Online Troubleshooter

I am having an issue with

Heating my home

Cooling my home

Please select which describes your issue the best

There is no heat and/or furnace won't turn on

Repeatedly, the furnace will turn on and run for about 1 to 2 minutes, then shut off

Repeatedly, the furnace will turn on and run for several minutes, then shut off

My furnace will not shut off at all OR ALWAYS blows cold air

Please select your type of thermostat

Digital-has digital numbers on it (when working properly)

Manual-no display area for electronic digits

Make sure your thermostat is on, set to "HEAT", and the desired temperature is set to at least 4 degrees above the displayed room temperature. Select the best answer:

My thermostat is on, AND I had to set to "HEAT", AND/OR I increased the desired temperature to at least 4 degrees above the displayed room temperature

My thermostat does not appear to be on

My thermostat was ALREADY ON, set to "HEAT", AND the desired temperature was already set to at least 4 degrees above the displayed room temperature

Rotate your thermostat up 5 degrees, make sure it is in heat mode (if there is a slider or switch on it). Please pause for 2 minutes. Did your heat turn on and seems to be working normally?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No

Change your thermostat’s batteries. Check out the link below for more information. Did your thermostat turn on?

Yes

No

Please pause for 2 minutes. Is the furnace on now and now seems to be working properly?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No or no change

Put the fan setting to "ON" vs "AUTO". Does the furnace fan turn on?

Yes

No

IMPORTANT! - **Put the fan setting back to "AUTO"**. What is the fuel source of your home?

Fuel source:

Is natural gas available?

Yes

No

I don't know

Now, ensure you have fuel supply by testing another appliance like the stove or dryer that uses the same fuel source, then choose below. If you know your furnace ONLY uses electricity and your electricity is working, choose "Yes"

Yes, I have fuel supply

No, I do not have fuel supply

I do not have another appliance that runs on the same fuel source

Double check your home’s breaker panel for tripped breakers that serve the furnace and reset them if necessary. Choose below:

I had to reset breakers

I did not have to reset breakers

Re-establish fuel supply. Did the furnace AND heat turn on after a few minutes?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No

Did the furnace AND heat turn on after a few minutes?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No

Locate the gas line for the furnace (should be black metal pipe) coming from the outside of the home and into the furnace and make sure the valve is (open) parallel to the gas line

Gas valve is parallel to gas line

I had to move the valve to be parallel with the gas line

Locate the gas line for the furnace (should be black metal pipe) coming from the outside of the home and into the furnace and make sure the valve is (open) parallel to the gas line

Gas valve is parallel to gas line

I had to move the valve to be parallel with the gas line

Locate the large ROUND pipes connected to the furnace going to the outside of your home. They all will vent outside eventually even if you cannot track them through the walls. Again, they will either be round, white, and plastic looking OR round and metal. It will NOT be the square/rectangular looking pipe that you are seeing as well. Make a selection below

I cannot see any visible pipes going outside the home from my furnace

My pipes DO NOT vent out through the roof

My pipes vent through the roof

Did the heat turn on?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No - Re-check fuel supply and continue

Now, let's get a little more information regarding your filter. Please select from below which applies best

I know where my filter is located

I do not know where my filter is located

Please select the answer that describes your situation the best

I have 1 round metal pipe and it does not go through the roof

I have 2 round, white, and plastic looking pipes and they do not go through the roof

I have 1 round metal pipe AND 1 round, white, and plastic looking pipe that both do not go through the roof

Please select the answer that describes your situation the best

I have 1 round metal pipe and it goes through the roof

I have 2 round, white, and plastic looking pipes and they go through the roof

I have 1 round metal pipe AND 1 round, white, and plastic looking pipe that both go through the roof

Where is the filter located?

Outside the furnace

Behind one of the furnace doors

On the outside of your furnace look between the furnace and the metal SQUARE/RECTANGULAR metal pipe (ductwork). Do you see what looks like a separate chamber or anything that could house a filter? It will be very obvious

I see a separate chamber

I do not see a separate chamber

Obstructed vent pipes are not likely your issue and we do not recommend going on the roof. Let's continue to eliminate other possibilites by selecting "Next" below:

Make sure the pipes are clear of obstructions like snow/ice or a bird's nest and select one below:

My pipes are clear of obstructions

I cleared my pipes of obstructions

Did your heat turn on after a couple of minutes?

