Is it
just a simple problem causing
your Heat or AC to stop working?
If your heating or air
conditioning system isn't working, a simple problem may be the cause. Our
technicians often find the items listed below when investigating no heat/no
cooling complaints. Review
the following tips. You may be able to get your system running
without the need for a technician's visit.*
-
Make sure that your thermostat is set correctly. The
function switch should be set on heat or cool, and
the temperature setting
should be at least three degrees above or below the room temperature. Some
thermostats have built-in time delays, wait ten minutes to see if setting
changes have an effect.
-
If you have a warm air furnace or central air
conditioning system, inspect the air filter and replace it if
it is dirty. Dirty filters can cause AC systems to freeze, and furnaces
and/or blowers to overheat.
-
Make sure the furnace or air handler blower compartment door is securely
closed. Most equipment has a safety switch that will disable the blower if
the door is loose or ajar.
-
Make sure all electrical switches are on.
You may find
these switches located on or near the unit and at the head of the basement
stairs, near the attic access or the equipment closet, depending on where
the equipment is located. These switches usually are located high on the
wall or on or near the equipment itself, and have red covers. This is one of the most common reasons
our technicians find when a system is completely inoperable, with no heat, AC or fan.
-
Check your circuit breakers to see if one has tripped.
For most types of circuit breakers it's necessary to push the handle completely to
the off position to reset it before returning it to the on position. The
circuit breaker or switch for the heater may also affect the air
conditioner.
-
Verify that all gas shut off valves and gas controls are in
the “on” position, including at the meter. The gas utility may have "locked
out" the meter without your knowledge.
-
Most modern gas equipment doesn't have a pilot light,
however if the heater is equipped with a standing pilot, check that the
pilot is lit. A label with the pilot lighting instructions should be
attached to the
heater. Follow the manufacturer's directions to relight the
pilot.
-
If you have an oil burner, make sure you have oil in the
tank. If you don't have automatic delivery you may have simply run out of
oil.
-
Check the burner control. Press the red button once to
reset, and see if the burner comes on. If the
flame does not light, or if
the burner makes unusual noises or smokes, shut the system off using the
power switch. Do not reset the burner more than once.
