Do-it-Yourself Maintenance

Sometimes you can solve your own heating and cooling problems. Try these simple steps before you call, you may be able to save yourself some money!

Air conditioner not working? Try this checklist:

• Have you replaced the batteries in the thermostat? (Some modern thermostats are battery powered)
• Is the thermostat set to the “cool” mode or setting?
• Is the thermostat temperature setting turned down lower than the room temperature?
• Is the power switch next to or connected to the furnace or air handler turned on? (It looks like a light switch)
• Are the furnace, air handler and air conditioner breakers turned on in the power panel?
• Is the furnace or air handler air filter clean?
• Are all of the furnace or air handler doors and panels on securely?
• Are all of your grilles and registers open and unobstructed?
• Is the thermostat set for 70°F or above? Air conditioning systems are not normally designed to cool below 70°F without freezing up.
• Is there frost anywhere on the pipes going to and from the inside unit to the outside unit? If so, your system has frozen up. Follow these steps to thaw your system:
  • At the thermostat, turn the system mode switch to the “off” position and turn the fan mode switch to the “on” position
  • Let the fan run for 2 to 4 hours.
  • While the system is thawing, double check all of the items from the checklist above.
  • After the system has thawed, return your thermostat to its normal settings. (above 70°F)
  • If the system freezes up again, schedule a service call.
• Has your air conditioner had its annual factory service?

If all of the above items check out and the system still doesn’t cool, it’s time to schedule a service call.

Boiler not working? Try this checklist:

• Have you replaced the batteries in the thermostat? (Some modern thermostats are battery powered)
• Is the thermostat set to the “heat” mode or setting?
• Is the thermostat temperature setting turned up higher than the room temperature?
• Is the power switch next to or connected to the boiler turned on? (It looks like a light switch)
• Is the breaker in the power panel turned on?
• Are all of the boiler doors and panels on securely?
• Are all of your radiator louvers open and unobstructed?
• If your boiler is 20+ years old, is the pilot light on? If not, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to light the pilot.
• Is there 12# to 17# of water pressure or 2# of steam pressure in the system?
• Have the circulators been oiled?

If all of the above items check out and the system still doesn’t cool, it’s time to schedule a service call.