HVAC Problems & Troubleshooting
Identify common heating and cooling issues. Learn when you can troubleshoot yourself and when it's time to call a professional.
24Common Problems
11Urgent Issues
Emergency HVAC Issues
These issues require immediate attention. If you're experiencing any of these problems, contact a professional right away.
Emergency
Furnace Not Producing Heat
Furnace running but blowing cold air
Learn More EmergencyGas Smell Near Furnace
Rotten egg or sulfur smell near furnace
Learn More EmergencyCracked Heat Exchanger
Carbon monoxide detector alarming
Learn More EmergencyCarbon Monoxide Safety Concerns
CO detector alarming
Learn MoreCooling Issues
AC Not Cooling
urgent- AC running but warm air coming from vents
- AC blowing room temperature air
Frozen AC Coil
urgent- Ice visible on indoor unit or refrigerant lines
- Reduced or no airflow from vents
AC Short Cycling
standard- AC turns on and off every few minutes
- House never reaches comfortable temperature
AC Leaking Water
urgent- Water pooling around indoor unit
- Water dripping from ceiling or air handler
Uneven Cooling
standard- Some rooms significantly warmer than others
- Second floor much hotter than first
Hot Upstairs
standard- Upstairs noticeably hotter than downstairs
- Bedroom temperatures uncomfortable for sleeping
Heating Issues
No Heat
emergency- Furnace running but blowing cold air
- Furnace not turning on at all
Furnace Short Cycling
urgent- Furnace turns on and off frequently
- Heat cycles last only a few minutes
Pilot Light Out
urgent- Pilot light goes out repeatedly
- Furnace won't ignite
Gas Smell
emergency- Rotten egg or sulfur smell near furnace
- Gas odor when furnace runs
Cracked Heat Exchanger
emergency- Carbon monoxide detector alarming
- Soot around furnace
Heat Pump No Heat
urgent- Heat pump blowing cool air in heating mode
- House not warming up
Frozen Heat Pump
urgent- Thick ice covering outdoor unit
- Reduced heating performance
Air Quality
Poor Air Quality
standard- Stuffy or stale air
- Dust accumulation
Indoor Allergies
standard- Sneezing and runny nose indoors
- Itchy or watery eyes
Musty Smell
standard- Musty or moldy odor
- Smell when HVAC starts
High Humidity
standard- Condensation on windows
- Clammy or sticky feeling
Dusty Home
informational- Dust accumulates quickly after cleaning
- Visible dust in air
CO Concern
emergency- CO detector alarming
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea (CO poisoning)
Efficiency Problems
Noise Issues
Quick Diagnosis by Symptom
Search by what you're experiencing to find the right troubleshooting guide.
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