Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC - Home Appliances - Home/Garden

	AllExperts > Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC
	Search

Ask a question about Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

About Howard Livingston
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Can answer questions on electrical control circuits, power supply,airflow & distribution, electrical components,refrigerant problems,gas, electric & propane furnaces.No boiler or refrigerator or oil fired furnaces experience.Just HVAC questions please.

Experience
35 years experience in residential & light commercial repair & installation.

Organizations
None

Publications
None

Education/Credentials
Mechanical Engineering degree.

Awards and Honors
None

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC

Questions Answered By Expert Howard Livingston
In Category Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC

Subject	Date Asked

A/C Question - Goodman CK-42-1B	7/12/2009
Q: when that satisfying sound of the compressor springing to life stopped happening and just the fan ... A: Well hello again Don. I have been in this business since 1973 & it has always been fun(well most of ...
AC fan stays on after AC is off	7/12/2009
Q: Replaced an old t-stat recently with a new programmable t-stat (ritetemp model 6025). Initially had ... A: The O is not to be connected to O. Is this a heat pump ? Doesn't seem to be. The white is for heat, ...
A/C Question - Goodman CK-42-1B	7/12/2009
Q: when that satisfying sound of the compressor springing to life stopped happening and just the fan ... A: nice to have good info like yours. Need to test the run capacitor for the compressor first.May be a ...
Raindown furnace flu	7/11/2009
Q: Howard. I'm having a problem with rain coming down the "inside" of my Gas furnace flu. I have tried ... A: wishyou would send the rain over here in TX. We are 106 every day, no rain, Only thing I can imagine ...
air running (not continuous) - apt humid!	7/9/2009
Q: Livingston, Thank you so much for being there for all of us who are out here (literally)sweating ... A: Gladto "try" to help your not=to=good situation. Hope for your comfort & recovery. I have ...
attic fan	7/9/2009
Q: I am planning installing an attic fan in my 2-story house. My attic size is approximately 1200 ... A: The soffits vents will work === but if you remove one you will probably see a much smaller hole has ...
Air Conditioner kicks off breaker	7/6/2009
Q: As the weather warmed we noticed our AC was not working on the main floor (we have a separate unit ... A: Could be a bad capacitor on the outside unit fan. Have you watched the unit while it was running ?? ...
No Cool Air After PG&E Smart AC Program	7/5/2009
Q: My question is... My central AC worked great until last Tues. afternoon when during the sweltering ... A: Oh Jennifer, never saw so much ineptitude in one place !! The guesswork on the 50 amp breaker shows ...
carrier unit condensor valve cores	7/5/2009
Q: Do older Carrier units have a valve core on the suction side that cannot be removed if they are ... A: Been at it since 1973 & have never seen a unit without removeable schrader valve. What can happen is ...
Roof top AC	7/4/2009
Q: I have a 1976 Coleman rooftop AC unit on my Motorhome, It runs OK, not the coldest, but after a ... A: sually there is not a service valve on those things. But you can buy a clamp made for the diameter ...
Roof top AC	7/4/2009
Q: I have a 1976 Coleman rooftop AC unit on my Motorhome, It runs OK, not the coldest, but after a ... A: 33 years old !!!! They made good stuff then. Not anymore. Fan motors is the favorite thing to ...
Goodman GMP07-3	7/3/2009
Q: my Goodman unit's inside fan is running constantly. The outside unit will not turn at all, no fan, ... A: Manually press in the contactor in the outside unit & see if it runs. Test the freon to see if has ...
tapping into air ducts	7/1/2009
Q: I finished our basement a few years ago and did not think we needed to tap into the ducts for air. ... A: you can do it. Whatever size duct you tap into you would need a Y fitting with a 45 deg side outlet ...
Carrrier Furnace 58XTS070 placement	7/1/2009
Q: We got this Carrrier Furnace 58XTS070 last year when it was installed in downflow format. We are ... A: I presume the furnace is electric heat ?? The coil drain pan & drain lines is the problem. I don't ...
New AC Unit tripping breaker	6/30/2009
Q: We have a 14 seer Goodman unit that is 13 months old. On Saturday we noticed there was no cold air ... A: I would start off replacing the circuit breaker. They can fail like everything else. Did the tech ...
Iced Pipe on Trane Unit	6/29/2009
Q: We have a Trane XL19i Super High Efficiency heat pump that was installed in 2004 that doesn't seem ... A: Hate to say it but these evaporator coils they make nowdays can start leaking in a couple of ...
SWAMPED PACKAGE UNIT	6/29/2009
Q: I probably have a wild question, but I'm looking at 2 International Comfort Package units: ... A: Look at the serial number for a year date in it. Like 184702432. See the 02 ?? I'd think if they are ...
AC variations	6/28/2009
Q: My wife has a problem with the bedroom temperature in the summer. She is complaining that our AC ... A: I would suggest a new thermostat, like a Honeywell gold round one from Home Depot or elsewhere. They ...
Central air	6/26/2009
Q: Help! On house is on the market and we just realized our central air isn't working. We want to fix ... A: Got my email ?? Its a control circuit problem. !!! So lets carry on with the diagnosis. It can be ...
low voltage problem	6/26/2009
Q: okay let me start by saying i am a residential/commercial service tech. my question is one, more for ... A: Are you getting 24 v between Y & C on the board WITH THE RED & WHITE wires to the outside unit ...
Evaporator Coil/Furnace	6/25/2009
Q: I had and two ton condenser installed last year. When I turned the air on this year, the thermostat ... A: 1. Only if enough oil has leaked out with the freon. Generally does. 2. Look below the burners for ...
hvac	6/25/2009
Q: Our air handler is (Friedrich) over 22 years old and the compressor is dated 1991, very few problems ... A: Florida is the best place in the country for heat pumps. You hardly EVER use the electric heaat. Its ...
