• Your HVAC system might need major repairs, but there may be simple things you can do.condensseur image by photlook from Fotolia.com
  
  Your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment works hard to keep you cool in the summers and warm in the winters. Occasionally, like any household appliances, there will be problems. When those problems arise it is likely to be at a time when you need the benefits of your HVAC systems the most. Use some helpful tips to identify symptoms and then diagnose the problem. You may find that some of the repairs are tasks you can do yourself -- or at least you'll know what to tell the repairman.
  
  

Unit Not Cooling

• One of the most obvious problems with an air conditioning system is its inability to keep the house cool.
  
  Start by eliminating the simple fixes. If the thermostat is not set at least a few degrees cooler than the actual room temperature, it's not going to come on. Try setting the thermostat lower and see if it comes on.
  
  Second, check the switch on the thermostat and make sure it is set to cool. Someone could easily have bumped the switch to "off" or "heat" and your fan may even be running. Regardless, the air conditioner will not be cooling.
  
  Assume the problem is more complicated. Cut off all power to the unit at the main electrical panel and check the condenser for debris. Rake away leaves and trim back brush that could be restricting air flow. Remove the protective grate and look at the condenser coils and see if they are dirty. They may require washing off with a hose.
  
  

Pooling Water

• When your HVAC system cools or heats it can create condensation. Ideally, the condensate pump in your unit will pump the liquid condensation that collects in the pan out through a drain tube. If water is pooling around your unit, it may mean the tube is clogged or the pump isn't working.
  
  Test the pump by finding the condensation collection pan and pouring water into it. If it doesn't come on, there is a problem. Either no power getting to it or it's broken. This will probably require a professional's help.
  
  If the motor comes on in the pump but the water doesn't begin to drain, something is stopping it. Remove the check valve (usually a ball valve) and move it around to loosen it as it may have been stuck. Also check the drain tube to see if it is full of debris or algae. Clean it out if necessary.
  
  

Filters

• One of the simplest fixes for a heating and air conditioning system is often neglected. Changing the filter is cheap and easy to do yourself. Find the place in your home housing the air filter and take a look at the condition. If it is gray and clogged with lint and dust, you should replace it immediately. A dirty filter will reduce efficiency and cooling.
  
  

Noise

• Air ducts make noise from time to time. If it becomes an annoying problem, you may be able to fix it. Sometimes a popping noise is coming from deep within the ducts, caused by the metal expanding and shrinking as it heats and cools. Get under the house and find the places where the sound originates and use a hammer to tap a dent into the area. The metal will not move as much with the dent in it. Loose vent covers with squeaky parts may also be the problem.