There are few things more sweat- or shiver-inducing (literally and figuratively) than your HVAC suddenly malfunctioning. That’s why Dominion Service Company has a 24/7 phone line to deal with emergencies or make appointments.
But even if you are unlikely to self-identify as a handyman or woman, you can often troubleshoot an outage on your own to see if there’s a quick fix before calling in the experts:
- Check the batteries on your thermostat. If your thermostat simply won’t turn on, the most likely culprit is dead batteries.
- Check your utilities and/or breaker. Likewise, sometimes the heat or air conditioning could be off because of an issue with your gas or electricity rather than your HVAC unit itself (particularly when the seasons change or if you have recently moved). The power could simply be out in your home or neighborhood, or the gas company needs to come check your meter. Another electrical issue could stem from your breaker box. If the breaker related to your HVAC has tripped, often you can just reset it—but if it is a recurring problem, your unit may be pulling more electricity than it should, in which case you may need a professional.
- Check the disconnect and/or safety switch on your unit. Almost all units, whether they are outdoor or indoor, have a switch that can get flipped off if bumped or struck. Be very careful when turning back on, because often these switches can manage large voltages of electricity and can be dangerous.
- Check and change your filter. If your HVAC is functioning but seems to be working harder than it should, your filter could be clogged. Don’t forget, you should be changing out your filter a few times a year depending on your home’s dust and particulate level. And be sure you install the filter in the correct way; it should have arrows pointing the direction of air flow.
If the issue proves to be more complicated, you can always call Dominion Service Company at 1-800-832-0758 or reach out online to schedule an appointment 24/7.