Self-Help Support Page

Here are a few tips on how to solve a problem on your own. I'm not attempting to turn you into a plumber or HVAC tech, these are just a few simple, common problems we see a lot. If you are not comfortable with any of these please call for service.

Air Conditioning :

Air Filters Clogged air filters block the flow of air through the indoor system, which decreases or even stops the flow of cooled air. Low air flow will increase electric useage and decrease performance, and can cause very expensive damage to your equipment. Most systems use the same filter for cooling as they due for heating. Best advice is to check the filter once a month. If it looks dirty it should be replaced if it's disposable or washed if it is washable.
NOTE : There is no such thing as a '90 day' air filter !! No matter what it says on the package, it does not necessarily apply to you or your home, YOU may need to change your's every 30 days - check it.

Humidifier If you have a humidifier it should be turned off in the summer. On some systems this is automatic.

Ice or Frost Ice or frost on any part of your cooling system indicates a problem (this does not apply to frost on a Heat Pump in the winter). Freezing can occur from low indoor air flow caused by dirty filters, blocked or closed registers, or a problem with the indoor blower. Don't allow the system to continue to run if it's icing up, this could cause very expensive damage.

Outdoor Unit The air flow into and out of the outdoor unit must not be blocked. This is where your air conditioner gets rid of the heat it takes out of your house. Any plants or weeds around the unit should be trimmed back to allow adequate air flow.
When trimming be careful not to cut any wires or tubes !
The coil in the outdoor unit will accumulate dirt on it and must be cleaned periodically (usually once a year), this normally requires nothing more than a garden hose. Be careful not to get any electrical components wet. If you don't feel comfortable doing this call for service.
If there is a dryer vent located near the unit it will require being cleaned more often due to lint accumulation.
Grass clippings are very hard to clean out, when mowing near your unit try to blow the grass away from it.

Preventive Maintenance Have your system serviced once a year. This will help extended the life of the system, reduce energy use, and prevent small problems from turning into expensive ones.

Power Supply If your equipment is not running it could be that it is not getting any power. Check any breakers or fuses, there should be one for the indoor unit as well as the outdoor unit, check both. Both units will also have a switch located on or near them, check to see if one of them has been shut off accidentally.
Also check any fuses or breakers for the equipment. The indoor unit does not use the same fuses/breakers as the outdoor unit - check both.

Registers The registers inside your house must not be closed or blocked, this would reduce or even stop the flow of cooled air from your system. The return air grills must also be un-restricted.

Thermostat Check your themostat, make sure the HEAT - OFF - COOL switch is set to COOL. Make sure it is set low enough for the system to come on, which means the set point has to be lower than the room temperature.

Heating :

Air Filters Clogged air filters block the flow of air through the indoor system, which decreases or even stops the flow of heated air. Low air flow will increase fuel useage and decrease performance, and can cause very expensive damage to your equipment. Best advice is to check the filter once a month. If it looks dirty it should be replaced if it's disposable or washed if it is washable. (Hot water heating systems usually don't require air filters since they don't blow any air)
NOTE : There is no such thing as a '90 day' air filter !! No matter what it says on the package, it does not necessarily apply to you or your home, YOU may need to change your's every 30 days - check it.

Fuel Gas and oil furnaces have to have fuel. If you use natural gas you may have forgotten to pay your bill, which usually results in having your gas shut off. If you use LP or Oil, check to see if your tank is empty or the tank valve has been shut off.

Pilot Light IF your furnace has a pilot light, it may have gone out. If so try to re-light it, there will normally be lighting instructions on the furnace. (Not all furnaces have pilot lights, and some pilot lights are self-lighting)
DO NOT attempt to manually light the main burner(s), you could get burnt.

Power Supply If your equipment is not running it could be that it is not getting any power. Check any breakers or fuses. Most units will also have a power switch located on or near them, check to see if it has been shut off accidentally.

Preventive Maintenance Have your system serviced once a year. This will help extended the life of the system, reduce energy use, and prevent small problems from turning into very expensive ones.

Registers The registers inside your house must not be closed or blocked, this would reduce or even stop the flow of heated air from your system. The return air grills must also be un-restricted.

Thermostat Check your themostat, make sure the HEAT - OFF - COOL switch is set to HEAT. Make sure it is set high enough for the system to come on, which means the set point has to be higher than the room temperature.

Vent The vent for your furnace must not be blocked. If it vents out the side wall, make sure it remains clear of leaves, ice and snow. (Electric furnaces don't have vents)

Diagnostic Light Newer gas furnaces will usually have an electronic control board equipped with a self-diagnostic light. If the control board detects a problem, the light will flash a code representing the problem. This aids the repair technician in correcting the problem quicker. Error codes for Trane furnaces

Things That Cause Damage

Here is a brief list of things that can damage to your equipment. Periodic maintenance will greatly reduce most of these.

Contact Info :

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