An HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system and a furnace are not exactly the same but are connected. So, what exactly is the meaning of HVAC?

Here’s how each part fits into the system:

• Heating (furnace). The furnace is the component of an HVAC system responsible for generating heat, typically using gas, oil, or electricity. It warms the air, which is then distributed throughout your home via ducts.
• Ventilation. The ventilation part of an HVAC system includes components like ductwork, vents, exhaust fans, and air filters, which work together to move air in, out, and throughout the building. It removes stale air, controls humidity, and filters out dust, allergens, and pollutants to improve indoor air quality.
• Cooling (air conditioning). The AC component cools the air during hot weather, using refrigerants to remove heat and circulate cool air through the same ductwork used by the furnace.

While a furnace is a specific part of an HVAC system that provides heat, the full HVAC system also includes the AC and ductwork, which all work together to regulate temperature, air circulation, and air quality for year-round comfort.

Some basic HVAC maintenance tasks can be done yourself to keep your system running smoothly, but more complex maintenance should be left to professionals. Here are some tasks homeowners can typically handle on their own:

• Change the air filter regularly. Replacing your HVAC filter every 1-3 months is one of the easiest ways to maintain your system. A clean filter improves airflow, keeps your system running efficiently, and helps to maintain good indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. Neglecting this step can cause your system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns.
• Clean around the outdoor unit. The outdoor condenser unit needs clear airflow to function properly. Regularly remove leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and other debris from around the unit and keep plants or shrubs trimmed back at least two feet. This ensures optimal performance and prevents the unit from overheating or becoming clogged.
• Check your thermostat settings. Verify that your thermostat is working properly and set to the desired temperature. Test different modes (heating, cooling, and fan) to ensure they’re functioning correctly. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, review its settings to match your schedule and maximize energy savings.
• Inspect visible components. Take a look at your HVAC system’s visible parts for any signs of trouble. Loose wires, rust, bent fins on the condenser, or unusual noises might indicate a potential issue. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s important to contact a professional technician to assess and address the problem before it worsens.

Even if you choose to tackle some of these tasks on your own, yearly professional maintenance is still crucial to ensuring your system operates safely and efficiently, preventing costly repairs down the road.

If your AC is running but not cooling, several common issues might be to blame:

• Dirty air filter. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, preventing cool air from circulating effectively. Check and replace the filter if necessary.
• Low refrigerant levels. If your system is low on refrigerant due to a leak or improper charge, it won’t cool efficiently. We recommend that you call a professional technician to diagnose and fix this issue.
• Thermostat issues. An improperly set or malfunctioning thermostat can prevent your system from cooling as expected. Double-check the settings, replace the battery, or replace the thermostat if it’s faulty.
• Faulty compressor. The compressor is key to moving refrigerant through the system. If it’s damaged, the AC won’t be able to cool. A technician can determine if the compressor needs repair or replacement.
• Leaking ducts. If cool air is escaping through leaks in the ductwork, less air will reach your living space. A professional HVAC technician can inspect and seal leaks to restore cooling efficiency.
• Blocked condenser unit. Dirt, leaves, or debris around the outdoor unit can obstruct airflow, reducing the AC’s ability to release heat. Clear the area around the unit to improve cooling.

While some of these issues can be resolved with simple maintenance, others require professional attention, so don’t hesitate to call an experienced HVAC technician to diagnose and repair your AC system effectively.

Troubleshooting an AC problem involves checking a few key areas to identify easy-to-solve issues before calling in a professional. Here’s what we recommend:

• Check the thermostat settings. Ensure the thermostat is set to “cool” and at a temperature lower than the current room temperature. Replace the batteries if the thermostat isn’t functioning.
• Examine the circuit breaker. Make sure the breaker for your AC unit hasn’t tripped. Reset it if necessary, but if it trips repeatedly, you may need professional help.
• Check the vents. Ensure that all air vents in your home are open and unblocked to allow proper airflow.
• Inspect the drain line. A clogged drain line can cause water backup and disrupt the system. You can try cleaning it with a wet/dry vacuum if you suspect a blockage.
• Inspect the air filter and outdoor unit. As we mentioned before, a dirty filter or outdoor unit can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Replace the filter if it looks dirty or hasn’t been changed in a while, and clear away leaves, grass, or any objects that could restrict airflow from the outdoor unit.

If these steps don’t resolve the problem or the issue persists, it’s best to call a local HVAC technician for a thorough diagnosis and repair.