Evaporator Coil/Furnace	6/25/2009
Q: I had and two ton condenser installed last year. When I turned the air on this year, the thermostat ... A: 1. Yes just find one that fits the case. 2. Not unless the heat exchanger is rusting out. 3. Usually ...
Heating, Air Conditioning HVAC - Rheem Classic 10, fuse	6/25/2009
Q: Everything (heating or AC) was working before. I turn on AC this year, control board fuse always ... A: Now its getting wilder Steve. I would disconnect the 2 wires to the outside unit at BOTH ends. With ...
hvac	6/23/2009
Q: We installed a new frigidaire hvac unit in 2004. We have had nothing but trouble w/ the temperature ... A: Reminds me of a problem with 2 heat pumps 2 friends had installed themselves. Both had compressors ...
GMC Furnance	6/22/2009
Q: Last year the AC tubing(copper)had ice on it. Had it checked to see what was causing the freeze up. ... A: It's 103 down here in Texas now Ramona, cooling is valuable, right ? The place to start on the unit ...
HVAC Dual Zone	6/22/2009
Q: My father-in-law has a dual zone system in his house. The house is about 1500-1600 square feet on ... A: Common problem with 2 story houses & an open stairwell. Difficult to fix since the cool air upstairs ...
hacv	6/19/2009
Q: Had my system repaired,condensing coil,blower motor and fin,charged system. -This is a slit system ... A: New repair parts work as good as old parts. If you have an electric furnace the elements can ...
HVAC	6/17/2009
Q: I have a model: E2EB-017HA 4ton unit. Ihave had the inside and outside coils cleaned, the technician ... A: Have you tested he run capacitor for the blower motor ?? How about the current draw when the motor ...
A/C cooling but home is hot	6/15/2009
Q: ! We have a Coleman blend air system - 4 ton in a 1782 sq ft mobile home built in 1996. Over the ... A: This sorta IM, right ? I'm retired so check in often. Keeps my brain active. The return is onthe ...
A/C cooling but home is hot	6/15/2009
Q: ! We have a Coleman blend air system - 4 ton in a 1782 sq ft mobile home built in 1996. Over the ... A: That phrase "it's doing all it can" is familiar. I've used it myself so I would accept that it is ...
Condensation pan shut off	6/14/2009
Q: Our AC shut off because the condensation pan was full. I emptied the pan, found and (hopefully) ... A: You have an emergency float switch on the drain line ??? Either that or a condensate pump are the ...
HVAC air distribution	6/13/2009
Q: I have a RUUD system in my house (Heat pump model # RPKA-031JAZ and air handler # RBHA-17J11NFDAI). ... A: You have an "extended plenum" duct system now. They work if, after each drop to a room the size ...
Circuit Breakers	6/12/2009
Q: In general, can a "defective" circuit breaker fail to pass electricity while in the "on" position ... A: good question. These things can be deceiving.hey will not reset to the ON position. Maybe a little ...
Split AC Not Cooling	6/11/2009
Q: I have a 1 ton videocon split air conditioner at my home. Most of the time it does not cool i.e. the ... A: You need to go see if the outside unit is running when the thermostat is calling for cool. Hold your ...
P traps	6/9/2009
Q: We have an inspector that is telling us that we HAVE to install P traps on A coils on top of ... A: Well I'm not much on codes. They are different in different places. I agree with you after 30 yrs ...
heat pump blower quits sometimes	6/8/2009
Q: I'm running my air conditioner, and I noticed that the blower is quiting at times and sometimes not ... A: The blower is triggered to run by the thermostat on a call for cooling. Check behind the tstat for a ...
Hight pitch noise on the A/C furnace, only on summer	6/6/2009
Q: is my second summer in a row with a high pitch noise coming from the A/C furnace. It only happens ... A: Well, I was going to say air noise but not ! There has o be a restriction in the high side liquid ...
Commercial AC Temp Control	6/6/2009
Q: I work in a 4 story building, 40,000 sq ft/floor. We are working hard to be green. We are in the ... A: Keep the fans running all the time & set the temps up to about 81 - 82. That is comfortable with air ...
Corroded coils on furnace	6/5/2009
Q: An HVAC technician just left after inspecting my upstairs unit, Carrier 38YCC, which is a little ... A: I presume you are referring to the evaporator coils ?? They are normally made from aluminum fins & ...
problem with control circuits	6/5/2009
Q: I have an HVAC degree and i am pretty decent with troubling shooting until it comes to double wides ... A: Electrical skills in this A/c business determines whether you are good or not. I worked with a guy ...
American Standard Freedom 90 blower problem	6/5/2009
Q: I have an American Standard Freedom 90 furnace with a brand new (yesterday) American Standard ... A: When in cool mode the thermostat activates the inside fan when cooling is activated. If you have a ...
Multivolt gas valve	6/4/2009
Q: My son has a gas pool heater that has a White Rodgers Multivolt gas valve with a 250 milivolt pilot ... A: The generator does hold the knob down on the gas valve. Its not producing the 750 millivolts to do ...
Snyder General Fan Won't Stop Running	6/2/2009
Q: Howard, I have a Snyder General Comfortmaker model # GUF100A012AN. The AC and Heating systems seem ... A: all those folks are correct. Your problem is "most likely" a stuck fan relay. You have a circuit ...
evaporator water problem	6/1/2009
Q: I have a trane vertical air handler with the coil at about a 60 degree angle. This system is about ... A: The fins are spaced to retain water. Your fins may look clean but have collected crud over the years ...
