Furnace Won’t Start: Quick Troubleshooting + When to Call for Heat Help

 Furnace Won’t Start: Quick Troubleshooting + When to Call for Heat Help Disclosure: General information only. If you smell gas, see sparks, or hear loud unusual sounds, stop and call a licensed HVAC pro . Quick Answer Check thermostat mode, power, and filter first. Confirm the breaker and furnace switch are on. If it still won’t start or short-cycles , call HVAC. Stop the Damage First If you smell gas, leave and call from outside. If you smell burning, shut it off and turn off the breaker. Don’t keep restarting a failing furnace . Fast Checks (Most Common Fixes) Thermostat set to HEAT, temperature raised Replace an extremely dirty filter Check breaker and reset once Check furnace power switch (often near unit) Confirm vents are open and unobstructed Listen: does it try to start then stop? What the Symptoms Usually Mean Starts then stops quickly: safety shutdown , airflow issue , sensor Fan runs but no heat: ignition or flame sensor rel...
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AC Not Cooling: 11 Fixes Before You Call HVAC (And When to Stop)

 AC Not Cooling: 11 Fixes Before You Call HVAC (And When to Stop)

Disclosure: General information only. If you smell burning, hear loud buzzing, or see ice buildup, stop the system and call a licensed HVAC tech.

Quick Answer

Check thermostat settings, breaker, filter, and vents first.
If the coil is frozen or the unit short-cycles, stop cooling and run fan only.
If issues persist, call HVAC before damage worsens.

Stop the Damage First

  • If you see ice, switch cooling off and set fan to ON.

  • If you smell burning, shut the system off and turn off the breaker.

  • Don’t keep forcing it to run. That can damage parts.

11 High-Impact Fixes (Fast to Slow)

  1. Thermostat set to COOL and lower than room temp

  2. Replace a clogged filter

  3. Check breaker and reset once

  4. Make sure vents are open and not blocked

  5. Clean obvious debris around outdoor unit

  6. Look for a frozen coil (ice on lines)

  7. If frozen: cooling OFF, fan ON, wait to thaw

  8. Check for dirty return vents

  9. Check if outdoor fan is spinning

  10. Listen for repeated clicking (short cycling)

  11. If still warm after basic checks, stop and call HVAC

Call-a-Pro Triggers

  • Coil freezes again after thawing

  • Breaker trips repeatedly

  • Outdoor unit hums but fan won’t spin

  • Warm air + strange smells or loud noises

  • System runs but never reaches temperature

Cost Variables (5)

  1. After-hours service

  2. Part type and availability

  3. Refrigerant-related work complexity

  4. System age and efficiency class

  5. Access and safety (attic units, tight installs)

Scam Prevention (5)

  1. Ask for the test results (superheat/subcool, airflow checks).

  2. Avoid instant “full replacement” without clear evidence.

  3. Demand itemized parts + labor.

  4. Get a second opinion for big tickets.

  5. Confirm warranty and what it covers (parts vs labor).

Related guide: 【Internal Link①】Home Repair Cost Guide: Repair vs Replace (What Really Changes the Price)
Related guide: 【Internal Link②】Home Emergency Checklist: Stop Damage in the First 30 Minutes

FAQ

Why does my AC cool at night but not day?

Heat load is higher during the day.
Airflow issues and low capacity show up then.

Can a dirty filter really stop cooling?

Yes. It can reduce airflow and freeze the coil.

Location: United States

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