You can solve several heating and air conditioning issues with some simple troubleshooting. Troubleshooting is not a guaranteed solution for every repair issue, but you may be able to save yourself the cost of an emergency call and repair by taking these steps first.
SMELL GAS, SMOKE, SEE SPARKS OR OTHER SIGNS OF DANGER
- Do NOT continue with Troubleshooting.
- Turn the system off.
- Call Goff HVAC immediately!
CHECK YOUR THERMOSTAT
- Make sure your thermostat has power. Some digital thermostats use battery power. If your digit thermostat has no power, it can easily be "popped" off the wall to check for batteries.
- Change batteries is needed.
- Make sure the system hasn't accidently been shut off at the thermostat. The thermostat should be on "Heat", "Cool" or "Auto".
- Make sure the thermostat isn't running an unnecessary program, set to Hold or Vacation.
- Adjust temperature at thermostat. Temperarily raise or lower the set-point temperature on the thermostat, by a couple of degrees, to see if the system will come on. This may take several minutes. NOTE: If the system is not working at all or not "keeping up", raising or lowering the temperature by several degrees, will not fix the issue. Many times, this can actually cause bigger issues. The purpose of this set in the troubleshooting guide is only to determine if the system is able to work.
CHECK YOUR BREAKERS
- Go to your circuit box to see if any breakers have been tripped.
- If not, trying turning off all breakers to your heating and air conditioning system, wait 30-60 seconds and flip them all back on. Typically a split-system will have a set of breakers (two breakers connected by a bracket) and one breaker to the gas furnace or air handler (indoor unit, electric furnace). There are also systems that will have a breaker on the front of the air handler. If this is the case, flip these also. If a system is experiencing a fault, many times this can be reset with this method. It will take several minutes for the system to "reboot", so be patient.
- Check the Emergency Shut-Off at the air conditioner or heat pump (outdoor unit, condenser). This is normally located on the exterior wall near the unit.
FROST BUILDUP ON OUTDOOR UNIT
- It is not uncommon for frost to accumulate on the air conditioner or heat pump (outdoor unit, condenser) during times of extremely cold temperatures and snow/ice. You can usually remove this buildup by shutting the unit off and operating the fan to melt the ice.
- During cold weather, you can do this at your thermostat. Turn the thermostat to Emergency Heat and turn the fan to On (not Auto).
- Once the frost has melted, return the system to Heat (normal heat, not Emergency Heat) and see if system returns to full function.
- If a large amount of frost accumulates during mild or warm temperatures, turn the system to Off (not Heat or Cool) and turn the fan to Auto.
- NOTE: A technician can NOT diagnosis or repair a system if it is "frozen up". It must be defrosted prior to service.
CHECK YOUR AIR FILTER(S)
- If a filter becomes clogged with contaminants it will restrict airflow. This will prevent warm or cool air from being circulated into your home.
- A clogged filter can also cause the system’s coils to freeze up, inhibiting performance.
- If your filter is dirty, replace it with a new one or clean your reusable filter according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Most filters should be replaced or cleaned at least every 30 days.
SHUT THE SYSTEM OFF
- If these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve your issue, shut the system off.
- Continuing to run your system can cause further damage.
- CALL GOFF HVAC TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE CALL!
