Common troubleshooting tips to help you diagnose your HVAC system problems.
When your heating or air conditioning system is not working properly, it can be frustrating. You want to avoid paying a lot for repairs, but you want your home to feel comfortable again. At Andy Lewis, we understand your frustration, and we want to save you time and money. Below, we’ve listed common HVAC issues and troubleshooting tips to help you diagnose your heating and cooling problems.
Of course, if these tips don’t help you get your unit working the way it’s supposed to, that’s when you know it’s time to call the HVAC repair experts at Andy Lewis!
Steam Coming From Outdoor Unit
Heat pumps have a regular defrost cycle that run occasionally to remove build-up of ice due to weather conditions. This ice build-up lowers the efficiency, so the heat pump takes care of this on its own. This cycle often causes heat pump owners, especially those who are new to this type of system, to think there is a problem because they see steam coming from the system and mistake it for smoke. The fan stops running during the defrost cycle as well, causing further confusion to the homeowner because the combination of steam and a stopped fan makes them think the fan motor has burned up. It also makes a louder than usual sound during the defrost cycle. All of this is completely normal and you have nothing to worry about.
The only action required on your part:
- Regularly check to see that no debris or ice is blocking the outdoor unit.
If for some reason your heat pump does not resume normal function in a few hours, then it may be necessary to call an HVAC professional at Andy Lewis HVAC.
Outdoor Unit is Making Unusual or Loud Noises
It is perfectly normal for your heat pump to make some noise during the winter time. Refrigerant liquid flows back and forth throughout the system when switching from heating to cooling mode and also for the defrost cycle. A “wooshing” sound like the sound of water through pipes may be heard when the refrigerant is flowing. It may last for a few seconds, but this sound is normal.
Abnormal sounds would be a metal “clanking” sound, perhaps indicating that the fan blades are hitting something. If you hear this sound, turn off your system and call Andy Lewis.
Some causes you may be able to correct yourself:
- Ice interfering with fan blade
- Some other outside obstruction interfering with fan blade
Causes that require an HVAC specialist:
- Loose parts vibrating against each other
- Refrigerant piping may be strapped too tight causing vibration
Heat Pump Runs Constantly/Doesn't Shut Off
During the winter or summer if your heat pump is constantly running it can mean a variety of different things. But it does mean that your heat pump isn’t working correctly. First check a few things to see if there is a simple solution:
- Make sure your thermostat is set to heat or cool and that the temperature setting is above or below the room temperature.
- Check to see if the breaker is tripped.
- Listen for the outdoor unit. Is it running?
- Check the filters for dust or dirt build-up.
- Look for snow or ice build-up on the outdoor unit.
If none of those checks provide a solution, consider the following possible causes:
- Poor home insulation.
- Cold return temperatures from an attic or basement.
If either of these are the cause, or if nothing you try corrects the problem, you should consult your HVAC professional at Andy Lewis HVAC.
Outdoor Unit Won't Turn On
If the outdoor unit of your heat pump or air conditioner isn’t turning on, there could be a simple solution such as a faulty thermostat or a blown fuse. These are common problems with heating and cooling systems here in the greater Charlotte, NC area. Before calling your local heating and air conditioning contractor for help, make sure that everything else is working as it should.
Possible causes include the following:
- Thermostat is not properly set
- Circuit breaker has tripped
- Blown fuse
- Emergency switch is off
- Outdoor reset button is tripped
If none of these seems to be the problem, it’s time to call an HVAC specialist.
Heat Pump Iced Up in Winter
It is common to see ice on your heat pump in the winter. In cold weather, you may see frost or a little ice on the coil. But if your entire heat pump unit is covered with ice, including the top and inside, you may have a more serious problem. To avoid system failure and excessive energy usage, a professional HVAC technician can determine the problem and correct it. It could be that the defrost cycle isn’t working properly.
The problem may be caused by:
- Water dripping onto the unit from a leaky gutter
- Weather conditions like freezing rain
- Outdoor unit may be blocked by snow, leaves, or other debris
- The outdoor unit may have settled too low into the ground
Heat Pump/Air Conditioning Iced Up in Summer
If you see ice on your air conditioner or heat pump in the summer, it is definitely not working properly. There should never be ice on the indoor or outdoor unit or any other part of your air conditioner or heat pump in warm weather. Turn off your AC immediately.
The problem may be caused by:
- Thermostat is set too low
- Blocked filter
- Vents blocked or closed, including supply and return vents
- Windows open while AC is running
If none of these are the cause, call Andy Lewis HVAC for help with your air conditioner/heat pump.
Air Conditioner Not Cooling
The most common summertime air conditioner problem is failure to cool. There are many possible causes for an air conditioner that isn’t properly cooling your home. The good news is that it may be a simple fix. We know there isn’t much worse than being stuck in a home without air conditioning in the middle of a hot and humid Charlotte, NC summer.
Check the following things first:
- Check to see that the thermostat is set to “cool.”
- Make sure the thermostat is set to a temperature that is below room temperature.
- Check to see that the Power is on to the indoor unit.
- Look in your electrical box for a tripped circuit breaker (one that is flipped the opposite direction from the other breakers. If they are labeled, one should be designated to the HVAC system.) Flip it back the other way to the on position.
- If the above are all in place, the unit should be running. If not, look for a reset button (probably red) for the outdoor unit. Push the reset button.
