DIY HVAC TIPS

The AC unit's filter is responsible for catching pollutants like dust and dander before they can ruin the clean air throughout your home. Unfortunately, the filters can become clogged over time. A clogged filter can restrict airflow.

The unit will try working twice as hard to push air through the filter as a result. This process could cause the unit's energy efficiency to decline.

Try to change your filter every three months. If you have a pet, change it more often.

Make sure to shut the power off first. Then, remove the old filter. Find a replacement filter that's the same size and rating.

Make sure the arrow points in the right direction, the direction of the air flow, pointing towrds the furnce.  Label with the date too! Then, turn the power back on.

Mini-split indoor wall units have a washable plastic filter. Rinse with clean water, air dry, and re install.

All Air Conditioning units will condensate. All furnaces above 90% efficiency will condisate during heat mode. You'll know you have a 90%+ furnace if there are 2" or 3" PVC vented out of the furnace.

Usually, a leak can develop if the condensate drain gets clogged. Algae or fungi may be causing a clog in the system. Water will start to back up as a result.

The condensate pump might break down over time, too.

To fix the leak, you might need to replace the condensate pump. Then, unclog the pipe using a wet or dry vacuum. Afterward, pour six ounces of vinegar into the drain.

The vinegar can kill any fungi or algae that's clogging the drain.

Consider scheduling routine maintenance. They can help increase the life of your unit. They'll also ensure you catch any small problems with your unit before they become big issues.

For example, they might recognize evidence of improper installation issues, a broken condensate pan, failed inducer motor, or a bad AC seal. Requesting central air conditioning repair could save you time and effort.

Catching potential problems before they get worse can help you avoid more expensive repairs. It could help you avoid purchasing a brand new unit, too.

Regular HVAC maintenance can reduce HVAC energy costs by 5 to 40%. Using this guide to AC repair can help you recognize issues before they develop further. For example, you might notice your coils have gotten dirty over time.

Check your condenser coils, inside and out, to make sure they're not covered in grime and dirt. If they're dirty, they might not work efficiently. This problem often occurs in areas with high amounts of air pollution.

Once you clean up the coils, heat will have an easier time transferring properly.

Otherwise, the AC unit will need to work twice as hard. Components could start experiencing wear and tear as a result.

Make sure the unit is turned off before you clean it. Then, use a water hose or compressed air. Using water is usually the safer option.

Make sure to point the hose straight at the coil rather than at an angle. Otherwise, you could risk bending the coil fans.

Once the coil is clean, turn your AC unit back on. You should hear the compressor running.

If it's still not running properly, consider calling Coastal Aire. Their air conditioner troubleshooting services can ensure you're not dealing with a bigger issue.

Mini-split indoor units have coils which need to be cleaned too. If your not comfortable washing the coils, please schedule a maintence with us today!

An HVAC system is the most expensive appliance in your home. Most homeowners don't know about surge protectors which can save you $1,000's.

Electrical surges, failures, brown outs, or electrical storms can trip breakers, but having a surge protector on your furnace and A/C is the most beneficial.

Call us today for questions regarding HVAC surge protectors. 

Most furnaces have a little viewing window into the blower compartment in order to see an LED on the circuit board. The LED will indicate an error code. The error could be  a series of flashing lights or letter and number combinations. The back side of the furnace panel door should explain the error codes. If you cannot locate the error code descriptions,
or owners manual, a quick internet search with the model number of the furnace should lead you in the right direction.

Make sure your furnace and AC unit is turning on and off properly. If your unit doesn't turn off, you may be experiencing an electrical issue. If your blower motor condinues to run after the cooling off cycle, you may have a broken limit switch, or a communication error.

Your unit's compression and system fan can begin to wear out over time. The compression, condenser motor, and blower motor are connected with wires. If a wire or terminal becomes corroded, the motor and compressor might not work.

Electrical power comprised 44% of energy use in US households. If these components aren't working properly, your energy use can increase. 

If you're nervous about reviewing the unit's electrical system, call a professional. They can make the necessary repairs safely and efficiently.

Check the thermostat: Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and not to “cool” and that the temperature setting is several degrees warmer than the room temperature. If your thermostat is battery-operated, make sure that the batteries aren’t dying and therefore causing a malfunction. Most thermostats have a cover that pulls off without using any tools, allowing you to brush or blow out accumulated dust that can interfere with the thermostat’s operation.  

There are a wide variety of thermostats on the market. Each one is slightly different. Every year becoming more advanced with new technology. We will soon beable to diagnose your furnace and AC from our office. The new technaology will save you and us lots of time and money. Ask us today about this new technology!

Reset the circuit breaker: Cycle power: If the heater won’t turn on, it’s possible that a circuit breaker or fuse was tripped or blown. Locate the breaker panel in your home and find the circuit that controls the furnace. Even if it uses natural gas as fuel, which most do, the furnace's ignitor and blower fan need electricity. Flip the breaker from the “on” position to the “off” position and then back to “on” and keep it there. This resets the breaker and could solve your problem. In some cases, you might need to replace a fuse.

Identify the Error Code: Most furnaces have a little viewing window into the blower compartment in order to see an LED on the circuit board. The LED will indicate an error code. The error could be  a series of flashing lights or letter and number combinations. The back side of the furnace panel door should explain the error codes. If you cannot locate the error code descriptions, 

 or owners manual, a quick internet search with the model number of the furnace should lead you in the right direction.

If the heater is turning on, but it’s not producing enough heat to match the temperature setting, there could be several reasons. And once again, some easy DIY furnace troubleshooting might solve the problem.

