It is important that your HVAC system is functioning properly in order to keep a comfortable and safe environment for workers or family members. A working HVAC unit entails that the air circulated throughout the building is clean, odor-free, and at a enjoyable temperature. There have been specific standards that have been set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) about the appropriate temperatures for most buildings. For example, the most comfortable temperatures in the winter lie between 68 and 75 degrees fahrenheit in the house. During the summer, these room temperatures are usually set between 73 and 79 degrees fahrenheit.

DIY TIPS

When experiencing problems with your HVAC unit, you should call a professional immediately. However, here are some tips to follow to find the source of the problem. The HVAC unit is comprised of four components: the furnace, the air conditioner, the ductwork, and a fan. In order to diagnose the problem, start by seeing if your HVAC unit is running on power by checking the service breakers. There are two power systems, one for the furnace and one for the air condition, that need to be checked for correct wiring. Try shutting the power off, waiting about ten seconds, and then turning the power back on. This can be applied to both, your service breaker or fuse if you have both. Next, check the thermostat repeating the steps above. If your thermostat relies on batteries instead of power, then switch out the batteries if you think that the power is the issue.

If you think that the problem is coming directly from the furnace, then switch the thermostat to heat mode and increase the temperature to about 3 to 5 degrees higher than normal. If no heat is coming out of the furnace, in about a minute, then shut the thermostat off. There is a switch inside the panel door that controls the unit and allows it to work, make sure that this switch is turned on. If that is not the problem then try to reset the furnace, there should be a reset button inside the panel. There are also additional instructions in the manual that can better describe how to reset your furnace.

If you think that the problem is coming from the air conditioning units, then apply the same procedure to the air conditioning unit. Switch the thermostat to cool mode and decrease the temperature to about 3 to 5 degrees lower than normal. If no cool air comes out of the air conditioning unit in about a minute, then shut the thermostat off. There is also a reset button for the air conditioner that you could try as well. Excess water in the air conditioning unit could also be the problem causing the coils to freeze and disrupting the air conditioner from functioning properly. In this case, turn the air conditioning unit off and let the coils thaw for a couple hours before restarting it.

For the fan, check to see if the filters do not have dirt or any other substances on them. Cold air only can be generated by the fan when the filters are clean. Follow the instructions in the manual for proper cleaning techniques. If air is still not being produced, then check the blower motor belt for cracks or breaks. If all of these steps fail, then it is time to call for a professional to come take a second look at your unit.