Here in North Texas, we pay a lot of attention to our HVAC systems most of the year. You can certainly call Efficient Home Solutions with any concerns about yours, and we also want to share some useful troubleshooting tips. You may already be doing some of these, while others may be new ideas. Read on for our suggestions.
Don’t Ignore Any Unusual Smells
The nose knows! Strange odors can be caused by something as minor as a dirty air filter or as urgent as a gas leak. If it smells electrical, that’s often the result of overheating parts. This can happen due to mechanical failures within indoor blower motors, or loose electrical connections that cause overheating of wires or relays. Of greater concern is a burning odor, obviously even more so if there’s smoke. This can happen if foreign objects such as plastic manage to get into the ductwork and then melt. In the case of either electrical or burning odors, first, make sure your air filter isn’t blocked. Then shut the equipment off and call us right away!
One frequent complaint when it comes to smells is a damp or “musty” odor. Believe it or not, it’s very rare that this is related to your HVAC system – it typically results from water getting into your home from another source. Damp basements (or any basements) are rare in Texas, so check your attic. Other things to look out for include air leaks or water damage to your return ducts. You might want to have your ducts cleaned, or use a dehumidifier and see if the smell disappears.
Check Everything Once, Twice, and Then Again
It might seem like a no-brainer to check for power, but as an example, if new appliances are being installed it can happen that power switches and breakers are accidentally turned off. Check that circuit breaker, you might just need to flip a switch! Another basic is your air filters, to make sure they haven’t become dirty or clogged. Remember that the frequency of changing them depends on many variables: any pets, type of flooring/carpet, allergy issues, size of the filters, and much more.
Your outside unit can sometimes be overlooked since you’re usually focused on what’s going on indoors. However, being the main point for airflow into your home means it’s important to inspect it as well. Branches, leaves, trash, and other debris can get sucked onto the surface, especially during windy weather. We’ve talked about how to clean the condenser, and we’ll always recommend keeping the area a few feet around it free and clear.
Monitor Thermostats
Finally, there’s a fair amount that can go wrong with thermostats. For starters, check the battery or batteries, since many programmable thermostats use them, and also see if you have a tripped breaker. Not only that, on the inside you may need to see if the filament has separated from the fuse or if a wire contact has come loose. Dirty thermostat components may keep your setting and actual room temperatures from matching up as well.
Call In the Experts
As you can tell, there are definitely things you can do on your own. On the other hand, at some point, you might decide to bring in expert advice, and your friends at Efficient Home Solutions are here to help. Whether you need emergency service or a test of your indoor air quality, we can handle it. Your HVAC system is part of your investment in your home, so if something is concerning you, don’t wait around. Contact us for trusted care for your heat and air!