AC Unit Float Switch question	5/29/2009
Q: I have a Goodman air conditioner that was installed brand new in my condo in May 2005, when it was ... A: I don't dig the 2 pipes coming from the evaporator coil ? Something different here. Anyway, the ...
Frozen AC pipes and AC runs as heat pump	5/28/2009
Q: I got a new Goodman 5 ton heat pump system in Dec 2006. The system worked well until Jan 2009, at ... A: Looks like a stuck closed contactor in the outside unit. Running with out an inside blower causes ...
AC Unit Float Switch question	5/27/2009
Q: I have a Goodman air conditioner that was installed brand new in my condo in May 2005, when it was ... A: Ah, those float switches are there as an emergency only. Don;'t need them if the drain line for the ...
air conditioner output air temp	5/27/2009
Q: what should the temperature of the air coming out of the room register while the air conditioner is ... A: Good question, Jim but tricky. An eveporator coil operates at 70 deg. BUT, from there a bunch of ...
rotten egg smell	5/26/2009
Q: HOWARD---THIS IS NOT A QUESTION BUT THIS SAME SMELL HAPPENED TO US WHEN WE GOT OUR NEW HEAT PUMP ... A: Are you the one that reported the smell a few days ago ??? I had another question about that & don't ...
Luxaire a/c unit loses all freon 4 years in a row	5/25/2009
Q: The short of the story is this: I had 2 Luxaire Outdoor Split-System air conditioners installed in ... A: Freon leaks can occur ANYWHERE !! A 7 day leak should be able to be heard 100 ft away. But I have ...
No Power	5/25/2009
Q: we have a Heil DC 90 Ultra High Efficiency with model # beginning with NTGM. We have not used our ... A: Wait to call a tech. This is for free. Look for a 3 amp fuse, automobile type, plugged in to the ...
restart eletronic furance	5/24/2009
Q: windy weather,so the gas furance and water heater went out. started the water heater,no problem. ... A: How about 85 in Texas.Gas pilot lights are blown out by high winds bacck pressure down the flue ...
Somewhat of a rotten egg smell emitted out of a brand new system	5/24/2009
Q: Howdy sir. I will try to use to use all the technical lingo I can, and what I have tried so far to ... A: Jon, I have the answer !!! Just got a reply from "Shirley" that solves the problem. The rotten egg ...
Central Air Install/Quotes	5/23/2009
Q: I have been getting estimates for central air install w/duct for my old colonial home in northern ... A: The only advantage I've seen for variable speed blowers is quiet. If a return air grille faces a ...
Janitrol compressor trips breaker	5/21/2009
Q: I have a Janitrol compressor that occasionally trips the breaker. If I reset the breaker (off and ... A: Good question, difficult to answer. Many things can be the fault. First try tightening all the ...
A/C charge	5/19/2009
Q: should refrigerant be added until the sight glass shows no bubbles?Does this work on all systems?No ... A: It's better than nothing Gregg. But it can show bubbles & be over/under charged. The type of ...
mold in air duct system	5/19/2009
Q: Cladosporiium and another non flower mold was identified to be in my flexible air duct system ... A: Duct cleaning in flexible ducts is no good. Probably will tear them up with that plastic tube. ...
smell of natural gas	5/18/2009
Q: Mr. Livingston, I am hoping you can give me some direction concerning a problem with my Central A/C ... A: Glad its not CO are you'd be a goner. Couldn't smell it anyway. Is the furnace a gas unit ?? You ...
noise from Lennox G40UH xseries	5/17/2009
Q: Howard, thought I might need to change a fan belt or oil a motor but now I see no belt...squealing ... A: Belt driven blower motors stopped many years ago. Sure had to keep many, many sizes on the truck. No ...
Rheem heat pump indoor motor does not run	5/17/2009
Q: Howard, I have a 1991 Rheem 2.5 ton all electric heat pump system. In cool mode, the indoor motor ... A: If the furnace controls is a solid state circuit board the fan replay is a little black box on the ...
Rheem heat pump indoor motor does not run	5/16/2009
Q: Howard, I have a 1991 Rheem 2.5 ton all electric heat pump system. In cool mode, the indoor motor ... A: In cool mode & fan in auto, the thermostat turns on the fan. If you have a digital tstat, have had ...
CO Level	5/16/2009
Q: What level of CO is acceptable in the airstream heating the living area? A: Good question, difficult answer. That's because everybody has different tolerence to CO. Thats why a ...
AC question	5/15/2009
Q: I own a condo with roughly 1500 sq ft of livign space (2 stories). The AC unit (which is a heating ... A: WOW !!!! 10 grand !! Must be awful hungry.Talk to your neighbors or friends for recommendations of ...
temps	5/15/2009
Q: Is there a standard for temp differences from outside to inside to determine how well insulated a ... A: Good question. There is a rule of thumb that is surprising. Here it is. With a good accurate ...
Cold Room Air Flow	5/12/2009
Q: Firstly thanks for any help in advance. I have a upstairs bedroom that is partially over a garage ... A: From the installations I have done a 6' line can only cool a small bathroom !! And a 4"ine to a ...
Cold Room Air Flow	5/11/2009
Q: Firstly thanks for any help in advance. I have a upstairs bedroom that is partially over a garage ... A: Got a chance to respond today. 20 ft for a 6 " ?? Does the "extended supply air plenum" it's called ...
Cold Room Air Flow	5/10/2009
Q: Firstly thanks for any help in advance. I have a upstairs bedroom that is partially over a garage ... A: A 6" duct will not supply very much air more than 10 feet length.Was that room added or is the 6" ...
One room hotter than the rest	5/8/2009
Q: I’m sure you hear this one a lot. I bought my house last summer. It was built in 1995 and is about ... A: It's a shame the duct systems are installed so badly.Air distrubition is so important. It adds to ...
