Troubleshooting
Some of our customers prefer to do their own troubleshooting before calling us. This information is to assist those customers in performing the initial troubleshooting of an hvac problem.
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I just turned on the Heat for the first time this season.
What is that smell?
In the fall, the first few times the heater kicks on, it may emit a burning odor that can smell electrical and dusty. If you are just turning on your heater, this could be a problem which will eventually go away on its own. Give it 20 to 30 minutes and see if the smell dissipates. If it does, it probably was just the dust burning off. If it continues, contact us at Lloyd's.
Is your Heat Pump or Air Conditioner not operating?
If not, check the switches on the thermostat to ensure it is turned on and then check the circuit breakers to the heating and cooling units on your home circuit breaker panel. Reset circuit breakers and verify the unit is on at the thermostat. Still not working? Check if there is an emergency cutoff switch located at the air handler (inside unit). If the switch has tripped, most likely you have a clogged drain line (see below). Reset the emergency cutoff switch. Turn the unit on at the thermostat. If it is still not working, call Lloyd’s.
Are you not getting any cool air?
Check your filter. If it is dirty, clean it or replace it with a clean one. The unit cannot cool properly if the filter is dirty as the dirty or clogged filter will prevent proper airflow across the evaporator coil. If the problem persists, call Lloyd’s.
Do you see ice on the unit?
If you see ice forming on the condensing unit or the air handler, please turn the unit to the off position but leave the fan turned on to aid in the thawing of ice on the unit. Call Lloyd’s for further assistance. Icing on the unit typically means you are low on refrigerant, which may be a signal that the unit is leaking refrigerant. After the unit thaws, you may be able to turn it back on and operate it for awhile until it ices up again. This can be helpful to allow you to ge some cool air prior to our arrival. We cannot work on a unit that is frozen, so please do allow any ice to melt by turning the unit off as described prior to our arrival. Call Lloyd’s.
Icing up may also mean that you are running the unit too low a temperature on the thermostat, as heat pumps cannot effectively cool your home much more than 20 degrees below the outside temperature. Raise the temperature on the thermostat after the unit thaws.
Is the thermostat blank and the unit not running?
Check your circuit breakers to be sure the HVAC units are receiving power. If the circuit breakers are set correctly, the blank thermostat display probably means that the water safety switch or float switch has shut the unit off. The condensation drain line may be clogged and the float switch shuts the unit off when the condensation water in the pan cannot drain.
Call Lloyd’s.
Is the unit making a loud noise?
Turn it off and call Lloyd’s.
How can I clear out a clogged drain line by myself?
You will need a wet vac, a garden hose, bleach or white vinegar, and time to do the job. Remove the water standing the the pan located under the air handler with the wet vac. Locate the pvc pipe that is the drain line where it drains the water from the pan. Note: Many systems have a primary and secondary drain line. The end of the drain is typically located outside your home near the condensing unit. Turn on the garden hose full force. Force water into the pvc pipe for several times at very short intervals (a couple of seconds) in an effort to dislodge the algae or other debris clogging the drain. This may take several times with the water flowing forcefully into the pvc pipe. Then stand back. If you are successful, the pvc pipe will begin to drain the algae buildup and other debris from the drain. The water in the air handler pan should then begin to drain from the pan. Add bleach or vinegar to the pan after the water has all drained out and flush it with more water to help treat the drain line. Add bleach or vinegar to your drain line each month to help inhibit algae growth in the drain line.