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Question from an End-User.
Good evening everyone! I'm hoping some Good Samaritan will take the time to help out with this if they have any thoughts.
A little backstory. I pay significantly below market value in rent for my new-construction two-bedroom apartment. The property manager is absolutely terrible but the cost more than makes up for it. However, I generally try and handle any small maintenance issues by myself (either DIY or bring in a handyman) to avoid having to get the PM involved. This may sound crazy to some of you but I'm very happy with the current arrangement.
The apartment has central air. Here is the link to the thermostat: .
The heating portion of the system currently does not work. When I turn it on and set the system to above ambient temperature, I can hear some of the components of the system come on, but no hot air ever actually blows. It sounds like it is going through some kind of cycle. Interestingly, when I switch to AC after letting the heat try to work for a while (I've waited up to 30 minutes), the air initially comes out hot. The AC system works fine. So, based on what I read in another post, it sounds like it is something about the blower not being triggered to come on for heat.
Question 1: In an apartment complex, are all components of an HVAC system contained in the dwelling? E.g. if I were to hire someone on my own to look into the issue, would they definitely be able to solve it from inside my apartment? Or is there the possibility that they may need access to a utility closet or some other central part of the building?
Question 2: I live in a hot climate. It's possible the heat has never even been used. Is it possible this is a simple wiring issue or something similarly simple that I could fix myself or hire someone cost-effectively to do? Or is the issue more likely going to be something that will cost a couple hundred dollars to diagnose and repair?
I'm attaching photos of the thermostat, wiring, and where I've seen them replacing filters.
Thanks for any information!.
Question from user Familiar_Ad_8476 at hvacadvice at reddit.com.
Answer:
In an apartment complex, the HVAC system can be configured in different ways. Sometimes all components of the HVAC system are contained within individual apartments, while other times there may be a central unit serving multiple apartments. It is possible that the issue with your heating system could be resolved from within your apartment, but it is also possible that access to a central utility closet or other part of the building may be required. It would be best to check with your property manager or building maintenance staff to determine the exact configuration of the HVAC system in your building.
It is possible that the issue with your heating system is a simple wiring issue or something that can be fixed cost-effectively. However, it is also possible that the problem may require more significant repairs, such as replacing a faulty component in the system. Without a proper diagnosis of the issue, it is difficult to say for certain what the cost of repair will be.
Based on the information you have provided, it sounds like the blower may not be triggering for the heating system. It may be worth checking the wiring connections at the thermostat and at the HVAC unit to ensure that everything is properly connected. If you are comfortable doing so, you may also want to check the circuit breaker for the HVAC system to ensure that it is not tripped.
However, if these basic checks do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to hire a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to properly diagnose the issue and provide an estimate of the cost of repair.