HVAC systems are pretty important for our homes, but many don’t think too much about theirs unless it breaks or malfunctions. So what happens when you turn on your heater for the first time this season, and nothing happens?
An HVAC system may keep blowing fuses due to a misconfiguration within the system or a lack of maintenance. Unusual power consumption can also point to several reasons for this problem.
This article will explain the reasons why it’s possible for your HVAC system to keep blowing fuses.
How To Troubleshoot an HVAC System if It Blows a Fuse?
HVAC systems are relatively intricate pieces of machinery that require specialized knowledge of their inner workings, just like any other piece of equipment. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could do more harm than good.
The first step is to properly maintain the HVAC unit so you can identify if something may have gone wrong. You should also ensure your appliances aren’t drawing too much power from the circuit, which will ultimately blow a fuse. And if none of these solve your problem, then you might want to consider hiring a professional engineer to help diagnose and correct the problem.
If you have an older system that has been in place for many years, then it’s possible some of the parts are starting to wear out and require replacement. Over time, even simple things, like lubricants, can get used up and prevent gears from moving correctly, or friction can cause other minor problems. It may be necessary to replace old bearings or belts to restore the proper functionality.
Read: What Are HVAC Most Common Failures?
Check for a Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter may be the culprit for your HVAC unit blowing fuses. If you’re having problems with the unit not operating properly, it could be the result of a clogged filter.
To check if your air filter is clogged, first deactivate the unit and remove the filter. The air filter is usually dark brown or black and is found at the front of your HVAC unit. Shake it, and if you see dust falling out, then that means that it needs to be replaced.
If there are visible signs of mold growing on the filter, it must also be replaced. Mold can grow quickly in warm spaces like your home, especially in areas with high moisture levels like bathrooms or kitchens where shower steam can seep into supply vents.
Read: Does HVAC Filter Direction Matter?
Look for Damaged Wiring in Your Thermostat
Sometimes when an HVAC unit blows fuses, it may not be because of an actual problem with its components. Issues with blown fuses are potentially because of something else entirely, such as whether parts are connected correctly or loose wiring, which may need replacement.
Have a Question? Ask HVAC Technician
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.
You should check the thermostat to ensure it’s set correctly and has no broken wires connecting parts on the unit’s front, which may cause it to overheat or not work at all. Damaged wiring may also be present when there’s a resistance in the system, which may blow fuses and create serious problems if not fixed.
If you suspect wiring is at fault, you must rely on a professional to replace them.
Read: HVAC Thermostat Problems
Check for Short Circuits in Your Home’s Breaker Box
Short circuits typically occur when there’s a connection between the wires. The unit has an access panel that allows you to see whether or not anything is loose. If there are any problems, take care of them immediately, as they can cause serious damage and even result in fire.
Inspect your home’s breakers and make sure they’re properly connected to the HVAC unit; if there are any loose wiring issues, or no connection can be made whatsoever, then it’s likely time for electrical repair.
Inspect your fuse box for blown fuses; if the system keeps blowing the same one, then you might have a faulty wire somewhere on your property that needs repair. Though this may sound easy, many homeowners make the mistake of simply replacing their unit’s fuse with a new one instead of checking out where it blew from firsthand.
If you’re still unsure what should be done, then hire a professional to help you out since attempting to do so yourself can be potentially harmful.
Can I Fix HVAC Issues Myself?
After troubleshooting, if you still can’t find something wrong with the unit, it may be possible that it has a faulty wire or other problem.
Some HVAC issues can be fixed on your own if you know what to do and have the right tools. In general, if a repair is something that cannot be set up in under an hour, then it would be best to contact a professional since they have all the necessary equipment and skills.
In any case, it still may not hurt to read some DIY HVAC repair guides in order to familiarize yourself with the basic principles of doing such a thing. This way, when faced with a problem, you can at least attempt to fix it yourself before calling someone over.
Read: What Type Of HVAC System Do I Have?
Replacing Your Air Filter
One of the most cost-effective and most common repairs that can be done by the average homeowner is replacing an old air filter. Not only will this help cut back on energy costs since your HVAC system will have to work less, but it can also help improve indoor air quality.
This particular DIY repair takes less than an hour unless you are dealing with a large house or multiple units, but otherwise, it’s very straightforward.
The first step is to access the filter. Most homes have one behind each register, in which case, it’s just a matter of pulling out the rack and taking out the filter itself. However, some types of HVAC systems may not use filters at all, or else they may be found elsewhere where there’s an air duct. In these cases, a careful examination of the HVAC system will show where they’re kept and how to access them.
When removing the filter, consider using a brush or vacuum cleaner to clean up any loose dust particles in the process. This helps prevent debris from spreading all over your house while also ensuring the new filter will work properly once installed. Depending on your particular model, you may need a screwdriver, wrench, or other equipment.
Read: How Often You Should Change The Furnace Filter
Consider When To Call a Professional
Damaged or faulty wiring or unbalanced ducts can also cause an HVAC unit to overheat. A professional should be called in these cases to inspect the internal workings of your HVAC system and repair any problems that may have occurred.
When you’re experienced, it’s best to keep things simple because complex installations will lead to potential issues later on or even damage your tools. This makes calling a professional all the more important when working with HVAC systems, because they have the skills and training needed for installation tasks such as this one.
Consider calling a professional when you experience issues with your HVAC unit. While you may be able to repair it yourself, any complex installation tasks should always be handled by a professional. This ensures the work is done correctly and will go smoothly for you in the future. If you’re not experienced, keep things simple and leave the more complex installations to the pros.
Read: HVAC System Service – How It’s Done And How Much Does It Cost?
Conclusion
If your HVAC system is blowing a fuse, you may think there’s an immediate problem with your unit. There are usually other causes, though. Try to work out the issue by checking all of the items on this list and see if you can figure it out before calling in a professional.
Calling a professional is necessary if you cannot determine the cause or if the repair is too complex for an amateur to complete. A professional can help you get your unit back up and running while saving you the cost of a service call.