Troubleshooting HVAC Issues Before Calling a Pro

When your heating or cooling system suddenly stops working, it’s easy to panic—especially if it’s the middle of summer or the dead of winter. But before you hit the search engines with “HVAC repair near me” to find a local Canyon, HVAC technician, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can try on your own.

Sometimes, the fix is quick and easy—and it could save you the cost of a service call. Other times, the issue truly does require a licensed HVAC technician. It’s all a matter of knowing what to do before calling in a pro, and Grizzle Heating & Air is here to teach you.

DIY HVAC Repair

Here are some common HVAC troubleshooting tips to try before calling in the pros:

1. Check the Thermostat Settings

Start with the simplest and most overlooked culprit of many HVAC hiccups: the thermostat. 

As silly as these may seem, make sure it’s:

• Set to the correct mode (heating or cooling).
• Set to a temperature that will trigger the system to turn on.
• Powered on, with working batteries (if it uses them).

Sometimes, the system won’t kick on because the thermostat batteries have unknowingly died, or someone in the house adjusted the settings without you realizing it. 

Grizzle Heating & Air Pro HVAC Tip: Try resetting your thermostat to factory settings or turning it off for a minute and back on to see if it resolves any glitches.

2. Inspect the Air Filter

A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of HVAC issues—and one of the easiest to fix. If your filter is clogged and dirty, it restricts airflow and can cause your system to overheat or freeze up.

How to inspect and replace your air filter:

• Locate the air filter (usually at the return vent or inside the furnace or air handler).
• Slide it out and inspect it. New disposable air filters are usually pure white, so a dirty one will be noticeable.
• Replace the air filter with a new one (or clean it if it is a reusable model). Be sure it’s installed correctly for optimal airflow and filtration—check which way the arrows are pointing. 

Most filters should be changed every 1–3 months, depending on usage and indoor air quality.

Grizzle Heating & Air Pro HVAC Tip: Changing your air filter regularly can improve energy efficiency and extend the life of your HVAC system.

3. Look at the Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box

If your system won’t turn on at all—no sound, no fan, nothing—it might have tripped a breaker or blown a fuse.

Steps to take to reset the breaker:

• Go to your home’s electrical panel.
• Look for tripped breakers (they’ll be in the middle position) and reset them by turning them off and then back on.
• If your system is on a fuse panel, look for any blown fuses and replace them.

Grizzle Heating & Air Pro HVAC Tip: If the breaker trips again shortly after resetting, do not continue resetting it—this indicates a deeper electrical issue that a licensed HVAC technician or electrician should handle.

4. Check the Outdoor Unit

For cooling problems, remember to check your outdoor condenser unit. If it’s covered in leaves, dirt, or other debris, it could be struggling to release heat, causing inefficient cooling or system shutdown.

What to look for:

• Is the unit getting power? Listen for any humming or fan noise.
• Are the coils clean and unobstructed?
• Is the area around the unit clear of leaves, grass, or debris?

Grizzle Heating & Air Pro HVAC Tip: Turn the system off before cleaning any part of the unit. If the coils look dirty, gently hose them down, and trim back any overgrown vegetation.

5. Check Vents and Registers

Sometimes a room may feel too hot or cold simply because the air isn’t circulating properly. Closed or blocked vents can cause pressure imbalances in your HVAC system and may lead to long-term damage.

What to look for:

• Make sure all vents are open and unblocked.
• Don’t cover registers with rugs or furniture.
• Replace filters in return registers if needed.

Grizzle Heating & Air Pro HVAC Tip: If only one area of the home is having trouble, check for disconnected or crushed ductwork in the attic or crawlspace.

6. Try a System Reset

Many newer HVAC systems have built-in safety switches or control boards that may need a manual reset after detecting an error. Resetting the system often clears error codes and gets the system running again.

How to reset your HVAC system:

• Turn off the system at the thermostat.
• Flip the breaker for your HVAC system to the “off” position.
• Wait about 5 minutes.
• Flip the breaker back on, then turn the thermostat back to your desired setting.

Grizzle Heating & Air Pro HVAC Tip: HVAC systems also have their own internal reset button. If the breaker reset does not resolve your issue, use the system manual to locate the internal reset button. Press and hold to perform an internal reset. 

Prevent HVAC Repairs With Regular Maintenance

One of the best ways to avoid DIY or professional HVAC repairs is by keeping up with regular maintenance https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling/maintenance-checklist. Just like a car, your heating and cooling system needs routine checkups to run efficiently and reliably. 

During a maintenance visit from Grizzle Heating & Air, our professional technician will clean components, check for wear and tear, and catch small issues before they turn into expensive problems. Regular service can also improve your system’s energy efficiency, extend its lifespan, and ensure better indoor air quality. 

Whether it’s spring tune-ups for your air conditioner or fall inspections for your furnace, sticking to a seasonal maintenance schedule can save you from surprise breakdowns and uncomfortable days without heating or cooling.

When to Call the Experts at Grizzle Heating & Air

Knowing what to check before calling your HVAC company can save you time, money, and stress. A quick DIY inspection might reveal a simple issue like a dirty filter or tripped breaker—problems you can solve in minutes. 

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t do the trick, it’s always wise to call a trusted HVAC technician from Grizzle Heating & Air to get your system back up and running safely and efficiently.

Call a licensed Canyon, HVAC technician if:

• Your system continues to trip breakers.
• There’s no airflow even though the system is on.
• The system turns on and off frequently (short cycling).
• Your energy bills suddenly spike.
• You notice water pooling around the unit.

HVAC systems are complex, and trying to tackle more advanced repairs yourself can lead to further damage or safety risks. Call us today at 806-655-7676 or request service online when troubleshooting doesn’t resolve your HVAC problem.