’t tell you how many times we’ve made a repair call when the only problem was a dead battery in a thermostat). Replacing those batteries is usually very simple. Even if you no longer have the printed manual handy, you can usually check online to see how to do so correctly.

Older thermostats should also be replaced with newer, smarter and more energy-efficient models. Most of these modern thermostats also come with instructions on how to install them yourself.

Check the Circuit Breakers and Safety Switches

An overworked air conditioner or heating unit will draw more amps than usual (or is safe). When it does so, the system will trip a circuit breaker or a safety switch.

So, before picking up the phone to call Go Heating, Air & Plumbing take a look at your circuit breaker panel and flip any tripped circuit breakers. That might just do the trick. If it doesn’t, or if the breaker keeps flipping, then you have a more serious problem, one that requires the services of someone who knows HVAC repairs — someone like the highly trained, experienced technicians here at Go Heating, Air & Plumbing. 

Check for Blockages at Vents, Along Ducts and Around Compressors

Many heating and cooling issues come down to blockages affecting either air flow or the condenser. Outdoors, ice, leaves, tall grass or other debris can be the culprit. Indoors, a piece of indoor ductwork may have become disconnected or dented.

Most vents, ducts, compressors and condensers can be checked easily, although some may be in difficult to access areas such as crawl spaces. Again, that’s where a trained HVAC technician may be your best bet.

Whatever the case, DIYers should always take proper precautions when attempting to fix HVAC issues on their own. Getting advice from the professionals at Go Heating, Air & Plumbing is the first place to start. We are the best in the Metroplex for all of your heating supply and repair needs. We also specialize in inspecting and maintaining your home’s HVAC system to prevent problems and ensure it’s working at its most efficient — and in doing so lower your home air conditioning and heating bills.

When it comes to air conditioning repair, furnace service, heater tune-ups, AC tune-ups or any other HVAC repairs or HVAC issues in your home, our experts are available 24/7. If you have a problem that you are not sure how to fix yourself — or if you just want to be prudent and make sure your system is working at its best — contact GO Heating, Air & Plumbing and schedule and appointment today.