Quick Fixes
Cool Checklist
- Thermostat set to cool
- Outdoor unit running
- Inside unit fan blowing
- Filter changed recently
- Return air grill not blocked
Heat Checklist
- Thermostat set to heat
- Temperature setting
- Inside unit has power
- Filter changed recently
Air Conditioning Equipment Checklist
1. Check to make sure that your thermostat is set in the “cool” position.
2. Ensure that your outdoor air conditioning (condensing unit) is running:
Check the circuit breakers in the circuit breaker box (or electrical panel), most likely mounted to an outside wall in the back of the house. Are they in the “On” position?
Check the outdoor unit “disconnect switch” to make sure it is in the “ON” position. The disconnect switch is located near the outdoor unit. (Typically a grey 8″ wide x 16″ high x 4″ deep box mounted to the wall).
3. Ensure that the blower motor in your furnace is running. (If the thermostat is in the “cool” position, the furnace blower should be running.)
If not, check to make sure the on / off switch at the furnace is in the “ON” position
4. Be sure that you have changed your filter in the furnace recently.
An extremely blocked filter can cause your outdoor air conditioner unit to shut down due to lack of proper airflow. Your filter should be changed every month.
5. Check all return air grilles to make sure they are not blocked by furniture.
Check all supply air registers to make sure they are open and blowing air. (The return air grilles are normally located on your walls and are wide and flat).
Gas Furnace Equipment
1. Check to make sure that your thermostat is set in the “heat” position
2. Make sure that the temperature setting on the thermostat is set above (or higher than) the indoor temperature showing on the thermostat.
(This tells your heating system that it should provide heat!)
3. Ensure that there is power to the furnace:
Try turning the fan to “ON” using the fan switch on the thermostat to test for power to furnace. Check the circuit breakers at the electrical panel to make sure they are in the “On” position. Make sure the front panel of furnace is in place as furnace will not operate if panel is off.
4. Replace the furnace filter if needed.
All 1-inch thick furnace filters should be replaced monthly. 2-inch thick, and other high-capacity pleated filters can most likely be changed every other month or just 6 times per year. If the system is running but you have not changed your filter, the filter may need to be replaced.
5. Check all return air grilles to make sure they are not blocked by furniture.
Check all supply air registers to make sure they are open and blowing air. (The return air grilles are normally located on your walls and are wide and flat).
