How to Talk to HVAC Pros

It can be a bit daunting when you have to call an HVAC company to repair or replace your system. If you’re like most people, you haven’t a clue whether it’s a big problem or a small problem, and you’ll likely have to describe unfamiliar noises or effects as well as you can.

Taking some time to acquaint yourself with the way your system runs can be a big help in pinpointing problems, so you can describe the situation accurately and help the HVAC pros zero in on what needs to be done.

Describing What’s Wrong With Your HVAC System

While there’s insufficient room here to explain everything that might go wrong with your HVAC, here are a few common issues to be familiar with so you can speak the same language as your HVAC pro.

Condensate drain stopped up.

It’s a safe bet your condensate drain — the drain that takes away the condensed moisture in your home — is plugged up when you hear a dripping sound in the inside HVAC cabinet, while the air conditioner is running, or pools of water on the floor nearby.

Refrigerant charge is low.

This happens when there is a refrigerant leak, with insufficient cooling the result.

Furnace burners aren’t igniting.

The pilot light may be on the blink, or the burners might need cleaning.

Decreased air volume, no air, air not cool or warm.

The indoor blower fan or the condenser fan could be breaking down. It could also be the result of a dirty air filter, or the ductwork could have become disconnected or developed holes and is leaking air.

Thermostat malfunction.

Likely when your thermostat malfunctions, you will know it. If it has a digital readout, it may be blank. Or, it may be the unit doesn’t turn on when it should to deliver heating or cooling. The thermostat may need rewiring or new batteries, or may need to be replaced.

We’d be happy to give you more lessons on how to talk to HVAC pros. Call C.R. Wolfe Heating and Air Conditioning. We serve Middletown and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482.