If your HVAC system suddenly stops working, it can throw your entire home into chaos, especially during Amarillo’s triple-digit summers and bitter cold winters. But not every heating or cooling issue requires an emergency service call. With a little knowledge and some basic troubleshooting, you can often pinpoint the issue, or at least know when it’s time to call a professional.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to some of the most common HVAC problems we see at A&R Mechanical, plus what you can do about them.
If Your HVAC System Won’t Turn On
What Might Be Happening:
This is one of the most frustrating problems with HVAC systems, and often one of the easiest to resolve. A tripped breaker, dead thermostat batteries, or a dirty air filter can stop your system in its tracks.
What to Try:
Start with the basics: check the breaker box, replace thermostat batteries, and inspect your air filter. If that doesn’t do the trick, there may be a blown fuse or internal issue that requires professional attention.
When the Fan Isn’t Running
What Might Be Happening:
If your HVAC fan’s not working, it could be due to a worn-out capacitor, broken relay switch, or even a motor issue. These issues tend to arise as systems age or with heavy usage, like during high or low outdoor temps.
What to Try:
Turn off the power and see if the fan blades spin freely. If they do, the issue may be electrical. While some homeowners may feel comfortable replacing a capacitor, fan, or motor, repairs are best left to certified HVAC technicians.
There’s Water Pooling Around the Indoor Unit
What Might Be Happening:
Notice a puddle near your indoor HVAC unit? That could be a sign your evaporator coils are freezing up and then melting as the system cycles. It’s often caused by poor airflow or low refrigerant.
What to Try:
Turn off the system to prevent further water damage. Swap out your air filter and double-check that all vents are open and unobstructed. If you spot ice on the coils or the issue happens repeatedly, it’s time to have a technician inspect for leaks or mechanical problems.
Poor Airflow and Hot or Cold Spots
What Might Be Happening:
Uneven heating or cooling and weak airflow can point to leaky ductwork, dirty filters, or airflow restriction due to poor system design. Sometimes it’s related to HVAC static pressure, which affects how air moves through your ducts.
What to Try:
Check all vents to make sure they’re open and unblocked. Change your air filter and see if performance improves. If not, you may need an inspection to measure your system’s static pressure and determine if adjustments are needed.
Too Much Indoor Humidity
What Might Be Happening:
High humidity inside your home impacts your indoor air quality, and can lead to mold, mildew, and discomfort. One of the more overlooked HVAC humidity problems happens when systems cool the air too fast without removing enough moisture.
What to Try:
Make sure your thermostat is set to “Auto” rather than “On,” which allows better moisture removal. If you still notice clammy air, your system may be oversized, or you might benefit from a dedicated dehumidifier.
The System Runs Nonstop
What Might Be Happening:
When your HVAC system never seems to shut off, it could be struggling to reach the set temperature due to dirty coils, leaks in ductwork, or thermostat problems. You might also be seeing airflow issues caused by blocked components or dirty parts of an air conditioning unit.
What to Try:
Inspect and clean coils if they’re dirty, and check that your thermostat is working properly. If your system is clean and the issue persists, schedule a system check. Constant cycling wears out equipment fast and drives up energy costs.
Know When to Call the Experts
Some HVAC issues are easy to fix on your own, while others need a professional HVAC technician. If you’ve done some basic troubleshooting and your HVAC still isn’t working properly, or you’re dealing with bigger concerns like frozen coils or electrical problems, it’s time to bring in the pros.
At A&R Mechanical, we provide full-service HVAC and plumbing for Amarillo homeowners, including everything from clogged filters to full system replacements. Whether your air conditioning isn’t working, your HVAC fan has stopped, or you’re struggling with persistent HVAC airflow problems, we’re here to help.
Let’s Get Your Home Comfortable Again
If your system is acting up or you’re just not sure what’s going wrong, give A&R Mechanical in Amarillo a call. We’ll inspect your system, explain what’s happening in plain terms, and get your home back to feeling just right.
Contact us today to schedule a service call or HVAC inspection. We’re here to help when you need us most, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
