Old Coast Heating & Air Conditioning Things to Know Before You Call a Professional

Initial Checks On Your HVAC System

Here’s a quick look at some things you can check, when your HVAC system is having issues, before you call a service technician at Old Coast Heating & Air Conditioning.

Check the filter:

This should be the original color and clean. If it is off-color, dirty or full of debris, you should start by replacing the filter in your HVAC system. This should be done every 30-90 days, depending on how many people are in the home and if you have pets.

This should be the original color and clean. If it is off-color, dirty or full of debris, you should start by replacing the filter in your HVAC system.

Check the refrigerant lines:

These are the copper tubes that run between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The large copper line is known as the “suction line.” In cooling mode, this line should be cold and should show some condensation. The small copper line is known as the “liquid line.” In cooling mode, this line should be warm to the touch. Air being pushed out from the top of the outdoor unit should be warmer than the ambient outside temperature when cooling. Check this and note how it feels.

Check the Drain Line:

You should see a piece of PVC piping exiting from the home. There should be a steady drip or trickle of water exiting this pipe when the unit is cooling. This is the condensation being pulled off the indoor coil.

If you suspect a clogged drain line, take a shop vacuum (wet/dry vacuum) and put the suction end on the PVC line running to the outside of the home. This isn’t an ideal method, but it could clear the drain enough to allow operation of the HVAC system temporarily. Schedule HVAC maintenance to clear the drains.

Check the sound:

There should be two distinct sounds coming from the outdoor unit when operating. If you listen carefully, you should notice the low humming sound of the compressor running. You should also notice the whirring sound of the fan spinning and cutting through the air. If you don’t hear the low humming sound, your compressor may not be operating. No whirring sound can signal a fan problem.

Check the cleanliness:

Shine a light on visible coils to see if they are clean or if they may be impacted with dirt and debris. The coils need to be able to pull air through them to operate properly. If the coils are impacted with dirt/debris, the HVAC system can’t cool or warm the air properly. Schedule HVAC maintenance to clean your system.

Check for ice:

This is a sign of restriction either with the airflow or the refrigeration circuit. Check your filter and the duct system to ensure nothing has collapsed. If both of those items look OK, a professional opinion is warranted.

Have you completed these initial checks on your HVAC system and still need assistance? Contact Old Coast Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an HVAC repair.

Old Coast Heating & Air Conditioning offers exceptional HVAC services in the following areas, prioritizing comfort, quality, and customer satisfaction. Trust us for your heating and cooling needs!

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