What Furnace and AC Fixes Can You Do on Your Own?
There are not too many things that you can do on your own to fix your furnace and air conditioner, but there are a few things that do not require a professional technician. Just be careful and know when you get in too deep and call the professional when you need the help.
There are many lists on the internet that you can go to, this is just one that you can use. Another one that you can look at is here: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/easy-heating-cooling-fixes/. There are many more simple fixes there.
Check Your Filter
The first thing that you can do to fix your furnace and air conditioner is to check the filters in both. A dirty filter will cause these units to not work as efficiently and cause them not to blow the air out the way they should. Read your owner’s manuals to see where the filters are and how to change them easily. Remember to read the manuals to get the right size filters for your units.
Check Your Thermostat
You would be surprised at the number of people who just forget to switch their thermostat from heat to cool. This is by far the easiest fix that you can do to make sure that you are comfortable in your home. Other problems with your thermostat are that it might just need new batteries, or it might need to be switched out completely. If you need to switch it out, get one that is more energy efficient and will save you money.
Check The Circuit Breaker
Another very simple fix is checking the circuit breaker to make sure that the breaker has not flipped. You can flip it completely off and then on again to see if that fixes the problem. If not, check for fuses – you could have a blown fuse that just needs to be replaced. If it still does not work, it may be time to call in the professionals. There are professionals that can do a great job, visit this page if you need the help. They would be very glad to help you.
Make Sure the Water is Draining
On many heating and air conditioning units there are drains that need to drain water that is collected by condensation. Make sure these drain tubes are clear and are draining the water properly. You can do this by simply blowing on the tube to clear out any substances that may have collected. Do not use an air compressor because that could cause more problems than it fixes.
Clean the Igniter
Do not try to remove the igniter – that is a job that should be left to the professional. You can, however, blow the dust off the igniters by gently blowing on it. These parts will easily break, so be careful while doing this. Here is a site that you can check to see if you are cleaning the igniter correctly. When you take off and replace the cover panel, do so very gently so that you do not break any parts.
Check the Safety Switch
Many newer furnaces have a safety switch on the cover panels to make sure those panels are securely closed. Make sure that everything is secure, and that the safety switch is activated. This is another easy fix that you can do on your own.
Check Airflow
Sometimes, outside your home there are airflow pipes that you can check. They are usually PVC pipes, with one pointing up and one pointing down. They are for furnace air intake and furnace exhaust and these pipes can become clogged with a variety of things. Make sure they are clear and remove any debris that may be covering them.
Check for Blocked Registers or Vents
Sometimes your issue may be as simple as having a register or vent blocked by furniture or other items. These need to be clear so that air can flow as it needs to in order for you to be comfortable and for your units to be working efficiently. Just remove whatever is blocking it for another easy fix.
These are some of the easiest fixes for you to do on your own. There are other simple fixes that you can do on your own, this is just a start. Be sure to call a professional if you think that you are getting in over your head. That is what they are there for – to help you in your time of need.