HVAC Not Working?
Start Here
Quick fixes for furnace, AC, and boiler problems. Try these first - or call for same-day service.
Heating Problems
Furnace or boiler not working? Try these fixes.
Furnace Won't Start or Ignite
🔴10-15 min
Try These First:
- ✓Thermostat set to HEAT above room temp
- ✓Circuit breaker hasn't tripped
- ✓Furnace power switch ON
- ✓Air filter not clogged
- ✓Gas valve fully open
Likely Causes:
- →Failed igniter (most common)
- →Dirty flame sensor
- →Bad control board
💡 80% of no-heat calls are igniter failures on 5+ year old furnaces.
Call if: Furnace still won't start. Igniters require professional replacement.
Furnace Blowing Cold Air
🔴5-10 min
Try These First:
- ✓Thermostat set to HEAT (not FAN)
- ✓Wait 5 minutes for warm-up
- ✓Air filter clean
- ✓All vents open
Likely Causes:
- →Pilot light failure
- →Faulty gas valve
- →Dirty flame sensor
💡 Turn OFF if no heat after 5 min to avoid wasting energy.
Call if: Cold air after 10+ minutes. Likely ignition failure.
Boiler Not Firing
🔴5-15 min
Try These First:
- ✓Thermostat calling for heat
- ✓Power and breaker ON
- ✓Water pressure 12-15 PSI
- ✓Reset button not tripped
Likely Causes:
- →Low water pressure
- →Failed circulator pump
- →Air in system
💡 You can add water if pressure is low - check manual or call us.
Call if: Low pressure or strange noises. Complex systems need pros.
Furnace Short Cycling
🟠15-20 min
Try These First:
- ✓Replace dirty filter
- ✓All vents open
- ✓Thermostat not in sunlight
Likely Causes:
- →Dirty flame sensor
- →Oversized furnace
- →Bad thermostat
💡 Short cycling reduces furnace lifespan by years - fix quickly!
Call if: Persists after filter change. Wastes gas and wears equipment.
Cooling Problems
AC not working? Check these first.
AC Not Cooling
🔴10-20 min
Try These First:
- ✓Thermostat set to COOL
- ✓Filter clean
- ✓Both breakers ON
- ✓Outdoor unit running
- ✓No ice on coils
Likely Causes:
- →Low refrigerant (leak)
- →Dirty coils
- →Failed compressor
💡 10+ year old AC needing major repairs? Replacement often better.
Call if: Running but not cooling. Refrigerant needs EPA-certified tech.
AC Won't Turn On
🔴10-15 min
Try These First:
- ✓Both breakers ON
- ✓Thermostat has power
- ✓Fresh batteries
- ✓Emergency shutoff ON
Likely Causes:
- →Tripped breaker
- →Bad thermostat
- →Failed contactor
💡 If breaker trips immediately, DON'T keep resetting - call us!
Call if: No power or breakers tripping. Needs professional diagnosis.
AC Frozen/Iced Up
🟠4-6 hours
Try These First:
- ✓Turn AC OFF immediately
- ✓Set to FAN ONLY
- ✓Check for dirty filter
- ✓Wait 4-6 hours to melt
Likely Causes:
- →Restricted airflow
- →Low refrigerant
- →Dirty coil
💡 Never chip ice! Let it melt naturally with fan running.
Call if: Ice returns. Running frozen damages compressor.
AC Making Loud Noises
🔴5 min
Try These First:
- ✓Clear debris around unit
- ✓Tighten loose panels
- ✓Turn OFF if grinding/banging
Likely Causes:
- →Loose fan blade
- →Failed compressor
- →Bad bearings
💡 Loud BANG at startup often means dying compressor.
Call if: Grinding, banging, squealing. Turn OFF to prevent damage.
Thermostat Problems
Thermostat issues? Start here.
Blank Screen
5-10 min
Try These:
- ✓Replace batteries
- ✓Check HVAC breaker
- ✓Furnace door closed
Call if: Blank after battery change. Likely wiring issue.
Call (201) 787-5657Not Reaching Temp
30+ min
Try These:
- ✓Correct mode set
- ✓Clean filter
- ✓All vents open
Call if: Runs constantly but never reaches temp.
Call (201) 787-5657