Compressor terminal prong corroded	5/7/2009
Q: I have a Bryant split AC system installed in 1997 (Model # 561CJ030-C). It tripped the circuit ... A: Hope thats all it wasn the burned terminal. Is there ANY stub left on the compressor terminal?? If ...
fan doesnt always come on	5/6/2009
Q: Big fan doesnt always come on when air condition is running on outside gas heat and air? Is this ... A: Whoa ! A different picture ! It's icing over the evaporator coil, blocking the air flow. Probable ...
Carrier Infinity 96, 40000 BTU	5/5/2009
Q: We've just had this unit installed after our old oil furnace went kaput, using the same duct work ... A: Fans has speed adjustments but the increase from one to another is 50 rpm. Not much but can help. ...
A/C Brands	5/5/2009
Q: I think we're going to replace our central air unit this summer. Do you have any preference on ... A: How much money you have ??? I'm a "conservative" ie tightwad. Make sure the new stuff uses R 410a ...
Outside Unit - Fan & Compressor not turning on - electrical?	5/4/2009
Q: I'm hoping you can help me out with my Bryant Air Conditioner outside unit. The outside unit won't ... A: Start off testing for power supply to the outside unit by pressing in the start relay manually. If ...
Coile and duct work needed	5/3/2009
Q: I have a 5 year old 4 ton system that continues to freeze up. I am constantly told the Freon is ... A: You need more bids. At least 2 more. Ask your neighbors for their recommendation or co workers. Your ...
wiring for 24 volt transformer	4/29/2009
Q: I put a new control or mother board on a goodman heat/air unti, wiring a 110/230 24 volt transformer ... A: Well, the control circuit board controls the heating unit, so the transformer has to connect to ...
Trane XT500C heat pump wiring	4/29/2009
Q: I have a trane heat pump xt500c thermo. and am trying to find out what each wire goes to so I can ... A: Heat pump tstats have changed lately. Have had trouble myself matching the combination terminals ...
HVAC Duel System	4/27/2009
Q: I just bought a home with a Duel zone system, one for upstairs and one down. My question is: when I ... A: hat's a good one, Michael ! Maybe there is a diverter in the ducts somewhere is all I could imagine. ...
Home A\C compressor	4/26/2009
Q: I have a Lennox outside unit and a Comfort air inside unit. The comfort air furnace and evaporator ... A: Sounds familiar. They were welding freon lines on the changeout & a weld is leaking all the freon - ...
weather king AC unit	4/26/2009
Q: My puppy was chewing and yanking on the wires coming from our house to the AC unit. The thermostat ... A: Need to enclose those wires in fence wire. Once the dog chews on them it will not stop. Consequences ...
outside fan want turn on but inside blower want stop running	4/25/2009
Q: when i turn t-stat to cool auto or on the outside fan want turn on you can hear a click in the ... A: Check the circuit breaker for he outside unit first.If OK, manually close the start relay with a ...
Size and distance intake line from unit	4/24/2009
Q: Our exterior 3 1/2 ton heating/air condition unit is current located on the southern exposure, which ... A: Need some clarification. That 16" line is a round duct 16" in diameter ?? That is the return air ...
Rheem RPKA-037JAZ	4/22/2009
Q: The heat pump will not turn on. On the outside of the unit is a reset button. The schematic calls it ... A: That's a high pressure switch. Main cause to trip it is a bad condenser fan motor. Does he fan run ...
venting three dryers in line thru flat roof	4/22/2009
Q: Howard we are renovating a three family house with washers and dryers on each floor to vent the ... A: W hen the 3 vent lines merge, the diameter of the duct should increase to 3 times the area of one 3" ...
air conditioning	4/21/2009
Q: What is the correct way to measure super heat in an a.c. system, wet bulb temp and dry bulb temp? A: The old fashioned way, like me. It is: measure the suction pressure & convert it to temperature. ...
AC unit age and warranty	4/19/2009
Q: I have a Rheem CriterionII. The inside fan stopped working. Is there a way I can find out how old ... A: Nice to have a rough idea of its age to find the date. for 1990 it may read 1469047.hat motor is ...
replace EVAP coil	4/15/2009
Q: Howard, I have a 5 yr old Goodman split heat pump. Two yrs ago i had to add refrigerant an now I am ... A: Where do you live, California ?? Run the guy off with a stick. Try this, there is a liquid you can ...
Split System Central AC	4/15/2009
Q: I have a split system central AC in my condo. Compressor unit is on roof of three story building ... A: Upthere all you need is a block of ice & a fan for cooling ! No problem for the distance between the ...
Split System Central AC	4/14/2009
Q: I have a split system central AC in my condo. Compressor unit is on roof of three story building ... A: Big expensive problem for a 3 story roof! Sometime a crane is necessary to access the roof. Could be ...
a/c installation	4/13/2009
Q: I had a Trane split system installed last week.The outdoor unit is 1 1/4" out of level.The ... A: There is about a qt of oil in the compressor that is oiling the bearings. There is some tolerance on ...
Leaking Evaporator Coil	4/13/2009
Q: I currently have a split Lenox Unit (11 years old) and the Evaporator Coil has a leak. The company ... A: That point of a matching SEER system, in & out can bring about a HUGE discussion! Some brands say ...
seer versus tons	4/9/2009
Q: What is the difference between seer and ton? We are getting ready to get a new system for the house ... A: 1980 !!!! Cheez, that's great ! You can't ever tell how long these things will run. But one thing ...
seer versus tons	4/8/2009
Q: What is the difference between seer and ton? We are getting ready to get a new system for the house ... A: Seasonal Energy efficiency rating = watts/ hours. one ton = 12,00btu.@95 deg. Bet you've heard a LOT ...
bathroom exhausts:energy efficient?	4/8/2009
Q: do bathroom exhausts suck the heat/air out of your house. i always turn them on for white noise in ... A: Uh oh, a family discussion ?? A bathroom exhaust fan moves about 50 cfm.A 1500 sq. ft house has ...
central heat unit	4/7/2009
Q: I have an American Standard central heat and air unit. I am unsure of the size. The air works great ... A: Those switches are around the burners & are small red switches. Sopme have a reset button that pops ...