Yes - Like us on Facebook

No

Please select the size of your filter

What is your filter size?

Please select the size of your filter if you know it. Do NOT remove any cover to your furnace yet

What is your filter size?

Please find your filter inside the chamber by sliding the chamber door up or out. What is the size of your filter? It will be printed on the edges

What is your filter size?

How many filters are in use? (Mobile/Manufactured homes generally use 2 at one time)

One

Two

How many filters are in use (if known)? (Mobile/Manufactured homes generally use 2 at one time)

One

Two

Have you replaced the filter within the last 30 days?

Yes

No

Please select your manufacturer

Please select the manufacturer of your furnace

Where is your furnace located?

Do you live in a mobile home?

Yes

No

Looking at the front of the furnace, you may notice your furnace has one or two sections with removable panels. DO NOT remove the panels or unscrew anything at this time. Also, one or both panels may have a sightglass/peephole. Make a choice below that best describes what you see:

I have 2 peepholes; 1 on each section of my furnace

I have 2 sections AND 1 peephole

I have 2 sections and NO peepholes

I have 1 section and NO peepholes

Facing a peep hole, which section of the furnace has the peep hole that is showing activity or what looks to be a spot that activity can display?

Please make a selection:

Make sure the furnace/AC is quiet and stopped trying to turn on. This is known as lockout mode. Observe the peep hole for 15 seconds. Is there a pattern to anything that is displaying? If nothing is displaying, choose "No".

Yes

No

How many lights are AVAILABLE? For instance, you may have one light flashing and one light that is not flashing so that would be 2. You may have one yellow light flashing and one green light flashing, then the answer is also 2. Or, you can see that there are 3 lights, but none of them are on. The answer would be 3 in this case. You will have the opportunity to describe in more detail what the lights are doing coming up. Please record how many lights are AVAILABLE:

How many lights are AVAILABLE?

Light 1

What is it doing?

What color is it? Choose the closest color:

If you chose "slow flashing", how many times is it flashing? If you answered "rapid flashing", choose "frequently" as the answer. If it is off, choose "none"

Light 2

What is it doing?

What color is it? Choose the closest color:

If you chose "slow flashing", how many times is it flashing? If you answered "rapid flashing", choose "frequently" as the answer. If it is off, choose "none"

In a peep hole, you may be able to observe a small light or lights OR letters and numbers flashing in a pattern. DO NOT remove any cover to the furnace or unscrew anything. Make a choice below that best describes what you see:

One or more lights are either flashing and/or on continuously

No lights are on

The peep hole is displaying numbers or a combination of letters and numbers

There is a display for what looks to be letters and numbers, but nothing is displaying

How many letters and numbers is the display showing? For instance, the display may be flashing "A", "8", "0", "0", "E", "2", "5", "0". The answer is therefore 8.

DropDownList27

Light 1

What is it doing?

What color is it? Choose the closest color:

If you chose "slow flashing", how many times is it flashing? If you answered "rapid flashing", choose "frequently" as the answer. If it is off, choose "none"

Please locate the power switch to your furnace; don't look too far away as it will be close by. It will look pretty much like a regular light switch and most likely it will be attached to the furnace. Make sure to first turn the furnace OFF then the breaker to OFF before continuing

FURNACE AND BREAKER ARE OFF

Remove all covers on your furnace, DO NOT use a screwdriver to unscrew anything. Locate your filter and select the size. The size will be on the filter somewhere. Check the edges first:

Please select the size of your filter. The size of the filter will be printed on the edges of the filter

Remove all covers on your furnace, DO NOT use a screwdriver to unscrew anything. On the front or back of the panel(s) you've removed, you may see some important information. Please select what you see:

Please select what you see:

On the front or back of the panel(s) you've removed, you may see some important information. Please select what you see:

Please select what you see:

Check the inside AND outside walls of all sections of your furnace for the model or serial number if you DO NOT see them. Also check for them in your manual or any other documentation you may have and choose accordingly below. If you see the model or serial number on the panel(s) you removed, please choose so below again

I can see the model AND/OR the serial number of the furnace on the inside/outside walls or on the front/back of a panel(s)

I do not see the model AND I do not see the serial number of the furnace

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please record the serial number of your furnace if you see it. Click Next if you don't see it

Serial Number

With all panels still off, please make the best choice below as to what you see:

I see a sightglass/peephole on one section of my furnace

I see just what appears to be the innerworkings of my furnace; no sightglass/peehople is visible

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Please select the model of your furnace if you see it. If you do not see it, choose that

Model:

Do you happen to see information regarding your error codes on the inside walls OR on the control board?

