24/7 Emergency Service

What to Check Before Calling for HVAC Repair

HVAC problems are never convenient and it seems like the problems occur when all of the mechanics are closed! The situation stinks, but there may be easy fixes you could do on your own to get you back up to a comfortable level again. For this reason, we’ve put together an HVAC pre-call checklist that you can complete before calling an HVAC mechanic.

Before you start: if you smell gas or something burning, see sparks, or hear loud grinding or buzzing, skip the checklist and call us right away.

Why We Made This Checklist

When putting this HVAC troubleshooting checklist together, our goal was to make sure you’re fully informed about your equipment. That includes giving you information you can use to maintain your comfort on your own. If one of these steps solves the problem, you may be able to avoid an unnecessary appointment and cost. If it doesn’t, the information you gather can help our technician diagnose the issue faster.

1. Check Your Thermostat

The first item to check is your thermostat. It acts as the central control for your equipment, so if it’s not set correctly, it can prevent the whole system from running. Specifically, check these items:

• Check the Mode: Make sure the mode is set to the right position (either “cool” or “heat”).
• Check the Temperature: Set the temperature high or low enough to trigger the signal to your equipment.
• Make Sure There’s Power: If the screen is blank, try changing the batteries.

2. Make Sure the Indoor Unit Has Power

Find the Indoor Power Switch: There are two emergency switches. One in the basement staircase and the other next to the unit. Check the area where your furnace or indoor coil is located, which can be in the basement, attic or hallway closet. Often, the switch is mounted near the unit on a 2×4. It will look like a light switch, so someone could shut it off by accident.

3. Check That You Have Fuel

Check the gauge on your oil or propane tank: We would love to have your call at Fritz Air, but unfortunately we don’t sell fuel.

4. Inspect Your Air Filter

If the thermostat is working properly, try the air filter. Clogged air filters prevent the system from circulating air, so it’s an important area to check.

• Find the Air Filter: Your HVAC filter will be located in the interior equipment (found in either your attic or a utility closet) or behind a grille (in the case of mini-splits).
• Check for Dust: If the filter looks fairly clean, leave it. If it’s caked with dust, change it.
• Keep the Dirty Filter: A dirty filter could help our technicians with the diagnostic process. Store it in a plastic bag until we arrive.

When You Should Turn Your System Off

After these DIY HVAC troubleshooting steps, your system still may not operate properly. In these situations, the best course is usually to turn the system off and call a professional. Otherwise, the system is going to draw power without doing anything. Shut off your system at the thermostat if any of the following is the case:

• The interior blower is running, but the furnace/air conditioner itself is not.
• Indoor and outdoor units both run, but they only circulate room-temperature air.
• There’s little to no air from the vents, even though the heater/AC is running.
• The interior unit has ice buildup (for air conditioning and heat pumps)
• You hear loud metal-on-metal grinding or other loud noises.
• You smell something burning.
• The furnace pilot light is orange or yellow.
• You smell gas.

Things to Note During a “No Heat Call”

If your heat pump or furnace is not turning on, checking a few items can help our technicians get it fixed faster. Here’s a quick furnace service call checklist you can follow:

• Check for a Gas Smell: This is the first thing to make note of. If you smell rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak, leave the home immediately. From a safe location, contact 911 and your gas utility. Do not use switches, phones, or other electronics inside the home. Once the property has been declared safe, contact Fritz Air if your furnace needs service.
• Check for Signs of Carbon Monoxide: If the furnace pilot light is yellow, orange, or constantly flickering and going out, you may have a carbon monoxide leak. Black residue around the burner is another possible sign of a leak. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, turn off your furnace, leave your home, and contact 911.
• Determine Whether the Heater and Blower Are Running: Check the furnace’s pilot light and the fan to see which is on. The furnace should cycle on and off at regular intervals. The fan should also be blowing. If either of those is out, make a note of it.
• Check the Heat Pump’s Outdoor Unit: If you have a heat pump, make a note of whether it’s running at regular intervals. Also determine if the interior fan is running.
• Report on the Filter: If you’ve changed your furnace’s filter recently, be sure to report that.

Things You Should Never Do During a Check

• Do not touch exposed wiring.
• Never scrape components clean with sharp tools.
• Avoid power washing outdoor equipment.
• Don’t add refrigerant yourself.
• Resist the urge to repeatedly reset the breaker, even if it keeps switching off.
• Do not prod tools into the equipment.
• Avoid attempting to disassemble the equipment.
• Never bypass safety mechanisms.

If the basic troubleshooting steps above don’t resolve your heating and cooling issue, don’t try to fix the issue on your own. Call a professional from Fritz Air to take care of it.