24v control wiring to outdoor unit.	4/6/2009
Q: I am having a problem getting 24v to my outdoor unit. there was two transformers on the system one ... A: You have a dog in the backyard that has chewed on the wire ?? Common problem. Can be a mouse in ...
Digital thermostat for Mobile Home	4/1/2009
Q: I live in a 1994 mobile home 16x80 & want to change to a digital thermostat (Honeywell RTH230B) my ... A: The red & white wire was for heat ONLY. Moving the red wire to Rc is OK but the white wire to Y is ...
HEAT PUMPS	3/31/2009
Q: Sir, I would like to ask you if you think a heat pump is recommended for my area for a new AC and ... A: Florida is the best state for heat pumps. Go for it. Just check the run amps comparison between the ...
Proper HVAC size for house	3/30/2009
Q: Howard: we bought a 750 sf, one level, circa 1935 cottage on Va's eastern shore. Crawl space newly ... A: Heat pumps are for Florida, NOT Virginia ! You would be running electric elements most of the Winter ...
Air return sizing	3/30/2009
Q: I have discovered that whoever installed my HVAC system did it in a strange way. There are filters ... A: I have a 3 ton cooling system & have 400 sq. in. grille.But I could use any number of RA grilles as ...
Proper HVAC size for house	3/30/2009
Q: Howard: we bought a 750 sf, one level, circa 1935 cottage on Va's eastern shore. Crawl space newly ... A: Ducts nowadays are flexible stuff but with good insulation(1.5")But would you have any space for a ...
Air return sizing	3/30/2009
Q: I have discovered that whoever installed my HVAC system did it in a strange way. There are filters ... A: Are these returns near the floor in several places around the house ?? There should not be any ...
Furnace problems	3/28/2009
Q: I'm currently having some trouble with my furnace. The Thermostat seems to be working fine. I can ... A: Those switches are pretty standard among most brands. First tho, detremine whether the switch is NO ...
Gas Furnace/White powder buildup	3/27/2009
Q: Yesterday my carbon monoxide detector went off. I had someone from the gas company come out and ... A: Is this a standing pilot type furnace ? Some kind of powder is typical for this type, but not very ...
Furnace problems	3/27/2009
Q: I'm currently having some trouble with my furnace. The Thermostat seems to be working fine. I can ... A: The key here is " it won't even light up".If the draft motro runs on a call for heat, the air ...
Zone vs. Variable Speed Heat and AC	3/26/2009
Q: I have a 3-story house and installing central air. I have been told to get a 2-zone system in order ... A: A 2.5 cooling system will produce only 1000 cfm. Not very much air. Since cold air falls you need 2 ...
Furnace problem with ignition	3/26/2009
Q: My daughter has a Rheem Criterion Gas furnace Model RGDJ 07EAUER Serial # EB50302F400001836. It ... A: Does the igniter glow ? If so, several events are OK. If it does, & there is 24v at the gas valve it ...
HVAC	3/26/2009
Q: I am involved with a Temple, and I am not sure if we are getting the run-around. We replaced all the ... A: Wow, Rick, never heard of that kind of problem. An a/c unit will run in 20 deg weather.Can't think ...
thermostat	3/17/2009
Q: Six month old digital Honeywell thermostat keeps going from "heat on" to "aux heat on" but heat ... A: So your aux heat is for the electrical heat elements.If the tstat is auto shifting to aux heat I ...
Heat Pump	3/17/2009
Q: I have a trane xb10 heat pump, standard airhandler with 1/2 HP motor heat strip BAYHTR 1415 backup ... A: Heat pump in Maryland noi good. That system can only provide enough heat down to about 32 deg in ...
Payne Furnace...no heat	3/15/2009
Q: We have a 14 yr old Payne downdraft furnace up in the attic. It was forking fine until this morning. ... A: Getting closer Albert. Some of those igniters are ceramic & they can develop a small crack from the ...
rheem home central heating & cooling unit	3/14/2009
Q: gas burner on unit wont lite. put new gas valve on but stll no burnner. piolt does stay lit A: An old style furnace, I gather that has a standing pilot ?? Is there any high temperature switches ...
heating	3/13/2009
Q: My emergency heat light will not go off when the heat is running. It worked fine earlier in the ... A: Your elecric bill is up since emergency heat is only electric elements are operating. Does every ...
condensing unit lowside and high side fluctuate	3/12/2009
Q: Please! Help. Last summer I had four units the same problem. 1st Weather King, 2nd Ruud, 3rd ... A: You in the a/c business, nuoc ?? The description you give sounds typical for a dreaded disease ...
thermostat replacment	3/11/2009
Q: i wanted to replace my central ac thermostat with a digital one when i did sparks flared up and it ... A: Something funny here since "normally" those 4 wires are from the same side of the transformer. So ...
Payne Furnace...no heat	3/11/2009
Q: We have a 14 yr old Payne downdraft furnace up in the attic. It was forking fine until this morning. ... A: If the draft motor runs & no igniter glows, it the air pressure switch that's bad. Insure the hose ...
Heating	3/8/2009
Q: I have a Carrier forced air unit for our heating and air conditioning. Everything works fine but ... A: You must have an older gas furnace. If so, the fan/limit switch needs adjusting to control the fan ...
