HVAC Troubleshooting Guide for Homeowners

Troubleshooting Tips for Home Owners with HVAC Issues 

As one of the leading heating and cooling system servicing companies, the team at Fry has been at the forefront of helping clients across Toledo, OH, with their HVAC service needs. Whether it is a furnace that will not turn on or poor airflow in the home, our HVAC technicians are here to help. However, in some cases, you might be able to fix your own issue before calling Fry! Here are a few of the best ways to troubleshoot common issues that you might see in your HVAC system. 

Air Conditioner Will Not Turn On

If your AC is not turning on, there are a few main problems that could be causing this. First and foremost, double-check that your breaker is on and that there is power to the unit. Next, you will want to check if your thermostat is demanding cool air. If that is the case, we suggest restarting the thermostat and seeing if that resolves the issue. If you still are unable to turn on your AC unit, then it might be time to call Fry. 

AC Unit is Turning On and Off

It is not normal for a working air conditioning unit to cycle over and over again. If your unit is cycling, there could be a few things that are happening. You will want to check your air filter to see if air is able to pass through the filter. If that is not an issue, you will want to clean your condenser coil and check your evaporator coil to see if you are dealing with a frozen line. If you have done all of that and your system continues to cycle, a call to Fry is your next call. 

Weird Noises Coming from Your Unit 

An HVAC unit should not make any unusual noises, and any strange noises are not a normal occurrence. If you hear scratching, screeching, or clanking, it is time to check your unit. Inspect your AC unit for any loose blades or wings. Other culprits could be loose bolts, screws or simple debris within the unit. If your unit continues to make noises and you cannot find the culprit, turn it off and call an HVAC expert to take a look. 

Poor Airflow 

There are numerous causes of poor airflow, but homeowners can often identify the root cause without needing to call in an HVAC technician. We always tell our clients to check their air filter first to ensure it is not dirty or installed backward. You can also perform a quick check of your air ducts to ensure that there are no holes, leaks, or crushed duct runs. If you are still unsure, consulting a professional HVAC contractor is recommended. 

Unpleasant Smells

During regular operation, your HVAC unit should not emit any unusual or strong odors. If you notice a smell of mildew or mold, then you need to take a look at the drain pan and evaporator coil to see if you have any standing water or visible mold around the unit. If you notice a sulphur, or a rotten egg smell it is an indication of a gas leak and needs to be dealt with immediately. As certified gas fitters, the team at Fry can help with standing water, mold and gas leaks in your HVAC system in Toledo, OH and these issues should not be fixed by anyone without the proper licence and tools.  

Furnace Will Not Turn On 

If your furnace won't turn on, there are a few steps you can take. First, you will want to double-check that the furnace has power by flipping the circuit and checking to see if that fired up the furnace. Next, you will want to check if the pilot light is lit, and if it is out, you are normally best to call in a technician to get your furnace back up and running. If the pilot light is running, you will want to double-check the air filter as well as look at the ducts to ensure there are no blockages or issues. If you still can’t spot an issue, you need to chat with a technician and get your furnace up and running. 

If you fail to fix the problem or think that you have overstepped your abilities, then it is time to call Fry. We are your local HVAC service provider, handling air conditioners, furnaces, air ducts, and any other residential HVAC system you may have. With our expertise and great pricing, you will be hard-pressed to find a better HVAC repair and service company here in the Ohio Valley.