Yes

No

We are almost done! Before we wrap up, there are a few questions left that are critical to narrowing down your issue. On the next screen, we will tell you which panel(s) to replace. After replacing the correct panel(s), you will be turning on your furnace then closely listening and watching to see where the furnace may be having trouble. The normal heat cycle, simply stated, is that your furnace will check for blockages in airflow in your pipes and vents, then the burners will ignite and heat air, and then blow it into your house. All this will happen in less than a minute and a half. You will be checking boxes as you furnace goes through the cycle. Don't worry if you think you missed something. Feel free to turn the furnace off and back on again. Let's get started by finding out which panel(s) to replace on the next screen. Click Next

Please replace both your panels. Double check to make sure they are secured properly. When you turn your furnace on, you will want to be looking through the peephole that does NOT have the lights or the display for lights or numbers/letters. Click NEXT to continue

Please replace the panel that covered the blinking or non-blinking light(s). Double check to make sure it is secured properly. When you turn your furnace on, you will want to be sure that you observe the inner workings of the furnace from a safe distance. If your other section allows you to see the inner workings of the furnace through a peephole, go ahead and replace that now. Click NEXT to continue

Please replace the panel that will NOT cover the sightglass/peephole. Double check to make sure it is secured properly. When you turn your furnace on, you will want to be looking through the peephole that you observed when you took your panels off. Click NEXT to continue

Please replace the panel that is furthest away from all pipes leading out of your furnace. Double check to make sure it is secured properly. When you turn your furnace on, you will want to be sure that you observe the inner workings of the furnace from a safe distance

Turn your furnace on and observe what is happening. Be sure to select all that are TRUE and make the best choices even if you don't see the exact choice. You can turn your furnace off and on again if you need to. The best news is that your furnace may now function properly a few times now that it has been reset, but it is highly likely that the issue will persist.

When I turn my furnace on, it just runs; burners never fire up

I see something glowing brightly - this will NOT be a flame of any kind

I DO NOT see something glowing brightly - this will NOT be a flame of any kind

I hear something sparking like a Taser or stun gun

I DO NOT hear something sparking like a Taser or stun gun

I hear an audible "CLICK" and/or hissing sound a split second before the burners turn on

I DO NOT hear an audible "CLICK" OR hissing sound

Burners fire up for LESS THAN 10 seconds, then shut off

Burners stay lit for MORE than 10 seconds up to 1 minute

One or more burners looks more like a candle flame and seems to be rolling out towards you rather like a jet flame going away from you

Burners NEVER fire up at all

Another fan will begin to blow cold air

The furnace NEVER begins to blow air at all

When I turn my furnace on, nothing happens at all

Please select which describes your issue the best. **Please note that you may be asked questions about your furnace moving forward. The reason is that you have an evaporator coil that sits on top of the furnace. This coil is on the inside of the big rectangular metal box that is connected to your furnace. This is where the hot air meets the refrigerant and allows you to have air conditioning! Oftentimes, the manufacturer of the furnace and evaporator coil match**

No cool air blows inside at all

The air conditioning turns on inside and blows air, but it's not cool air

The air conditioning won't stop running

Air conditioning works but water is leaking by my furnace/air conditoning area

Make sure your thermostat is on, set to "COOL", and the desired temperature is set to at least 4 degrees below the displayed room temperature. Make a selection:

My thermostat is on, set to "COOL", and the desired temperature is set to at least 4 degrees below the displayed room temperature

My thermostat does not appear to be on

Please select your type of thermostat

Digital-has digital numbers on it (when working properly)

Manual-no display area for electronic digits

Change your thermostat’s batteries. Check out the link below for more information. Did your thermostat turn on?

