If your furnace is not starting, there are a few things you can check before calling a technician:
- Is your thermostat set to "heat" mode, and is the temperature set higher than the room temperature?
- Check your circuit breaker to see if it has tripped.
- Make sure the furnace switch is turned on.
- If you have a gas furnace, verify that the gas valve is open.
- Inspect your air filter—if it's clogged, it can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down.
- If none of these solutions work, contact a professional technician for a proper diagnosis.
There are several possible reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air instead of heat:
- Your thermostat might be set to "on" instead of "auto," which means the blower runs even when the heat isn't on.
- The pilot light or electronic ignition may have failed.
- A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat and shut off.
- A low gas supply or a faulty gas valve could be preventing proper heating.If these issues persist, a technician should inspect your system.
If your furnace is short cycling (turning on and off frequently), it may be due to:
- A dirty or clogged air filter restricting airflow.
- A malfunctioning thermostat sending incorrect signals.
- An overheating heat exchanger caused by poor airflow.
- A furnace that is too large for your home, heating too quickly and shutting off.To prevent this, check and replace your air filter regularly, ensure proper thermostat settings, and have a professional inspect the system if needed.
- Check for an error code on the furnace control board—this can help identify the issue.
- If possible, take a video of the error code display and show it to your technician for a faster diagnosis.
- Inspect the thermostat to ensure it's set correctly and has fresh batteries.
- Check that all vents and filters are clean and unblocked.
- If the problem continues, contact a professional for further troubleshooting.
If your AC is running but not cooling properly, try these steps:
- Ensure the thermostat is set to "cool" and at the correct temperature.
- Check if the air filter is dirty and replace it if necessary.
- Inspect the outdoor unit for debris blocking airflow.
- Low refrigerant levels could indicate a leak that needs professional attention.If none of these solutions help, it may be time to call a technician for a full inspection.
Common causes of AC leaks include:
- A clogged or disconnected condensate drain line.
- A frozen evaporator coil due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels.
- A faulty or clogged drainage pump.If water leakage is excessive, turn off your AC and contact a technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
- Buzzing sounds: Possible electrical issues.
- Hissing noises: Could indicate a refrigerant leak.
- Banging or rattling: Loose components inside the unit may need securing.
- Clicking sounds: Might signal a failing thermostat or relay.If your AC is making unusual noises, it’s best to have a professional inspect it to prevent further damage.
If you’re not getting hot water, consider these possibilities:
- Check if the pilot light is out (for gas water heaters) and relight it if necessary.
- For electric water heaters, ensure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
- Verify that the thermostat is set to an appropriate temperature.
- A faulty heating element or gas control valve may need replacing.If the issue persists, contact a professional for further troubleshooting.
- These sounds are often caused by sediment buildup in the tank, which creates air pockets as the water heats.
- Regularly flushing your water heater can help prevent sediment buildup and extend its lifespan.
- If the noises persist despite flushing, the heating element may be failing and should be checked by a technician.
If your water heater is leaking, consider these potential causes:
- A leaking pressure relief valve may indicate excessive pressure inside the tank.
- A corroded or cracked tank often requires full replacement.
- Loose connections or faulty seals can sometimes be repaired without replacing the unit.Turn off the water supply to the heater and contact a professional to assess the situation.
You should contact a professional if:
- Your HVAC system won’t turn on despite troubleshooting.
- You hear persistent strange noises or detect unusual smells.
- Your energy bills have spiked without explanation.
- Your water heater is leaking or failing to provide hot water.
- Standard 1-inch filters should be replaced every 1-3 months.
- High-efficiency 4-inch filters should be replaced every 6-12 months.
- Homes with pets, allergies, or heavy dust exposure may need more frequent replacements.
- Regular filter replacement improves efficiency, reduces strain on your system, and ensures better air quality.
A media air filter is a high-efficiency filter (MERV 11-16) housed in a larger cabinet (4-5 inches thick), offering better filtration and longevity compared to standard 1-inch filters.
Every 6-12 months, depending on usage and home conditions.
- Better filtration
- Captures finer particles like allergens, bacteria, and smoke.
- Longer lifespan
- Lasts 6-12 months compared to 1-inch filters (30-60 days).
- Improved HVAC efficiency
- Less airflow restriction than high-MERV 1-inch filters.
- Great for allergy sufferers
- Higher MERV ratings remove pollen, dust mites, and mold spores.
No. Media filters have a larger surface area, allowing better airflow while trapping more particles.
Media filters require a special filter cabinet, which can be installed by an HVAC professional.
If you want better air quality, lower maintenance, and improved efficiency, a media air filter is a great upgrade.
Book an appointment
Here at Always Ready Repair, we want to make things as easy as possible on our customers. Our HVAC services are offered at some of the most competitive prices in the industry. Along with our reasonable costs for repairs, we also offer reliable service contracts that will help you stay on top of maintenance and avoid hefty repair bills in the future.
What Our Clients Are Saying
"Always Ready HVAC offers exceptional service! Their technicians are prompt, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. I was impressed by how quickly they resolved my heating issue."
"Always Ready HVAC offers exceptional service! Their technicians are prompt, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. I was impressed by how quickly they resolved my heating issue."
"Always Ready HVAC offers exceptional service! Their technicians are prompt, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. I was impressed by how quickly they resolved my heating issue."
"Always Ready HVAC offers exceptional service! Their technicians are prompt, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. I was impressed by how quickly they resolved my heating issue."
"Always Ready HVAC offers exceptional service! Their technicians are prompt, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. I was impressed by how quickly they resolved my heating issue."
"Always Ready HVAC offers exceptional service! Their technicians are prompt, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. I was impressed by how quickly they resolved my heating issue."