Home Maintenance Tips

 

Not all problems with your equipment require a service call immediately. Sometimes, a few simple steps before picking up the phone could reset your equipment and save you money. If the following troubleshooting tips don't solve your problem,

contact Slebodnik Services right away for service.

 

Replace Filters Monthly

Replacing filters monthly will help keep the system cooling properly. It allows the air to flow through the system, and

helps keep the evaporator coil clean. Proper air flow and clean coils are essential to the operation and longevity of

your HVAC system. 

 

Clear Drain Line

A clogged drain line can cause your system to loose its cooling operations. A clean drain line is essential to your cooling comfort. 

A "how-to" video will be uploaded soon to demonstrate for your convenience.

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COMMON SERVICE ISSUES:

Condenser (outdoor unit) Isn't Running

• Check the main power switch for your outdoor unit, usually found within a few feet of the unit in a box mounted to the exterior of the house. Make sure it’s in the "ON" position. Check the power to make sure the unit is plugged in. If so, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Restore the power and see if it starts.

• Another potential cause is a thermostat that isn't set properly. Lower the thermostat by five degrees and see if it kicks on. Check to make sure that your thermostat is set in cooling mode. Make sure that the temperature is set cooler than the current indoor temperature.

• Ensure that the blower motor in your furnace or air handler (fan coil) is running. If the system is set for cooling, the blower motor should be running. If not, check to make sure your indoor unit switch is in the "ON" position.

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Inadequate Air Cooling

• Start by lowering the thermostat five degrees.
  If that does not fix the problem, you may have a dirty evaporator. Carefully clean the evaporator and let it run for a few hours.
  If the problem remains, it could mean you have an improperly sized air conditioner. If you pair your zoned system with programmable thermostats, you could save up to 30 percent more on heating and cooling costs. Keep in mind that an extremely hot day may impact your unit's effectiveness. If temperatures outside are over 100 degrees, you may not be able to achieve 62 degrees inside your home, especially if you have a lot of windows letting in the sun's energy.
  Always consult with SSI before making the decision to replace your unit, especially if temperatures have been unusually high

 

System Not Cooling

• Check the filter for buildup. If you have one-inch-thick furnace filters, a once-a-month change is recommended. Two-inch-thick filters—and other high-capacity pleated filters—usually only need to be changed every other month, depending on the type. If you don’t change it, the filter will eventually become so full, it will block the proper airflow and cause your outdoor air conditioner unit to shut down.

• Check all return air grilles to make sure they are not blocked. Return air grilles are larger and are located on a wall or the ceiling in newer homes. Older homes frequently have return air grilles on the floor.

• Check all supply registers to make sure they are open and blowing air.

 

Air Unit Shuts On / Off Repeatedly

This is another problem that can happen with a dirty or blocked condenser unit, as well as a dirty evaporator. Most of the time, giving the entire unit a good cleaning and removing any obstructions will eliminate the problem.

 

System Not Running

• Make sure your outdoor cooling (condensing) unit is running. If not, check the circuit breakers in your home’s circuit breaker box (or electrical panel). They should be in the ON position.

• Ensure that the blower motor in your furnace or air handler (fan coil) is running. If the system is set for cooling, the blower motor should be running. If not, check to make sure your indoor unit switch is in the ON position.

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OTHER SIGNS THAT INDICATE A SERVICE CALL MAY BE IN ORDER:

• Your system is struggling to keep up and seems to be turning itself on and off frequently.

• Your indoor summer humidity levels seem unusually high.

• You hear your indoor-unit fan coming on but the air from the registers isn’t cool or the fan is turning on and off more frequently than usual. NOTE: If your system control has a “Constant ON” feature, you will not always feel warmth, even though air may be blowing.