HVAC Troubleshooting Guide

If your home comfort system isn't operating the way it used to, there are a few things you can check before calling for service.

YORK® Is Here to Help You with the Most Common HVAC Problems

Before making a heating and cooling maintenance call, check out our HVAC troubleshooting tips for the steps to diagnose and fix the most common HVAC issues. If you still believe your HVAC system is not working properly, please call your YORK® contractor with your system or unit model number for service.

Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner isn't working properly, here are a few questions to ask yourself and common issues that could be causing your problem.

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IS YOUR THERMOSTAT READY?

  • Make sure you set your thermostat in the COOL position in summer or HEAT for winter heat pump operation.
  • Make sure your outdoor air conditioner or heat pump is running.

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IS EVERYTHING ON?

  • Check to see if your circuit breaker is tripped to the OFF position.
  • Make sure the outdoor disconnect switch on your outdoor unit is on the ON position (this switch is usually a small metal gray box mounted on a wall near the outdoor unit).
  • When your thermostat is activated, the blower motor in your furnace or air handler should run (make sure the switch is on the ON position first).

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IS THERE PROPER AIRFLOW?

  • Change your air filter because a blocked filter can cause your unit to shut down due to lack of proper airflow. 
  • Make sure the air registers (supply or return ducts) are plugged in.

Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Gas Furnace

If your gas furnace isn't working properly, here are a few questions to ask yourself and common issues that could be causing your problem. 

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ARE YOUR SETTINGS CORRECT?

  • Make sure you set your thermostat in the HEAT position.
  • See if the temperature setting on your thermostat is set higher than your indoor temperature. 

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IS YOUR FAN RUNNING?

  • Make sure the power is turned on by turning the fan to the ON position on your thermostat. The fan should run.
  • Check to see if the circuit breakers on the electrical panel have been tripped to the OFF position. Likewise, make sure the SSU light switch on the gray box located at the furnace is in the ON position.

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IS YOUR AIR FILTER CLEAN?

  • Change your air filter because a blocked filter can cause your unit to shut down due to lack of proper airflow.
  • Make sure the air registers (supply or return ducts) are plugged in.

More Resources

Getting Started
If you're looking for HVAC experts or a reliable HVAC company, nothing compares to YORK®. Established in 1874 in York, Pennsylvania, YORK® has a legacy of being a trusted leader for all things residential HVAC. If you're considering YORK® HVAC equipment for your home's heating and cooling needs, here's what to think about first.
New HVAC System Installation
There comes a time in many homeowners' lives where they're looking at replacing their HVAC system. No matter where you are in your journey, you can benefit from understanding the HVAC process.
The Purchase Process
Whether you're repairing a current HVAC system or upgrading your residential HVAC equipment, there's a lot to consider.

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