3600 sq ft ranch in nh-size of furnace needed	3/5/2009
Q: We just put a 1600 sq ft addition on to our ranch to bring total sq ft to 3600 (existing on slab, ... A: Like blowing in a bottle, when the pressure is maxed, no more pressure is possible, So when the ...
Question about HVAC (Gas heat)	3/5/2009
Q: Where can I find the fuse for a tempstar Dc90 ultra high efficiency gas heating system? The system ... A: If there is a fuse on the module it is a plug in auto type, 3 amp. That is only a protection for the ...
3600 sq ft ranch in nh-size of furnace needed	3/4/2009
Q: We just put a 1600 sq ft addition on to our ranch to bring total sq ft to 3600 (existing on slab, ... A: Easy question Bonnie, difficult to answer. The new way to run a heat load analysis is with a ...
payne furnace	3/4/2009
Q: The furnace was working last nite now over nite it will not come on. Checked thermostat when it was ... A: Does the lighting sequence of: Draft motor runs, air pressure switch closes, igniter glows, burners ...
AC forced air unit leaks freon	3/3/2009
Q: I had to have my outdoor AC unit completely charged w/ freon last spring. My HVAC guy told me that I ... A: 90% of freon leaks are in the evaporator coil.Sometimes a sealer can be added in the system that ...
Furnace working (or not) intermittently	3/3/2009
Q: 3 year old American Standard Freedom 90 Single Stage locks out intermittently (usually at night). ... A: Been at it 30 yrs never heard of "backfeeding" !! Have you tried reversing the power supply to the ...
Furnace	3/2/2009
Q: I have a Lennox G21 pulse furnace. Last night the furnace didn't fire up. There was a humming sound ... A: Sounds like a lemon to me ! I would call the local Lennox sales manager for your area & tell them ...
A/C tonnage rating	3/2/2009
Q: As best as I can determine from the internet, all the manufacturers have a/c in half-ton increments ... A: I did throw you a curve. Yes, you are correct about the Goodman. That is; a 3 ton condensing ...
Furnace	3/1/2009
Q: I have a Lennox G21 pulse furnace. Last night the furnace didn't fire up. There was a humming sound ... A: The last thing you want to do is replace the module. You are resetting the module with the off/on ...
A/C tonnage rating	3/1/2009
Q: As best as I can determine from the internet, all the manufacturers have a/c in half-ton increments ... A: Sometimes the evaporator coils are the same, the expansion device(which is a hole)is just a bit ...
Gaffer & Slatter furnace	2/23/2009
Q: My condo has a G & S furnace. I replaced the old dial style of thermostat with a Honeywell digital ... A: Again. One more clarification. Are the burners still fired up or is it just the blower still running ...
Rudd Silhouhette II Gas Furnace 4 Blinks	2/22/2009
Q: My Rudd Silhouhette II Gas Furnace will not start and the Normal green light is flashing 4 Blinks ... A: Check the air hose from the draft motor to the switch, blowing thru it for blockage. Check the ...
Options for oversized A/C	2/21/2009
Q: Howard, My family just moved into a 3200 sqft house in Houston, which was built in 1993. It has a ... A: Good thinking Bill. In Houston you will need everything you can afford to cut the big electric ...
New construction HVAC	2/19/2009
Q: Is a gas heat/elec AC outside package system less costly than a split system? It seems like a ... A: A package unit is more costly.The unit is more costly & the ducting connecions is more difficult ...
heater not working	2/19/2009
Q: When i turn the thermostat to heat/auto the furnace tries to kick in for a couple mintues then shuts ... A: You've got to do some diagnosing yourself before I can help you. Namely, open the furnace to watch ...
Return size	2/18/2009
Q: I have a 5-ton York split system. My installer put in a 20" x 20" return with a 16" duct. I have ... A: The return air duct is sized to produce an air velocity of 400 cfm or less. I do not have the chart ...
code requirement for supply air filter	2/18/2009
Q: What is the code requirement for installing filters on the return air ducts serving the heating and ... A: Every state probably has there own codes. But there is a Universal Mechanical Code that all states ...
Heil DC90 Ultra High Efficiency Furnace	2/16/2009
Q: I have a Heil DC90 Ultra High Efficiency Furnace which stopped working over the weekend. My Direct ... A: CO can affect different people different ways. Some can die when others are barely affected. Also, a ...
furnace air flow with bigger pulley	2/15/2009
Q: Last summer I had ac installed in my house that did not work properly. My furnace is a Lennox that ... A: Sure can't see the air volume increase will affect the furnace for heat. You may see more affect on ...
furnace won't stop running and sometimes won't fire	2/15/2009
Q: I have a Goodman Gas Furnace. It is about 5 years old. The other day my husband and I noticed that ... A: Replaced in warranty only keeps the original warranty length in place. Some can be expensive, some ...
AC Unit Hard Start Kit for Dimming Lights	2/13/2009
Q: This is the second home that I have had on this property. The first home I went through two ... A: Powersupply to the house is inadequate. Somewhere in the electrical power circuit the wire is too ...
Location of Filter for RUUD AC Model UENB 1008 BDS	2/12/2009
Q: I am visiting my 96 year old mother in Florida and opened up her AC unit to replace the filter. I ... A: I presume the furnace is NOT in the attic ?? If it is an uplow in a closet the filter would be at ...
Residential Gas Furnace	2/11/2009
Q: Is it ok to continuously run the fan on a residential gas furnace? We have a large expanse of ... A: Continuous fan is good for circulation for large homes. If you have a 2 story house the hot air ...
obsolete circuit board replacement	2/10/2009
Q: Livingston, I am getting a bit of a run around from various HVAC guys and am looking for some ... A: Good for you, Elaine. You will have to rely on the schenatic posted somewqhere on the furnace.Use ...
