The 4 Leading Reasons Behind HVAC Service Calls
Residential and commercial HVAC service isn’t all about cleaning filters. That part is simple enough for most homeowners, but there are reasons why your HVAC equipment needs serviced by a professional. Below are the top four causes of most HVAC service calls.
If Your Thermostat Says “Call for Service,” Read This First
That message means your system has spotted a problem and shut itself down, or is close to it, before the problem gets worse. It is the thermostat doing its job. On many systems, including the Carrier systems we install and service across North Florida, that message shows up after the equipment fails to start a few times in a row, stops keeping up with the temperature you set, or loses contact with part of the system. The message itself does not tell you which part failed. It tells you the system needs a real look, not another day of hoping it clears on its own.
A few checks are safe to do yourself first:
- Take a photo of the screen, message and any code included. That photo helps the technician start in the right place.
- Check your air filter. A clogged filter starves the system of air, and in Florida humidity it does not take long for a dirty filter to cause bigger trouble.
- Check the breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off and call. Do not keep resetting it.
- Look at the outdoor unit and make sure nothing is blocking it, and check that your vents inside are open.
Still showing “Call for Service”?
$99 diagnostic, findings in writing before work starts. Call (904) 406-0070 or . Open 24 hours, 7 days.
Call the same day if the house is not cooling, the system will not run at all, the breaker keeps tripping, you see ice on the lines, or the message keeps coming back after the checks above. A North Florida home heats up fast once the air stops, and a small fault left running can turn into a larger repair.
If those checks do not clear it, the next step is a diagnostic, not a guess. Our diagnostic is $99. A technician finds the actual cause, puts the findings in writing before any repair starts, and you approve the work with the real numbers in front of you. You can see what that visit covers on our AC and heating repairs page. If the thermostat itself turns out to be the failed part, our smart thermostats page shows the replacement options we install.
1. Thermostat Issues
A thermostat that isn’t working correctly is one of the top reasons people call a professional to take a look at their HVAC equipment. They may not actually know that it’s the thermostat that’s the issue, however; they might just think their HVAC unit is malfunctioning or not working right. It’s a common cause of HVAC service calls. In many cases, the thermostat could be broken, or someone just adjusted the settings incorrectly.
A simple way to resolve this issue is to refer to your user’s manual. It might be a simple case of the thermostat being on the wrong setting. You can also check the batteries if you have a programmable thermostat. If none of these attempts work, call your technician.
2. Dirt Accumulation
The condenser and evaporator coils can get dirty. This is often an issue that stems from lack of maintenance, as providers of residential and commercial air conditioning services can attest. Dirt and debris can coat the coils and cause the HVAC system to run inefficiently. Dirt can also damage the unit if it’s accumulated long enough and become thick enough. If this is the case, chances are the filter is also dirty. Dirt accumulation makes it more difficult for the HVAC unit to operate, so not only does it use more energy, it also makes your home less comfortable. To avoid HVAC service calls due to this, regular cleaning can help.
3. Water Leaks
The presence of a water leak usually means the drain lines are damaged or clogged. You can prevent clogging in the drain line by pouring bleach into it now and then. If it still becomes clogged, though, or if you find cracks in it, call your technician right away. Water leaks are a frequent reason for HVAC service calls.
4. Dirty Filter
Homeowners may sometimes wonder why their HVAC unit is producing less hot or cold air or why their electricity bills are skyrocketing. This can happen for a number of reasons, even something as simple as a dirty air filter. It’s harder for the HVAC unit to work if the filter is blocked by accumulated dirt, so it has to use more energy. Even then, the unit might still find it hard to blow enough air to make your home comfortable. You can clean your HVAC filter yourself, but you can also call on a professional to do it for you and avoid unnecessary HVAC service calls.
If you need a reputable HVAC contractor to keep your equipment running in top condition, get in touch with Comfort Zone of North Florida. Call us today at the following number: Jacksonville, FL, at (904) 406-0070. You can also contact us here. We work with home and business owners in Jacksonville, FL.
