Before You Call

Of course, we want your furnace and air conditioning running at its highest efficiency and providing you with the maximum amount of comfort. We feel bad when we have to charge our customers to do simple repairs they might have been able to fix without our help. Here are a few of the most preventable services calls and some troubleshooting steps.

My Furnace Won’t Start

• Look at your thermostat. Is it set to heat? If not, that should fix the problem.
• If it’s set to heat, next see if the thermostat is set above room temperature. If not, try setting it hotter than the room temperature.
• If the thermostat is set correctly, then move to the unit itself. Is the switch/service disconnect on the side of the furnace turned on? If not, turn the switch on.
• If that wasn’t the problem, next check the circuit breaker. Make sure it is on. You can also turn the circuit breaker off and then turn it back on.
• Check the pilot light and see if it’s lit or even if your furnace has one. If the furnace is newer than 1990, it may not have one. If the furnace should have one, follow the directions on the gas valve to light it.
• Finally, check your filter. If the filter isn’t clean, it can affect the furnace from working correctly. Try replacing it.

My Air Conditioner Does Not Work

• Just like the furnace, start with the thermostat. Check to make sure it’ set to cool.
• If it is and still not working, then make sure the thermostat is set below the room temperature. If not, try setting it lower than the room temperature.
• Once these steps are followed, let’s move on to the actual air conditioner. Make sure the switch/service disconnect on the side of the furnace is turned on.
• Next, check the circuit breaker. Try turning it off and then back on.
• Is the disconnect (located outside by the air conditioner, usually gray in color) pushed in all of the way? Open the door to the disconnect and push the pullout all the way in. Some disconnects have a circuit breaker. Turn the breaker off and back on. Shut the door.)
• Finally, check your filter. A clogged filter can prevent your air conditioner from cooling properly. If it looks dirty, replace it.

There is Water Around the Furnace

• If the air conditioner is running and there is no water coming out of the drain, the line could be clogged. Also, the same can be said for your furnace if it uses a pvc pipe for a flue. Use a shop vac to pull any clogs through the end of the drain line.
• Is the evaporator drain leaking? You will need to have a technician come to your home to check the pan. If there is water coming out of the drain line and there is water around the furnace, this could be an indication of a bad drain pan. The evaporator coil may also be out of level.

My carbon monoxide detector is sounding an alarm.

• If this occurs, then call us immediately. If possible, turn off all gas fired appliances, extinguish a burning fireplace and open all doors and windows to ventilate the space.