If none of these steps have corrected the problem, call Andy Lewis HVAC for AC repair service.
Pilot Light Goes Out
If you have an older furnace with a standing pilot light, it may go out at some point during the heating season. But if it happens more than a time or two, it may indicate a problem.
Some people choose to turn off the pilot light when the heating season ends to save fuel (just a small amount of gas or propane is needed to keep a pilot light lit). It is a good idea to know how to relight a pilot light in case it does go out.
Steps for lighting a furnace pilot light:
*If your furnace has instructions for lighting the pilot, follow those first.
- Turn off the furnace, boiler, or water heater at the thermostat or power switch.
- Locate the gas valve and turn the knob from on or off (depending on where it was) to the pilot position.
- Hold down the red button, which sends gas to the pilot burner.
- At the same time, hold the match to the pilot burner. (Just follow the small pilot tubing to the end.) Sometimes a long match is needed. You can use needle nose pliers to hold the match.
- On some equipment, you may need to move a small metal door or panel for access.
- Light the pilot but do not let go of the button.
- Continue holding the button for 60 seconds.
- Let go of the button. The pilot should stay lit. (If not, you need to schedule service.)
- Turn the gas valve knob back to the on position.
- Turn on the appliance. Turn up the thermostat. The main gas should light.
- Put back a metal cover if your system had one.
Indoor Unit Leaking Water
If there is water coming from the indoor unit of your HVAC system, you need to correct it as soon as possible to avoid water damage to your home. Water around the indoor unit means your system is leaking, not draining properly, or making excess condensation. Condensation can form on the evaporator coil and suction line if they are not properly insulated.
If the necessary insulation is missing or leaving part of the coil or line exposed, more condensation collects on it, which can drip onto the floor. In some situations the coil may ice up, and when the ice melts it will leave a puddle on the floor. If the condensation drain is blocked it can cause pooled water. In the worst case, your system could be leaking refrigerant. Both air conditioners and furnaces can leak water.
Try the following:
- Make sure the insulation is properly installed on the coil and suction line.
- Be sure the condensation pump is plugged in.
- Check to be sure your floor drain is not clogged.
Circuit Breaker Trips Repeatedly
Occasional circuit breaker trips are possible, especially in cases of electricity overload during peak usage hours. But if your heating and air conditioning system repeatedly causes the circuit breaker to trip, you may have a bigger problem on your hands.
Electricity is not something to work on yourself due to the high danger. If the breaker is tripped, simply flip it back the other way. If it comes back on, it may have been a fluke. If it happens again, you may have a more serious issue that requires a professional. Electrical issues can pose a fire risk, and HVAC systems run at high voltages.
For safety’s sake, call Andy Lewis HVAC and one of our technicians will come to check it out.
Low Air Flow
Does it seem like there is not enough air coming out of the vents in your home? Does it seem to be lower air flow than usual? It’s possible you have a problem with your HVAC system, but it could be something you can correct yourself.
*Air cleaners and high efficiency filters can slow air flow to your HVAC system.
Try the following solutions first:
- Check filters for build-up of dirt, dust, pollen, or pet hair.
- Make sure all vents are open and clear.
- Dampers should be open. Make sure the handle is in line with the duct, not turned 90 degrees (which is closed position).
If all of these things seem to be in order and you still have air flow issues, it may be a more serious problem. Contact your HVAC expert for advice.
Some Rooms are Warmer or Cooler Than Others
Uneven heating and cooling is a common problem with heating and air conditioning systems. Some rooms are nice and warm in the winter, others are chilly. Some rooms get comfortably cool in the summer, others are stuffy. Air flow has a lot to do with this problem. Dirty filters, closed vents, and ductwork issues can impede air flow, causing uneven heating and cooling. Home insulation is also a factor.
Steps you can take:
- Check or replace filters.
- Make sure all vents are fully open.
- Seal any drafty places like around windows and doors.
- Use sun and shade to your advantage by opening or closing curtains or blinds.
If none of this helps and rooms are still drastically different in temperature, call Andy Lewis HVAC.
Inside Temperature Doesn't Match Thermostat
If you set your thermostat to a certain temperature, but it never seems to reach that temperature, it is most likely due to the thermostat itself. It may be that your thermostat needs to be calibrated. This can easily be fixed by an HVAC specialist, but it seems that this solution is only temporary, as many people find that the same fix is needed soon afterwards.
The best solution is to have a digital thermostat installed. Digital thermostats are very accurate and some are even programmable to save you up to 30% in energy costs. Call Andy Lewis HVAC to upgrade to a digital thermostat.
Thermostat Warning Light is On Or Flashing
When your heat pump is in normal operation (not emergency heat mode) and the red warning light is flashing or on, it usually means the outdoor unit has shut itself off or is “locked out.” The indoor unit may continue to run, because the outdoor unit is where the problem lies. When the outdoor unit shuts itself off, it sends a message to the thermostat, which causes the light to come on or blink.
Possible cause:
- Outdoor unit blocked by something or covered in ice.
Action to be taken by homeowner:
- Remove snow or ice from outdoor unit.
If this does not correct the problem, you should contact your HVAC experts at Andy Lewis HVAC.
Contact Us
If you have any heating or cooling needs that need to be addressed, we invite you to contact our team today.
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