Yes

No

Did your outside air conditioning unit turn on AND is cool air now blowing inside the house? (if you changed a setting) and everything now seems to be working properly?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No or no change

IMPORTANT! - **Put the fan setting back to "AUTO"** Double check your home’s breaker panel for tripped breakers that serve the furnace and air conditioner and reset them if necessary. Choose below:

I had to reset breakers

I did not have to reset breakers

Repeatedly, the breaker trips and I have to reset it

Did the outside unit turn on AND cool air blows inside after a few minutes?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No

Rotate your thermostat down 5 degrees, make sure it is in cool mode (if there is a slider or switch on it). Did your outside air conditioning unit turn on AND is cool air now blowing inside the house?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No

Put the fan setting to "ON" vs "AUTO". Does the furnace/AC fan turn on?

Yes

No

Please describe the best choice below with respect to the behavior of your outside unit

It appears to be operating normally and not making any unusual sounds

It seems to be completely off; fan is not running and making no sounds at all

The unit is making the ususal noise, but the fan on the top is not spinning and there seems to be alot of hot air coming out the top of it

The fan on top is spinning but every 20 seconds or so I will also hear an unusual hum

There appears to be missing blades on the fan on the top

Make sure your disconnect switch is on

My disconnect switch is on

I had to turn my disconnect switch on

Is there any significant ice buildup on the unit , in the unit, or on any lines running from the unit into the house? A very thin glaze of frost is OK on the main unit

Yes

No

Always keep your outside unit clear of plants and debris around it and make sure the coil clean of dust, dirt, and pollen. You may have to remove the protective grates around the outside unit to expose and clean the coil. Make sure power is OFF before you do this! Is your outside unit clear of plants and debris around it and is the coil clean of dust, dirt, and pollen?

I cleaned plants/debris around the unit and/or I cleaned the coil

The unit is clear of plants/debris around it AND the coil is clean

Did the outside unit turn on AND cool air blows inside after a few minutes?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No

Do you happen to smell a burnt electrical smell around your furnace area?

Yes

No

Please select the answer that describes your INSIDE furnace/central air unit the best

I have 1 round metal pipe and it goes through the roof

I have 2 round, white, and plastic looking pipes and they go through the roof

I have 1 round metal pipe AND 1 round, white, and plastic looking pipe that both go through the roof

I have 1 round metal pipe and it does NOT go through the roof

I have 2 round, white, and plastic looking pipes and they do NOT go through the roof

I have 1 round metal pipe AND 1 round, white, and plastic looking pipe that both do NOT go through the roof

We are almost done! Before we wrap up, there are a few questions left that are critical to narrowing down your issue. Please replace all your panels properly and securely and turn your furnance/AC unit back on. Then, let's head outside to answer a few questions about your outside AC unit. Click Next

Did the outside unit turn on AND cool air blows inside after a few minutes?

Yes - Like us on Facebook!

No

Please select the manufacturer of your outside AC unit

Outside AC unit:

Thank you for using HVAC Troubleshooter!

Change your filter and replace any panels you may have opened and select below

My system turned on and all seems well

My system did not turn on

At this point, we recommend our Advanced Troubleshooter. Don't get discouraged! There's plenty more to check. All we need is your email to continue. Providing us with your email allows us to send you the questions and answers you have provided and will be providing so that you can forward to your contractor if you choose. The contractor will appreciate this information so that they can get you comfortable again as fast as possible. Also, we will email you the occasional update when we have more troubleshooting tips. Please also understand you may receive promotional offers from local HVAC companies or on other useful items such as filters or air purification. See our Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the website for more information.

I would like to continue with Advanced Troubleshooting

I do not want to continue to Advanced Troubleshooting

Excellent! Thank you for using HVAC Troubleshooter. Please like and share on social media!

Sorry to hear that! Hit the "Previous" button if you reached this in error. Please come back sometime and have a nice day.

At this point, we recommend our Advanced Troubleshooter. Don't get discouraged! There's plenty more to check. Please click the link to continue. All we need is your email to continue. Providing us with your email allows us to send you the questions and answers you have provided and will be providing so that you can forward to your contractor if you choose. The contractor will appreciate this information so that they can get you comfortable again as fast as possible. Also, we will email you the occasional update when we have more troubleshooting tips. Please also understand you may receive promotional offers from local HVAC companies or on other useful items such as filters or air purification. See our Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the website for more information.

I would like to continue with Advanced Troubleshooting

I do not want to continue to Advanced Troubleshooting

Sorry to hear that! Hit the "Previous" button if you reached this in error. Please come back sometime and have a nice day.

