fbpx

Call Today (541) 447-2150

Heating and Cooling

Next-day Scheduling

Ultimate HVAC Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet

10 of the Most Common HVAC Symptoms Cheat Sheet

bend and redmond vice heating and cooling service van with logo

Free HVAC Cheat Sheet PDF Download

HVAC troubleshooting cheat sheet

HVAC Cheat Sheet Topics

  • No Heating or Cooling
  • Insufficient Heating or Cooling
  • Poor Airflow
  • High Energy Bills
  • Frequent Cycling On and Off
  • Bad Odor
  • Unusual Noises
  • Thermostat Issues
  • Frozen Evaporator Coils
  • Leaks or Moisture

Not Private Equity or Investor Owned

HVAC Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet

10 HVAC Symptoms and What Could be Wrong

$99 Flat Fee Repair Visit

Free Estimates
0% Financing Available

Our HVAC veterans went through the top 10 HVAC symptoms in order to build a HVAC troubleshooting cheat sheet – a homeowner or even technician could use. It gives the greater idea of what could be wrong with your HVAC system and where to begin when trying to remedy a problem. Let our heating and cooling pros come in when things become more complicated than changing a battery – and use our HVAC troubleshooting cheat sheet to see where we begin. 

1. No Heating or Cooling

First on the HVAC troubleshooting cheat sheet is your system produces no hot or cold air.

  • Check thermostat setting and batteries
  • Power is correctly supplied to unit
  • Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
  • Inspect gas supply and line (gas furnace)
  • Test ignition system issues and safety mechanisms (gas furnaces)
  • Look at the compressor or capacitor (air conditioning)
  • Verify unrestricted air flow and replace air filters

2. Insufficient Heating or Cooling

The heating or cooling is having a hard time keeping up with environment requirements.

  • Clogged air filters
  • Check refrigerant leaks and recharge refrigerant when needed (air conditioning)
  • Clean or replace evaporator and condenser coils
  • Check for correct insulation and duct sealing
  • Verify enough airflow and adjust blower speed settings
  • Install a zoning system that balances temperature in specific areas

3. Poor Airflow

Check the possible fixes required on the HVAC troubleshooting cheat sheet for not adequate airflow.

  • Clean or replace dirty air filters
  • Check for blockage in the air ducts or vents
  • Seal leaks in ductwork
  • Verify correct sizing and installation of ductwork
  • Clean or replace the blower motor or fan

4. High Energy Bills

The bill is reaching absurd levels. It could be a simple air filter change and making things optimal or your space is poorly insulated.

  • Air filters could need cleaned or replaced
  • Leaks in ductwork going to vents
  • Upgrade to a more energy efficient HVAC system like a heat pump
  • Using a programmable thermostat
  • Insulation added to exterior of home
  • Regular maintenance making sure your unit runs efficiently

5. Frequent Turning On and Off

Why is the heater or air conditioning cycling on and off? The HVAC troubleshooting cheat sheet lists possible fixes.

  • Thermostat settings and adjusting temperature differentials
  • Replacing really dirty air filters
  • Bad thermostat needing replaced
  • Correct size of HVAC units in system
  • Look for leaks in refrigerant and and needs recharge (air conditioning)

6. Bad Odors From HVAC

If there is a smell showing up when your system is running, there could be mildew or mold in the unit.

  • Check air filter quality and replace
  • Look for mold or mildew growth in units and ductwork
  • Check for burnt wires and electronics
  • Remove all debris or clutter from away system
  • Look for signs of rodents and animals living in system

7. HVAC Making Noises

Moving parts willl ware and begin to make sounds. See what potentially could be the fix in the HVAC troubleshooting cheat sheet.

  • Tighten or replace loose and worn belts
  • Lubricate moving parts including bearings or motors
  • Tighten or replace loose and worn fan blades
  • Clean dirty fan blades and housing 
  • Replace old compressor components

8. Broken Thermostat

A broken thermostat is typically a quick visit by a HVAC technician.

  • Replace batteries in thermostat
  • Recalibrate and reset thermostats
  • Check wiring for looseness or corrosion 

9. Frozen Evaporator Coils

Notice ice or frost building on your unit? Excluding environmental affects, it could be a simple cleaning job or recharging the refrigerant levels. See some possibilities below.

  • Check for restricted airflow and replace old filters
  • Look for leak in refrigerant and recharge line
  • Clean dirty coils that stops transfer of heat 
  • Issues with defrost cycle in heat pumps
  • Proper operation of the blower motor

10. Leaks or Moisture in HVAC

Pooling water or water damage could be from a clogged line.

  • Repair or replace damaged condensate drain lines
  • Seal leaks in the refrigerant line and recharge line
  • Clean and clear condensate drain pans
  • Check for clogs in the condensate drain line 

We Are Vice

Vice provides customers throughout Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville and all Central Oregon with the best industry standard of heating and cooling services. We stand by our work.  

