Here are some simple things you can do if your heating or cooling system isn’t working before calling for service: 

 

Make sure it's set to the proper temperature and that your thermostat has been switched from heat to cool (or vice versa). Sounds simple, but it happens. Is it set where you really want it, especially if you have adjustable settings for different times of the day? Check to see if it’s working by changing the temperature settings a few degrees temporarily to see if the system responds. If you want cooling, make sure the temperature control selector is set below room temperature and the "SYSTEM" switch is on the "COOL" position. If you want heat, make sure the temperature control selector is set above room temperature and the "SYSTEM" switch is on the "HEAT" position. The "FAN" switch should be set at "ON" for continuous blower operation or "AUTO" if you want the blower to function only while the unit is operating. 

 

Start by making sure that power is available to your home comfort system. Look in your main electric service entrance panel for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. You also may have a power switch, circuit breaker or fuse panel just for your heating and cooling equipment – on or near the equipment itself – that should be checked out, too. If all this checks out, you can assume that power is available to your equipment. A frequently tripped electrical breaker or blown fuse may mean that there is an issue that needs to be corrected by a trained service technician. 

 

If your furnace uses gas for heating, check that the supply line control valve is open. The handle should be parallel to the pipe. 

 

Dirt and debris around the coils of the outside unit of your air conditioner can cut down on the efficiency and reduce its cooling power. If a light layer of cottonwood or some other debris has accumulated on the outside of the unit, it can be cleaned off with a gentile stream of water from you hose. For safety, be sure to shut of the power before you perform any cleaning of the unit itself. We recommend a trained service technician perform a thorough cleaning of your unit annually to minimize this problem.

 

Depending on filter type, it is recommended that you replace or clean the furnace filter as often as once a month when the system is running regularly. Failure to do so can cut down on your system's ability to properly cool or heat your home. 

 

Make sure that supply-air registers and return-air grilles are open and unobstructed. Blocked grilles can make rooms too hot or too cold.