5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips Every Ohio Homeowner Should Know

November 29, 2024

Do you hear a strange noise coming from your furnace? Does the air in your Ohio home seem stuffy and dry?

Carrier Ohio can help you find solutions. Knowing a few quick troubleshooting tips can help you get the best performance from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and avoid calling a repair technician.

Most homeowners spend thousands of dollars on purchasing HVAC equipment and hundreds of dollars every year on energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating your home takes up 29% of your energy bill.

At CarrierOhio, we always want to keep our customers informed about their heating and cooling systems and how to get the most value from that equipment. We have a network of Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers that can help with any installation, repair, or maintenance issues you might have with your Carrier air conditioner or furnace.

5 Ohio HVAC Troubleshooting Tips

One of the best ways to protect your HVAC investment is to schedule annual tune-ups for your furnace and air conditioning (AC) unit. A professional tune-up allows your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer to catch minor issues before they become costly repairs.

Tune-ups can lower your energy bills and extend the service life of your equipment. Here are some DIY tips to consider between maintenance visits:

  1. Check the Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is set to the correct mode (heat or cool) and the temperature is set appropriately. Check the batteries, and if it’s a digital thermostat, try resetting it.

    Want to enhance your home comfort even further? Consider a Carrier smart thermostat that alerts you to changing weather conditions or when your indoor air quality (IAQ) is poor.
  2. Inspect the Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. It can slow down your HVAC system, forcing it to struggle to circulate conditioned air. A clogged filter can also impact indoor air quality.

    At CarrierOhio, we recommend checking your HVAC filter monthly. If it is clogged with dust and debris, replace it immediately. Otherwise, follow your HVAC owner’s guide on when to change it with a clean one.
  3. Examine the Outdoor Unit: Clear debris, such as leaves or snow, from around the outdoor unit to promote healthy airflow. Ensure the fan blades are spinning freely and the unit isn’t frozen.
  4. Listen for Unusual Noises: Unusual noises like banging, clunking, or squealing can indicate a problem. Consult a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer closest to your home if you hear anything unusual.
  5. Check for Water Leaks: Look for water leaks around the indoor unit or outdoor unit. Water leaks can signal a serious issue like a refrigerant leak or a clogged condensate drain.

Following these simple DIY steps can save you a significant amount of money! Most HVAC systems operate efficiently for 15-20 years before they start slowing down. Let’s work together to keep your equipment running smoothly as long as possible.

Bonus HVAC Tips

  • Monitor Energy Bills: A sudden spike in your energy bills can indicate an inefficient HVAC system. Consider scheduling a professional inspection.
  • Consider a Humidifier: Ohio winters can be very dry. A Carrier humidifier can add moisture to the air, making you feel more comfortable and reducing static electricity.
  • Seal and Insulate Your Air Ducts: Be sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated. This will help prevent energy loss and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.
  • Know Your System’s Age: Older HVAC systems may be less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. If your system is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
  • The date of production/manufacture or age of Carrier brand HVAC equipment can be determined from theten-character serial number located on the rating data plate. The year of manufacture can be determined by using the 3rd and 4th positions of the serial number.

When you are ready to replace your HVAC system, Carrier Ohio can help you save money by guiding you through rebates and federal tax credits.

Ohioans Choose CarrierOhio for Their HVAC Needs!

Following these five troubleshooting tips can save you a lot of hassle and worry. You invested a significant amount of money into your HVAC system—be sure to keep it serviced and maintained through a nearby Carrier Authorized Factory Dealer.

Whenever you need help with your heating and cooling, Carrier Ohio is here to assist!