After a long day at work, you come back to your cozy, warm house. You're looking forward to an evening relaxing when you hear it: a strange noise coming from your furnace. 

Problems with the heating and cooling equipment are a homeowner's nightmare. Thankfully, you can do some troubleshooting before the issue spirals into something bigger. 

Use this guide to troubleshoot common HVAC problems. 

Dirty Air Filter

It can be easy to forget about your air filter, but this is a huge mistake. The filter not only protects your equipment from dust and dirt but also helps maintain air quality. 

There are several steps you can take to improve indoor air quality, including maintaining your filters. 

It would be best if you changed your AC and furnace filters often. The frequency depends on manufacturer recommendations, the type of system you have, and how often you use it. 

Cleaning or replacing this part also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. Your equipment relies on having enough airflow to function. Clogged filters can cause your furnace or AC to work harder. 

Since we spend more time inside during winter, now is an excellent time to focus on making changes to improve air quality.

Broken Thermostat

Thermostat issues are another common problem that can cause your system to run when it doesn't need to. Given that price swings can already push the cost of energy bills up, you don't need a faulty thermostat to make it worse. 

HVAC experts can come and troubleshoot for you. If the issue is the thermostat, they can easily replace it. 

Faulty or Broken Blower

Many people make the mistake of neglecting HVAC maintenance but the internal parts in your system can malfunction or break. 

Signs you may need to replace a blower motor include hearing a loud grinding or banging sound or an electrical burning smell. 

If you suspect this problem, leave it to a skilled technician. You should also consider investing in a maintenance program, which is a popular HVAC service.

High Energy Bills

Problems with your heating and cooling equipment can result in higher than average energy bills. If you suspect you're paying more than you should despite considering factors like price swings, then your system could be to blame. 

How old is your HVAC system? Generally, they last around 15-25 years. If your equipment is older than that, it may have reached the end of its lifespan. 

Older models are less efficient than newer ones. You can save money and energy by switching to a unit with an ENERGY STAR label. 

Call your local residential HVAC company and schedule an inspection. If repairs are too costly, then they can help you upgrade your unit. 

Be Ready for These Common HVAC Problems

Part of being a homeowner is preparing for emergencies and maintaining your heating and cooling equipment. You can use these troubleshooting tips to spot common HVAC problems. 

If you suspect an issue, then don't wait. G.M. Mechanical has almost 30 years of experience providing HVAC solutions and helping residents like you in the Foothills. Schedule a service , and our fully licensed technicians will be happy to help.