Change your filter and select below

My system turned on and all seems well

My system did not turn on

Excellent! Thank you for using HVAC Troubleshooter. Please like and share on social media!

Thank you for using HVAC Troubleshooter! It looks like you will need further assistance.

We recommend calling a technician. Going through the list below would be time consuming and expensive. The problem could be many things such as:

1. Batteries of thermostat are weak or other thermostat issues

2. Ignitor or pilot light problems

3. Gas valve/thermocouple issues

4. Clogged burners

5. Bad flame sensor

6. Blocked airflow

7. Limit switch problems

8. Control board problems

9. Condensate line or pan issues

10. Blower fan is starting to fail

We recommend calling a technician. Going through the list below would be time consuming and expensive. The problem could be many things such as:

1. Gas valve/thermocouple issues

2. Clogged burners

3. Bad flame sensor

4. Blocked airflow

5. Limit switch problems

6. Control board problems

7. Condensate line or pan issues

8. Blower fan is starting to fail

We recommend calling a technician. Going through the list below would be time consuming and expensive. The problem could be many things such as:

1. Batteries of thermostat are weak or other thermostat issues

2. Ignitor or pilot light problems

3. Gas valve/thermocouple issues

4. Clogged burners

5. Bad flame sensor

6. Blocked airflow

7. Limit switch problems

8. Control board problems

9. Condensate line or pan issues

10. Blower fan is starting to fail

It appears you have a dirty flame sensor. We recommend calling a technician for maintenance. Going through the list below yourself would be time consuming and expensive. If the problem is not the flame sensor, it could be many other things such as:

1. Batteries of thermostat are weak or other thermostat issues

2. Ignitor or pilot light problems

3. Gas valve/thermocouple issues

4. Clogged burners

5. Bad flame sensor

6. Blocked airflow

7. Limit switch problems

8. Control board problems

9. Condensate line or pan issues

10. Blower fan is starting to fail

It appears you have a dirty flame sensor. We recommend calling a technician for maintenance. Going through the list below yourself would be time consuming and expensive. If the problem is not the flame sensor, it could be many other things such as:

1. Batteries of thermostat are weak or other thermostat issues

2. Ignitor or pilot light problems

3. Gas valve/thermocouple issues

4. Clogged burners

5. Bad flame sensor

6. Blocked airflow

7. Limit switch problems

8. Control board problems

9. Condensate line or pan issues

10. Blower fan is starting to fail

It appears you have a dirty flame sensor. We recommend calling a technician for maintenance. Going through the list below yourself would be time consuming and expensive. If the problem is not the flame sensor, it could be many other things such as:

1. Batteries of thermostat are weak or other thermostat issues

2. Ignitor or pilot light problems

3. Gas valve/thermocouple issues

4. Clogged burners

5. Bad flame sensor

6. Blocked airflow

7. Limit switch problems

8. Control board problems

9. Condensate line or pan issues

10. Blower fan is starting to fail

It appears you have a dirty flame sensor

Unfortunately, this is bad news. In fact it is dangerous. Call your contractor immediately. Most likely culprit is your heat exchanger has a hole in it and could be leaking carbon monoxide. Shut your furnace off and leave it that way.

We recommend calling a technician. Going through the list below would be time consuming and expensive. The problem could be many things such as:

1. Batteries of thermostat are weak or other thermostat issues

2. Ignitor or pilot light problems

3. Gas valve/thermocouple issues

4. Clogged burners

5. Bad flame sensor

6. Blocked airflow

7. Limit switch problems

8. Control board problems

9. Condensate line or pan issues

10. Blower fan is starting to fail

It appears you may have an issue with your ignitor, but it could be many other things.

We recommend calling a technician. Going through the list below would be time consuming and expensive. The problem could be many things such as:

1. Batteries of thermostat are weak or other thermostat issues

2. Ignitor or pilot light problems

3. Gas valve/thermocouple issues

4. Clogged burners

5. Bad flame sensor

6. Blocked airflow

7. Limit switch problems

8. Control board problems

9. Condensate line or pan issues

10. Blower fan is starting to fail

Thank you for using HVAC Troubleshooter! Please be sure to like and share on social media!

We recommend calling a technician. Thank you for using HVAC trouleshooter! Please come back anytime.

Please email a picture of your error codes to [email protected] , include the manufacturer's name & model number in the subject line, and choose "Next".