These troubleshooting steps are common problems and things to check before having to make an appointment for a service call.

If you are uncomfortable performing any of the suggestions listed, please do not continue with the troubleshooting. Call, email, or use the on-line request form to schedule an appointment.

Basic Troubleshooting for all Heating Systems

Thermostat Check
  • Is the system selector switch in the “heat” position?
  • Is the temperature set at least three degrees above the current room temperature?
  • If your thermostat is electronic, are the batteries charged? is the display showing?
  • Forced Air Furnaces Only. If your thermostat has switch to control the furnace fan, switch the fan “on.” This switch will usually be located at the bottom of the thermostat, closer tot he left side and will be marked “on” and “auto.” Listen to hear the furnace fan coming on. If you cannot hear the fan, go to one of the supply registers and see if you can feel any air coming up. If the fan is not running, there may be no power to the unit.
Electrical Check
  • Your heating system may be equipped with an emergency shut-off switch for the furnace. If your system is so equipped, locate it and make sure it is turned on. In most homes the emergency shut-off switch looks just like a regular light switch and will be located on the side or close to the furnace. Sometimes there is a second switch at the top of the basement stairs. It is quite common for this switch to be turned off accidentally. If the switch is on, but the fan still doesn’t operate, proceed to the electrical panel check (below).
  • Some heating systems also have emergency cut-out switches that are activated when a door or service panel is removed. Often the furnace door is not replaced properly after a filter cleaning and the cut-out switch will prevent the furnace from coming on. Check to make sure all access doors are properly secured and fitted.
Electrical Panel Check
  • If your home has breakers, check to see if any are tripped. If a breaker has been tripped it will be in a position that is between ON and OFF. Reset the breaker by turning it all the way OFF, then back ON.
  • If your home has fuses, check to see if the fuse for the furnace is blown. If so, replace it with the SAME SIZE fuse. Do not increase the size of the fuse.
  • WARNING: If a breaker keeps tripping or a fuse keeps blowing, you should contact a qualified service technician to inspect your system to determine why you are having problems.
Ignition Check
  • Do you have fuel? This may sound a little silly, but you’d be amazed at how many service calls are caused because the furnace ran out of fuel. If your unit is oil, or propane fired check the level of fuel in the tanks. If you ran out of fuel, ordered more, and now your furnace will not start, your unit may have to be reset. Some systems have a red reset button on the burner. Other systems can be reset by turning system power off then back on. If it is oil-fired, the pump may need to be primed. Check with a service technician.
  • If your furnace is a gas, standing pilot (one that is on all the time) look inside your furnace to see if you can see it. If not follow the instructions on the furnace to light the pilot. If after following the instructions and the pilot will not light or stay lit, call a service technician. HINT: Cascade Natural Gas will light your pilot for free within 24 hrs of your phone call. (888) 522-1130
  • In most furnaces and boilers, you can tell when the fuel is being ignited. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat and go to the furnace. Have a friend or family member turn the furnace on at the thermostat, can you hear the furnace ignite the fuel?
Other Common Problems
  • Frozen Condensate Line. You can use a hair dryer to thaw out the line the furnace should work once it is thawed. To stop it from freezing in the future, insulate or put heat tape on it.
  • Broken or extremely loose fan belt.
  • Bound or tight blower motor – with power OFF to furnace try to turn blower shaft, it should spin freely.
  • Bound gas inducer motor – If the furnace isn’t working but the inducer is very hot, it could be stuck.
  • Broken gas ignitor.
  • Termination kit for GAS, PVC sidewall vented furnace is blocked by snow or other obstruction.
  • Completely clogged air filter can cause a no heating problem.
Plan Ahead Tip

You should get to know your heating system before it stops working for you. Listen for the various sounds it makes, how long it stays on and where everything is. If you take a few minutes to learn what sounds/looks right, you’ll be much better prepared if something goes wrong. If you’re unsure where things are, ask your service technician for a tour on the next maintenance inspection.

Basic Troubleshooting for Air Conditioners

Thermostat Check
  • Is the system selector switch in the “cool” position?
  • Is the temperature set lower than the current room temperature?
  • If your thermostat is electronic, are the batteries charged? is the display showing?
Electrical Check
  • Check for power by moving the fan switch on the thermostat from “auto” to “on.” If the blower runs, there is power. If nothing happens, a control is burned out or power is disconnected.
  • If the system uses a furnace for heat, make sure the emergency switch is on. In most homes the emergency shut-off switch looks just like a regular light switch and will be located on the side or close to the furnace.
Electrical Panel Check
  • If your home has breakers, check to see if any are tripped. If a breaker has been tripped it will be in a position that is between ON and OFF. Reset the breaker by turning it all the way OFF, then back ON.
  • If your home has fuses, check to see if the fuse for the furnace is blown. If so, replace it with the SAME SIZE fuse. Do not increase the size of the fuse.
  • WARNING: If a breaker keeps tripping or a fuse keeps blowing, you should contact a qualified service technician to inspect your system to determine why you are having problems.
Other Possible Problems
  • After checking the breaker or fuse, set the thermostat on cool, the fan switch on auto, and temperature well below room temperature. If the blower runs but the condensor (outdoor unit) does not, examine the unit. Some have a high pressure cut out. It is a button sticking out of the cabinet, usually near refrigerant lines. Push it in as far as it will go to reset it.
  • If both units are running and no cooling is taking place, touch the larger of the two copper lines exiting the condensor. If it is warm, the system is out of Freon or the compressor is down. If the line is frozen or iced over, there is an airflow problem inside, such as a clogged filter, too may registers closed, or an object covering the return duct. A low Freon charge will also cause a freeze-up. Shut the system down and let it thaw out completely. If it freezes up again, call for service.
  • If the unit is in the basement and has a condensate pump, the control wire for the condensor might be wired through a safety switch on the pump. Check to see if the pump is plugged in and operable.
  • If the unit is in the attic, there could be a float switch in the air handler or in the safety pan that will shut the condensor off if the drain is clogged. Water around the unit is evidence of trouble. Call for service.