Furnace to coming on	2/9/2009
Q: I do home repairs for a living and have a little experience with heating and I'm pretty good with ... A: Sure don't have an idea what's going wrong.Those code flashes on the led's sre generally OK for ...
Thermostat	2/8/2009
Q: I am changing from a Chronotherm III to an Emerson 1F95-1277 thermostat. Current wires on ... A: New kinds of thermostats for heat pumps can be difficult. Can only say what is "normal" for the ...
Kenmore Heating and air unit	2/8/2009
Q: i have a Kenmore model NTC6100GFA1 system that was installed 9 years ago.I recently have lost heat ... A: Several problems at once. The fan circuit is on a timed cycle with the heat. Think the fan relay on ...
ac air return	2/7/2009
Q: I live in the Northeast. My AC is in the attic, (heat is baseboard so no connection)Home is 5 years ... A: Air doesn't move withou a pressure differential. Most likely that is occuring between the return air ...
Gaffer & Slatter furnace	2/6/2009
Q: My condo has a G & S furnace. I replaced the old dial style of thermostat with a Honeywell digital ... A: Steven. When the furnace is set to run on the thermostat, let it stabilize for a bit. Then urn the ...
carrier gas furnace	2/3/2009
Q: I have a carrier gas furnace plus 90 that was installed in 1993. The furnace is a sealed system so ... A: Doesn't that furnace have an led trouble light that flashes codes that can tell you where the ...
obsolete circuit board replacement	2/3/2009
Q: Livingston, I am getting a bit of a run around from various HVAC guys and am looking for some ... A: Don't know about D & L Supply, but I would relay on the local RUUD supply house to sell me the ...
No Heat.	1/16/2009
Q: I came home tonight to find no electricity in my apartment. After I fixed that I noticed that my ... A: Turn on the fan to"on". Does the fan run ?? That's a test for power, low & high. Is there a pilot ...
furnace exhaust blower condensation	1/16/2009
Q: This is about 18 years old Heil furnace.I've replaced noisy exhaust blower, cleaned all drain tubes. ... A: This condensate problem is a difficult issue.A hot exhaust moving thru a cold pipe is hard to stop ...
heating and air	1/14/2009
Q: i got a loud noise from my ac unit outside, i have electric central heating and air, i went outside ... A: You must have a heat pump. The ice formation is natural & is thawed by a defrost cycle in the ...
wiring	1/12/2009
Q: i have zone heating. 2 stats. need to know how to wire control board. red. white wire coming from ... A: the heat contro; wires are red & white. The rest are for cooling & a fan.If each stat uses a red & ...
Air Handler Fan Will Not Run	1/10/2009
Q: I have a 1990 Amana Heat Pump. The inside unit blower fan stops running intermittently..... about ... A: I did not respond about the delay knnob since an ajustable knob would be a coil of wire with a ...
no power to furnace	1/6/2009
Q: My reheem furnace (model rgdg07eauer)is all of a sudden powerless, I check the circuit breaker,no ... A: There is a fuse on the board, generally. Its like an auto fuse & just plugs in. Usually a 3 amp. If ...
Central heat/ac unit that cools from a well?	1/5/2009
Q: I am looking at purchasing a house, that has a central heat/ac unit that cools from a well. I think ... A: The model number hides the tonnage, like ABC3602516. That 60 is 60k btu & a 5 ton.A 1600 sq ft may ...
Payne Force Air System	1/5/2009
Q: Fan is set on auto but when the unit is set to HEAT, the blower does not turn on. Angela A: The circuit for the heat fan is different from cool fan.Now, if you have a circuit board controlled ...
error code on armstrong furnace	1/3/2009
Q: My 8 year old furnace will not fire up by thermostat, unless i go to the side of the furnace turn ... A: Pull off the 2 wires at the pressure switch & ohm across the terminals to test.Thats a reset you're ...
Resize central hvac system	1/2/2009
Q: been awhile since I've talked to you.I installed a 3ton.Goodman 13 seer straight cool matched system ... A: The reversing valve is the question. Since heat is more important than cooling for people, the ...
Electric Baseboard/Thermostat	12/31/2008
Q: Howard: I just installed 220 volt hydronic baseboard units (TPI)in an atrium (the rest of the home ... A: Running late due to the holidays. The green ground wire goes to a bare ground wire, or to a water ...
Loud "bang" from air handler on Heat pump	12/30/2008
Q: I have a 1 1/2 yr old 4 ton Rheem seer 13 classic heat pump coupled with a rheem prestige air ... A: Could it be the blower motor inside ??? Quick test, turn on fan to on only, when up to speed turn it ...
Ignition Failure, Gas Forced Air Furnace	12/29/2008
Q: I have a Frigidaire FG6RA 072C-12A - Nordyne. There is a red light that blinks 4 times. The ... A: Ground wires screwed to a metal surface can corrode. Sand off the metal at contact. Just watch the ...
refrigerated air conditioners	12/28/2008
Q: I want to start investigating refrigerated air conditioners. I have searched the Internet and can't ... A: Happy New Year Sharon!Hope your Christmas was great. A rule of thumb to size is 500 sq ft /ton ...
Direct vent propane wall heater	12/27/2008
Q: I have a 1 yr old Cozy direct vent propane wall heater. It works well, but only stays on for about 3 ... A: There is a hidden overheat switch somewhere near the top of the heat exchanger that may be tripping. ...
hi howard	12/27/2008
Q: i have a clare megasave furnace. the motor went on in las t night. go figure huh christmas and all. ... A: This furnace has spark ignition to a pilot light ?? If so, you may have a stopped up pilot orifice ...
no heat jus air from roofmount fau	12/26/2008
Q: MERRY CHRISTMAS HOWARD. I have a roof mounted fau the fan comes on but no heat . I looked and ... A: Test the air pressure switch by jumping across the 2 terminals. The ignitor lights after the ...
