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Please review the list below and let us know if this resolves your problem before we arrive.
• Reset Circuit Breakers: If you experience thermostat errors or if your units are not running, reset the circuit breakers and let them sit for five minutes. Then turn them back on to see if your system starts working again.
• Check for Power Outage: Ensure there isn’t a power outage in your neighborhood.
• Examine the Circuit Breaker Panel: If your HVAC unit’s breaker has tripped, reset it. Call a service expert or an electrician if the circuit keeps tripping.
• Check On/Off Switches: Some appliances include an on/off switch near the air conditioner and compressor. Handle these switches with caution due to stored power.
• Check Gas Service: For gas furnaces, ensure the gas service hasn’t been disconnected. Look for a red tag or a lock on the gas valve that leads to the meter.
• Temperature Settings: Ensure the thermostat is set higher than the current interior temperature to circulate heat quickly.
• Battery Check: Replace the batteries in your thermostat if it seems dead.
• Weather Conditions: If it’s very hot outside, your air conditioner might not cool as effectively. Use fans to supplement your AC.
• Air Filter Cleanliness: A clogged air filter can cause inefficient heating. Replace it if it’s blocked and dusty. Hold it up to the light to check cleanliness; if you can’t see through it, replace it.
• Inspect Pipes: Check the furnace’s exhaust and air intake pipes outside your home for blockages. Remove any debris or snow.
• Panel Switches: Ensure the panel switches on air handlers are secure. Loose panels will prevent the HVAC system from functioning.
Signs of Frozen Coils:
• Little to no airflow.
• Partial or no cooling.
• Ice on the indoor unit’s black insulated pipe or where pipes connect.
• Ice on the outdoor unit’s black insulated pipe or inside the compressor section.
Causes of Frozen Coils:
• Setting the thermostat below 70°F.
• Dirty air filter.
• Refrigerant problems.
• Airflow issues.
Solutions:
• Do not set the thermostat below 70°F.
• Replace dirty air filters and remove all ice before restarting the system. Turn off the system and run the fan for 24 hours to thaw the ice.
• Wait for professional help for refrigerant problems.
• Ensure all return and supply vents are open and unobstructed.
Water Leaking Around Indoor Unit:
• Clean the drain line by locating the white PVC pipe. Remove the cap and clear the drain using a garden hose, air compressor, or by blowing on it.
• Open the indoor unit (after turning off the electricity) to check for clogs or a dirty drain pan.
• Ensure the condensation pump is plugged in and clean. Unplug and turn off the circuit breaker before cleaning if necessary.
• Ensure the clear tubing is free from kinks or debris.
• Test the pump by pouring water into it at the corner where the plug is.
Blowing Cold Air but Not Cooling Enough:
• Clean the outdoor unit’s coils. Turn off the circuit breaker and use a garden hose. If very dirty, field-specific chemicals might be needed.
• Check refrigerant levels (requires professional service).
• Ensure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed.
• Note that high outdoor temperatures can limit cooling efficiency. Air conditioners typically reduce temperatures by about 20°F from the outside temperature.
Basic Checks:
• Ensure proper thermostat settings.
• Check all circuit breakers and reset them.
• Check the condensation pump and ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Verify all safety switches in the condensation line or pan are working.
• Ensure all service switches near the furnace or air handler are turned on.
• Ensure all equipment doors are securely in place to avoid triggering safety switches.
But here’s one more piece of advice: never ignore annual maintenance. Many of the issues listed above can be detected and remedied during your yearly inspection. This means no disruption in service, as well as cost savings and fewer repairs down the line.
If you are looking to get your unit inspected before the winter, give us a call at (410)864-9280.
If you are hesitant about inspecting any of these items, contact for service and let the professional address the problem for you. Some homeowners who went too far in attempting to fix their own system ended up causing more harm than if they had waited for an expert. In a few cases, the homeowner endangered themselves and others by attempting to repair something themselves. As a result, your inspections should be measured and limited to your degree of comfort in the list above. Anything above that should be handled by a certified specialist.
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