HVAC guides

What's going wrong, what's safe to check, and how to make good decisions about repairs and replacements.

Cooling problems

AC Running but Not Cooling? 7 Causes and What to DoStart with the filter, thermostat and breaker. If the outdoor fan isn't spinning, the refrigerant line is iced, or the air from the vents is barely cooler than the room, turn the system off and call for service: those point to a failed capacitor, low refrigerant or an airflow problem.

Heating problems

Furnace Not Turning On: A Step-by-Step ChecklistCheck the thermostat, the furnace power switch and breaker, the filter and the furnace door switch, then read the LED error code through the blower door's sight glass. If you smell gas or a CO alarm sounds, leave the house and call the gas utility or 911 first.

Buying guides

Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Is Right for Your Climate?Heat pumps are usually the better value in hot, mixed and mild climates, especially where natural gas isn't available. In very cold regions a cold-climate heat pump or a dual-fuel setup (heat pump plus gas furnace) gives efficiency most of the year with gas backup for the coldest days.Repair or Replace Your HVAC System? How to DecideRepair when the system is under about 10 years old and the fix is a single part. Lean toward replacement when it's past 12–15 years, uses R-22 refrigerant, needs a compressor, coil or heat exchanger, or has needed several repairs in two seasons.

Maintenance

Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Checklist for HomeownersChange filters every one to three months, keep the outdoor unit clear, and book a professional tune-up each spring for cooling and each fall for heating. Ask the technician for written readings so you can compare year to year.

Hiring

How to Choose an HVAC Contractor: 8 Questions to AskVerify the contractor's license with your state or city, ask whether they'll do a load calculation and pull the permit, and compare written quotes line by line. Be wary of quotes that size equipment by square footage alone or skip the permit.

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