Replace the Furnace Filter

Dirty furnace filters are a common cause of heater problems because dust and dirt restrict airflow. That debris can cause soot buildup in the heat exchanger and reduce efficiency. If the furnace air filter gets clogged with dust and dirt, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off before your home warms up to the desired temperature. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports regularly cleaning or changing the filters improves indoor air quality.

When to Replace Your Furnace Air Filter: The general rule is that filters should be replaced every 90 days, but the amount of use is different in each home and filters vary in thickness and quality, so some can last more than 90 days while others lose their effectiveness before three months. Check your furnace filter, which is usually easily accessible, and give it the good old-fashioned eye test. Hold it up to a light to see how much dust and dirt is on it and compare it to an unused one. If it’s covered in dust and dirt, replace it. Dirty filters make a heater work harder and lead to higher energy costs.

Check the Air Vents in Each Room

If a room stays chilly while others warm up, check the supply air vent (the vent that supplies the conditioned air into the room). Something could be blocking the openings and limiting the airflow. It’s also important to remember that all the vents in the home should remain open, even in a room you are not using, because closing a vent can increase pressure in the duct system and cause more air leakage.

If a room stays chilly while others warm up, check the supply air vent (the vent that supplies the conditioned air into the room). Something could be blocking the openings and limiting the airflow. It’s also important to remember that all the vents in the home should remain open, even in a room you are not using, because closing a vent can increase pressure in the duct system and cause more air leakage.

Identify the Error Code: Most furnaces have a little viewing window into the blower compartment in order to see an LED on the circuit board. The LED will indicate an error code. The error could be  a series of flashing lights or letter and number combinations. The back side of the furnace panel door should explain the error codes. If you cannot locate the error code descriptions, or owners manual, a quick internet search with the model number of the furnace should lead you in the right direction.

Modern heaters do not – or should not – make much noise as they operate. In a quiet home, you might notice some sound when it’s starting up, but if it’s a booming sound, it could mean there is a problem with delayed ignition, which can damage the heat exchanger. An HVAC technician can assess the problem and fix it.

As the furnace continues its heating, there should be very little sound. Noises such as whistling, rattling, banging, and grinding can be signs of a serious problem that could lead to a system breakdown. These are beyond the scope of safe DIY furnace repair and require a licensed professional.

While homeowners with a do-it-yourself spirit might feel emboldened, there can be danger involved. Unlike when some DIY projects don’t work out, failed DIY furnace repairs can damage expensive equipment and put your family’s safety at risk.

Fire Hazards

Whether you have a gas or an electric heater, it has a heating element at its core. And in order to warm your entire house, it needs to create some very high temperatures. Crossed wires in an electric heater can cause the system to overheat. An electrical short in a gas furnace adds the risk of sparking an explosion, should any gas leaks develop. If you have a gas furnace and smell gas in your home, go outside immediately and contact the gas company and a licensed gas leak specialist.

The risk of fire or explosion with any kind of DIY furnace repair should be enough to convince anyone to consult an HVAC professional if they are not absolutely certain about what they are doing.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a deadly colorless, odorless gas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that each year unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning results in more than 400 Americans dying and more than 20,000 needing a trip to an emergency room. If you own a gas furnace, you should own a carbon monoxide monitor near the appliance and check that it is working regularly.

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of burning fuel to create heat, and cracks in a heat exchanger – even very small ones – can leak carbon monoxide into a home. A well-meaning but untrained person working on a heater might not notice any problems. An HVAC professional can spot them and has the furnace parts to make the repairs.

The risk of fire or explosion with any kind of DIY furnace repair should be enough to convince anyone to consult an HVAC professional if they are not absolutely certain about what they are doing.

DIY Repairs Can Void Warranties

Furnaces can have a lifespan of 20 years, and they often include significant manufacturer warranties as well as warranties provided by the installer. Those warranties can be voided by DIY repairs because most HVAC manufacturers require all repairs to be performed by a licensed professional.

The best way to keep a furnace operating at peak efficiency and safety is through proper maintenance. Homeowners can do some of that themselves:

Changing the Filter: Some homes need filter replacement more frequently than others, depending on use and the amount of dust in the home. But a furnace always operates more efficiently with a clean filter.

Testing the Carbon Monoxide Detector: The only way to detect carbon monoxide is with CO detector. Check the batteries twice a year and regularly push the “test” or “reset” button to ensure it is working properly.

Cleaning Around the Furnace: The area around your furnace is probably not a “living area” of your home, but it still should be kept clean. An ordinary vacuum with the brush attachment can be used to (carefully) clean the exterior of the unit and the ducts and pipes leading to it. Resist using the area around the heater for storage so that the space remains uncluttered and vacuum up dust on the floor surrounding it.

Hire a Duct Cleaning Service: Unfortunately, we do not offer duct cleaning. There are a few great companies serving Northern Nevada. 

If you have any concerns about your furnace’s operation or have any doubts about what the problem may be, contact a professional. Certified HVAC technicians have diagnostic tools of which most homeowners are completely unaware. In addition to assessing problems, a licensed HVAC technician can provide scheduled furnace tune-ups and perform additional furnace services such as checking the combustion chamber for cracks, testing for carbon monoxide, removing dirt and corrosion from the heater, lubricating and adjusting the blower and sealing connections between the heater and ducts.

An HVAC technician also can provide an expert eye for any potential issues with a heater, and in many cases, less expensive, “wear and tear” issues can be addressed before they lead to a serious, more expensive system breakdown.

 If furnace replacement is necessary, the professional can offer guidance on furnace cost and provide expert furnace installation.