There are several types of comfort systems that you may have. So the first thing we need to know is which type you have. If you already know what type you have great. If not you may be able to tell by the type of control is mounted on your wall. If the controller only offers you heat, cool, on, and off, you most likely have a gas system. If the controller offers you the same and emergency heat, then you most likely have a heat pump. Now that we know what type of system you have, you can better help identify what the problem is. Listed below are some common issues and probable causes. Please note tat we will not give any suggestions that will prove harmful to you, these are simple solutions the may save you the expense of a service call.
COOLING SEASON:
Q. All of the sudden it seems like the airflow has stopped or slowed down.
A. This could be for several reasons. First is this condition limited to just one vent or are more or all vents affected? If it is just one vent you want to ensure that the duct supplying air to it has not fallen off or become damaged in some other way. It is also possible and not un heard of that an animal has made a home in the duct therefore restricting the airflow. In either case it must be identified and corrected. If all the ducts are affected, you first want to ensure that your filters are clean and that there is no obstruction in front of the return air duct(s). Also you want to make sure that the outdoor section of your comfort system is running and that there is no frost or ice build up on the unit. You will be able to see signs of ice located at the lower part of the outdoor unit where the lines enter your crawl space, if there is ice, shut the system down at the thermostat and call for service. If the outdoor unit is not running, check the breakers in the home. Please only reset any breaker that is clearly marked. It should be marked a/c or outdoor unit. If a tripped breaker was reset and the outdoor unit started it is recommended that a service call be performed to make sure that there wasn't a mechanical problem that caused the breaker to trip.
Q. For some reason, the air is just not as cold as it used to be.
A. One important thing we need to remember is that all of the comfort equipment manufactured for our region is done so with these parameters in mind. The equipment will maintain at least a 20 degree temperature difference between outside and inside, meaning that if it were 100 degrees outside, you would expect at least 80 degrees inside. Statistically though we achieve closer to a 30 degree difference most of the time. With this in mind we still must ensure that the filters are clean and no obstructions are present. You also want to make sure that return ducts are not damaged, especially if the indoor unit is in the attic. And again, check for ice on the outdoor section. If ice is present, shut system down and call for service.
HEATING SEASON GAS HEAT:
Q. I had heat last night now the system doesn't come on.
A. There are many common reasons why this may be happing. First call your natural gas supplier and make sure they are not working on the lines causing an interruption in service. Also ensure that your power is on and that the electric company is not working on the lines. You may want to change the batteries in your thermostat if applicable. And again you can check to ensure that all breakers or on. If not and clearly marked, reset and cal for service.
For any other heat related issue it is recommended to call for service.
HEATING SEASON HEAT PUMP:
Q. My heat pump wont come on.
A. You want to make sure that power is coming to your home and that the power company isn't working on the lines. Also check all breakers and reset if needed and call for service. As with a gas system your thermostat may be battery operated, if change the batteries.
Q. All of the sudden the air seems a lot cooler that it used to be.
A. Make sure your filters sre clean and replace if not. Also you make sure that the outdoor unit is running, if it is not check all breakers and reset if needed and call for service. You also want to make sure that your duct system is in good repair. Basically your looking for visual rips and damage.
Q. I noticed the other day that my outdoor unit was covered with white frost, what is this?
A. Typically this is normal. The outdoor unit should defrost its self automatically. I this is happening you should monitor it for about 30 minutes, if the ice hasn't thawed or started to thaw, put your system into emergency heat at the thermostat, and call for service.
As with anything mechanical, there should be periodic maintenance performed to ensure it lasts as long as it can and to give you peace of mind. GS Mechanical has several maintenance plans available and would be happy to discuss any of them with you, you may e-mail us by clicking the contact us tab.
Thank you and we hope this area has been helpful. For any un answered questions, please e-mail us and we will help you out.
