Thermostat
Set it to HEAT or COOL, then set the temperature three degrees beyond the room temperature. Make sure the fan is on AUTO. Fresh batteries help too, most thermostats take two AA batteries.
Before you call
Try these safe checks first.
They solve more no-heat and no-cooling calls than you might think. Take them in order, and skip anything you are not comfortable checking.
For your safety
If you smell gas: leave the house and call the gas company from outside.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds: get everyone out and call 911.
Power
The furnace switch near the basement stairs can look like a light switch and gets bumped off. Check it, then check the breakers for the furnace and the outside unit.
“No heat on a Sunday night. Tessa walked me to the switch on the furnace over the phone and would not take a dime.
Filter
Pull it out and hold it up to a light. If no light comes through, change it. Replace 1-inch filters every 1 to 3 months and 4- or 5-inch media filters every 6 to 12 months.
Furnace door
Make sure the blower door is seated all the way. A safety switch keeps the furnace from running when the door is loose.
Outside unit
Clear leaves and snow away. If it is a block of ice, turn the system off and call us.
Still not working?
A business-hours service call is $89, and we waive it if we do the repair.