What are 5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips That Every Homeowner Should Know?

How to troubleshoot HVAC issues for homeowners.

When our HVAC units are functioning without a hitch, it’s easy to forget just how much we rely upon them. Then comes the unexpected: a cold home, an intimidating HVAC issue, and one frustrated homeowner.

Regularly scheduled maintenance is the best way to prevent HVAC failure. We offer Preventative Maintenance Plans for clients to ensure comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings. Still, sometimes our heating and cooling systems experience issues.


Regularly scheduling maintenance is the best way to prevent HVAC failure.

Today we discuss tips every homeowner should know for troubleshooting their HVAC system. 

The Problem Might Be Your Thermostat

Checking your thermostat and adjusting the setting is sometimes the quickest and easiest fix to solving an HVAC issue. Thermostats include multiple settings (Fan, Auto, Heat, Cool) and can accidentally get changed when adjusting temperature. Check to make sure your thermostat is on the appropriate setting. If your HVAC does not turn on after adjusting the settings, there is likely a greater issue.

Some thermostats are battery operated. Changing batteries regularly prevents your HVAC from turning off all together. Consider scheduling an alert on your phone to change batteries when you change out the batteries in your smoke detectors. 

Smart Thermostats and Programmable Thermostats allow you to create schedules to automatically adjust your temperature controls. If you notice your home feeling colder than it should be, check that the scheduled program is modified to your preferences.

If none of the above considerations apply to your thermostat, consider the other tips below.


Change the batteries in your thermostats when you change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Checking Circuit Breaker Boxes

Whether there is local electrical work being done or something in your home, like your blow dryer overheated, it is not uncommon for a circuit to switch off without your being aware of it. Checking the circuit breaker box in your home is a simple step to learning if power is the root of an HVAC issue. Run your finger down the column(s) of switches, and notice if there is a switch that is not lined up with the others. Adjust the switch accordingly. Always remember to use caution when checking circuit breakers. 

Regularly Changing Air Filters

Air filters should be changed every couple of months to ensure air purity and maximum performance. Taking the time to look at the air filters in your furnace can reveal if your system is congested with dirty filters. Changing air filters can be done by homeowners or during a routine maintenance check-up. Contact our team to learn more about how you can change your air filters.

Check for Odors

As a homeowner, you are likely aware of any normal smells that accompany the heat in your home. When you turn on your furnace at the beginning of the season there can be dust burn off that can cause a light burning smell. This should dissipate relatively quickly. If you notice a smell of gas, rotten eggs, sewage, must or smoke, this indicates a much larger problem. Call your trusted team at Pierce for service or if a greater emergency is suspected, call 9-1-1. 

For more general tips and reminders regarding power outages, mass.gov shares Power Outage Safety Tips.

If your question isn’t answered here, contact the Pierce Refrigeration team and one of our experts will guide you in finding your solution.

Need 24-7 emergency service? Looking for advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort at home and at work?

Contact the friendly staff at Pierce Refrigeration at

800-696-1088

info@piercerefrig.com

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