4.6
powered by Google
Linda BuffingtonLinda Buffington
18:51 30 May 24
Professional and thorough from start to finish. Answered all my questions and then some. Educated me so I felt I made the right choice. The crew was respectful and cleaned up after themselves. Always on time. Responded to emails fast. Thank you to everyone at Vice for a pleasant experience.
Steve DehmerSteve Dehmer
04:34 30 May 24
On time. Responsive. Thorough
Mimi WinegarMimi Winegar
22:44 17 May 24
Polite kind young men come to my home to put in a new heat pump. They were great, knowledgeable men. Answered all my questions, which happened through out the day. They did a wonderful job, kept work space as tidy as possible. I can’t say one bad thing about the men who came out to first instal the system.The 2 men who came out today to replace the heat pump itself, because of a manufacturing defect were also kind and respectful.I would recommend this company and these 4 men to anyone who asked and a new heat pump, very highly.The only name of these men where Jefferson, good man.
greg garrickgreg garrick
18:37 16 May 24
Danny BridgesDanny Bridges
20:06 09 May 24
This is a great company!Chris is a huge asset to this companyHe came in and just got the job done.The pricing was very Reasonable.Definitely recommend if you’re looking to get your HVAC system fixed.
Melissa LevesqueMelissa Levesque
01:43 07 May 24
Dee ZimmerleeDee Zimmerlee
19:49 06 May 24
John FrangosJohn Frangos
00:20 04 May 24
Erica LandonErica Landon
12:46 02 May 24
Great experience working with this team. They were knowledgeable and friendly, the team arrived on time and the install was perfect! Highly recommend Vice Heating!.
Harlan FriesenHarlan Friesen
22:28 01 May 24
Chris was on time and took care of our semi annual maintenance in a timely manner.Very nice and friendly.
Monica FrankMonica Frank
15:16 22 Apr 24
Fred KochFred Koch
16:15 17 Apr 24
Chris does a thorough job. Is professional, efficient, and polite during his visit. We had one small issue with a change to the thermostat which require his revisit to correct. All is well.
Joyce NormanJoyce Norman
18:54 03 Apr 24
GB PellyGB Pelly
22:28 25 Mar 24
Great service, extremely helpful and professional.
Robert HedenRobert Heden
21:03 18 Mar 24
Steve DehmerSteve Dehmer
23:46 11 Mar 24
Mike PotterMike Potter
03:11 07 Mar 24
Excellent!!
Jeremiah SayersJeremiah Sayers
15:56 13 Feb 24
Christy SpencerChristy Spencer
02:22 22 Mar 22
Let me start by saying that the only reason I'm giving them 4 stars is because Zach is a ROCK STAR! If it weren't for him they would only have gotten 1 star.So this has been our experience... We needed a new HVAC system installed.. We were told the workers would be here at 7am and that it would only take one day to complete the job. When 8 o'clock rolled around and none of their workers had shown up, we called and were told that the worker that was suppose to come had called in sick... Why weren't we notified??? I don't know. To their credit, instead of rescheduling they found workers to come out and start the job. Apparently this type of install is done in stages. Two of their workers came in and removed the old system and installed the new system... only they installed it upside-down. Shouldn't they know where the return air is suppose to come out of? When Zach got here to connect the unit, he and my husband realized the mistake. So Zach called the installers to come back and fix the issue only to have them argue with him. After some persuasion they finally came back and reinstalled it. It's been 12 hours, they still aren't done. Zach is still working hard trying to get us some heat...I appreciate him! I am however starting to freeze and really hoping he will be successful soon. I also hope Zack is rewarded for his hard work and dedication.
Stacey ClarkStacey Clark
18:46 14 Mar 22
They did a great job and were very prompt with getting the work done!
David Roger.David Roger.
01:58 13 Jun 21
Local and prompt helped fix the furnace and showed us the part, now we can do it on our own. We recommend
Karee MillerKaree Miller
18:59 12 Feb 21
Fast, friendly service. Knowledgeable and helpful personnel. High quality is obviously a priority. Highly recommend for your heating, cooling, refrigeration and boiler needs.
Shar SkarbekShar Skarbek
16:49 10 Dec 19
What a wonderful experience we had working with Terry, the owner. We built a new home with a complicated heating system that had radiant, forced air gas and forced air electric. He made it all come together to work for us. After completion of construction, he always answered all our questions and came out to make any adjustment necessary in a timely fashion. Friendly and professional, I would highly recommend Stephen’s Heating and Air Conditioning for any job, simple or complicated. They are the radiant floor experts in this area and very knowledgeable in forced air and air conditioning homes and businesses. I highly recommend them. You will be very happy with their service.
greg lambertgreg lambert
00:17 19 Jul 19
Belknap is a place where a person can really get away. Generally quiet, friendly service, and the pools are great to relax in. New rules make the pools even more quiet. The lack of wi fi helps with the intended separation from stress.
Marlena TeagueMarlena Teague
02:39 12 Apr 19
Fast, friendly, affordable, high quality service you can depend on. Excellent communication with knowledgeable staff make every experience a great one! Highly recommend Stephens!
js_loader

Now Hiring

Join the fastest growing heating and cooling company in Central Oregon

Locally Owned