A broken AC or heating system in your home is inconvenient at the least and potentially dangerous if it malfunctions in certain weather conditions. Fortunately, most HVAC systems can be fixed by a licensed technician in a day or two. Before calling a technician, however, you should first check to see if your system is still under warranty and if so, what type of warranty and coverage applies to your particular unit. This way, you'll know exactly what to expect in terms of cost and any applicable limitations. If your system still has warranty coverage, it may be possible to get the problem resolved for free if it’s a minor issue (such as a leaking part or damaged control board), although the repair company may require you to submit a claim in writing. Even if you don’t have any warranty coverage left, it’s still a good idea to call a technician for help with repairing your system if it’s broken because professional HVAC technicians can often identify problems before they become more serious and costly to repair. Here are some tips on how to repair your home’s heating and air conditioning system:

Check for leaks and make sure all fittings are secure

One of the easiest ways to identify a potential problem with your HVAC system is by inspecting your fittings. Leaks in fittings or other areas of your system can cause problems with indoor temperature regulation and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. If you notice that fittings are leaking or appear loose, tighten them as much as possible to prevent further damage.

Check all parts for damage and wear and tear

When you have your HVAC system apart, inspect all the parts for damage and wear and tear. You can do this yourself, but it’s easier to do with the help of a technician. Make sure you check all parts for cracks, leaks, or other signs of damage. You can also use a penetrometer to test the strength of the metal in various parts of the system. The penetrometer is a device that uses a hammer to hit the metal part and measures how long it takes for the hammer to leave an impression on the metal.

Change out all filters

Proper filter maintenance is crucial for the efficient operation of your HVAC system. If you don’t change your filters regularly, they can become dirty and clogged with debris, which can lead to system failure. It’s also a good idea to change your air filter on a regular basis during times of high humidity, or if you’re pregnant or have a child who is still in diapers (so you can avoid breathing dirty air).

Check the temperature of the refrigerant and add more if necessary

If your HVAC system has been running erratically, it could be an indication that the refrigerant inside the system is low. If your system is working properly but you notice that the indoor temperature is much warmer than usual, there could be a problem with the amount of refrigerant inside the system. If this is the case, you can add more refrigerant to the system in a couple of different ways. If you have a manual-reading thermostat, you can loosen the refrigerant cap on the indoor unit (where you can usually see the amount of refrigerant remaining) and add a little bit of refrigerant. If your system has an electronic thermostat, you can usually access the control board inside the indoor unit and add a little bit of refrigerant there as well.

Try to reinstall the system in reverse order

If you’re trying to repair your HVAC system and it breaks down again, it may be helpful to try to reinstall the system in reverse order. If you can, try to reinstall your indoor unit before you reinstall your outdoor unit. If you can’t, don’t worry—this isn’t a foolproof method for repairing your system. However, it’s worth a shot if you’re having a hard time repairing your system, and it’s not a complete disaster.

Conclusion

Repairing your HVAC system is a necessary part of owning and operating a home. Even if your system is working fine, a technician can fix any issues you may have with it and ensure that it’s ready to operate efficiently for years to come. If you notice that your system isn’t working properly, don’t hesitate to call in a technician. It’s better to get it fixed now rather than risk having to make urgent repairs at a later date.