QUICK TIPS
Easy Steps You Can Take Before Calling for a Tech

Forced Air Troubleshooting

Here are some simple items to check before calling your HVAC Service Provider. Your service provider is not a non-profit organization. He is going to charge you for a service call even if the problem is as simple as re-setting a breaker. Many times over the years, I have been called to a residence, only to find that the power was off, or that the thermostat was not set properly. Hopefully these tips can save you some frustration, money, and embarrassment.

Forced Air Troubleshooting: Central Air Conditioner Checklist

1. Is your thermostat set in the "cool" position?

2. Check to see if the outdoor condensing unit is running: If not, check the circuit breakers at the main circuit breaker box (or electrical panel). Are all the breakers in the "On" position? Next, check the outdoor unit power "disconnect" to ensure it is in the "ON" position. Often, this disconnect has been shut off for the winter.

3. Check to see that the blower motor in your furnace is running. (If the thermostat is in the "cool" position, and the set point of the stat is cooler than the temperature in the home, the furnace blower should be operating) If not, check the power switch at the furnace.

4. Replaced your furnace filter lately? A badly blocked filter will shut down your outdoor condensing unit due to lack of proper airflow. Especially during cooling season, your filter should be changed once per month.

5. Remove obstructions from in front of return air grilles to ensure good airflow.

6. Open up all supply air registers to ensure maximum air flow. Your air conditioner is like a car engine. For best performance you must have good, unrestricted air flow, on both intake and supply sides of the system.

7. Still isn't working? Call your service provider.

Forced Air Troubleshooting: Gas Furnace Checklist

1. Is your thermostat in the "heat" position?

2. Make sure that the temperature setting on your thermostat is higher than the actual indoor temperature showing on the thermostat. If not, turn it up.

3. Verify that the power to the furnace is on. At your thermostat, provided you are wired for this option, turn the fan switch to "fan on" to see if the blower comes on.

4. Make sure the circuit breakers at the electrical panel are in the "On" position.

5. Check and replace the furnace filter if needed. If the furnace blower is running, the burners are on, but you have bad airflow, the filter probably needs replacement. If you have been neglecting furnace filter changes, your AC coil may be plugged up. This will entail more extensive cleaning. Call your service provider.

6. Make sure the gas is turned on to your furnace. There is a gas cock near the unit.

7. Remove obstructions from in front of return air grilles to ensure good airflow.

8. Open up all supply air registers to ensure maximum air flow. Your forced air system is like a car engine. For best performance you must have good, unrestricted air flow, on both intake and supply sides of the system.

9. Still having problems? Call your service provider.

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