T-1250 pool heater	12/25/2008
Q: I bought this unit used and the person who had it never used it. I got the unit hooked up and the ... A: There is an axiom in the service business, Werner, "if you touch it you're married to it " That's ...
Thermostat OFF, heat still ON	12/25/2008
Q: This senior citizen is ignorant when it comes to heating. Have 3-year-old Weil-McLain Series 3 ... A: Well, Santa Claus may be watching if you strip !! Turn off the power at the boiler to kill the heat. ...
Propane furnace gas surge	12/25/2008
Q: I have a Conquest 90 furnace (installed 1995) that started surging the flow of gas tonight. The ... A: Yes, there is a filter at the inlet to the gas valve. You know that condensate is possible in the ...
Heat Pumps	12/24/2008
Q: How can I tell if I have a bad reversing valve or a compressor issue.or maybe check valves The head ... A: It could be an electric heat element on, leaking seals in the reversing valve. Does a test of the ...
Furnace has to ignite several times to light	12/24/2008
Q: I have a Nordyne model#M3RL080ABW furnace that tries to ignite up to 4 times, which then shuts ... A: Is the ignitor glowing red ? And if the gas ignites on the main burner just a bit the flame sensor ...
goodman air handler and heat pump	12/22/2008
Q: Howard, My wife and I recentley purchased a older farm house. It was built in 1942. It has the cape ... A: Hope you live in Florida, or the South considering a heat pump. The heat from the compressor(1st ...
13 Seers vs 14 Seers	12/21/2008
Q: Howard, First off thanks for your time and making yourself available. I've got what i hope is a ... A: WOW, $480 !! No way. Know the formula for SEER ?? Its btu's per season divided by watts per ...
heatpump	12/21/2008
Q: I have a split heatpump when I turn the t'stat to heat and fan to auto only the indoor blower is ... A: Good info Phil. Has the freon been tested?? First thing to do on a heat pump. May be off from a low ...
Rheem Gas Furnance - Blower won't start	12/18/2008
Q: My Rheem furnance goes thru the start cycle and ignites but the blower wont come on...20 seconds ... A: Test the motor run capaictor first. You know how with an ohm meter ?? Then if it's OK, test the ...
Internal fan won't turn on unless U hard wire it/.	12/18/2008
Q: I have a Coleman downdraft furnace, the internal fan won't turn on, I tested the wires and there is ... A: Sorry, can't help you on those code signals. Are they not indicated on the manuals? Maybe on the ...
limit switch	12/16/2008
Q: My furnace is 11 years old, and i had to replace my limit switch because the electric pilot light ... A: Guess you are talking about the high temperature limit switches ?? Are those manually resets ?? If ...
Heat pump/electric furnace	12/16/2008
Q: Have older TempStar Heat pump w/electric furnace. Fan on heat pump working ok (but is running ... A: Generally. the output of the compressor heat(first stage) poops out around 32 deg. At that time the ...
heating	12/16/2008
Q: We have a newer two story home, but half of the 'second story' is a vaulted ceiling from the first ... A: The best answer, Matt is to have had 2 units installed, 1 up,1 down. Your on track to have ceiling ...
Furnace Operates Correctly in All Ways Except...	12/15/2008
Q: ... the heat output is low. [LIST] []Centurion Gas Furnace, 75,000 btu., with AC []Thermostat ... A: Wow, never got such detailed info in my 1860 questions I've answered !! Good for you.My big surprise ...
Electric HVAC	12/14/2008
Q: i recently had service done on my Electric furnance. The tech said that i am using only half(5 KW) ... A: If there are wires running to the elements & is connected to 240 volts you are getting full power. ...
gas furnace	12/14/2008
Q: have gas furnace with electric start-appears that it takes 5 or 6 times for furnace to light(Clicks ... A: Maybe needs a little cleaning around the spark ignition. Or can be a partially blocked pilot gas ...
No heat when it gets below 30 outside	12/13/2008
Q: Let us begin with, we have an Amer. Standard heat pump and for the 10 years we have been here, we ... A: Wow, Stephanie, you ought to go into a/c service work after all that good info !! Now let's see if I ...
Moving burners on York 4 burner unit	12/13/2008
Q: I have an York package unit, the heating component has four heat exchanger ports but only uses two ... A: So the top burners heat exchanger is good ?? Yes, move the burners & block off both top & bottorm ...
Furnace	12/12/2008
Q: I have a York Furnace about ten years old,it blows out cool air when it first starts.Is there ... A: That fan needs a delay to stop that. You may have little switches on the circuit board that can be ...
HVAC tandem units	12/12/2008
Q: A friend has a large open loft space in a seaside community. The building is brick and concrete. The ... A: Well, ya know the humidity is 100% all the time on the seashore. Every crack needs to be sealed. ...
Auxiliary Heat	12/10/2008
Q: I have an electric heat pump. My auxiliary heat keeps kicking on. I have my temp set at 65 degrees ... A: Some heat pumps have a thermostat in the outside unit which turns on the aux heat. Some are ...
heating	12/9/2008
Q: ..I have a furnace that is at least 20 years old. I had it checked out last winter and it checked ... A: Probably have a thermostat with a heat anticipator in it that needs adjusting to a "longer" cyle ...
Rudd Forced Air Gas Furnace	12/9/2008
Q: Having a problem with my furnace turning on. The system seems to work properly when I flip the ... A: You are resetting the circuit board that is acting up killing the power. Do you get the LED trouble ...
heating schematic	12/9/2008
Q: I have a very old package unit gas heat that the fan will not turn on inheat mode. There is no name ... A: You have a thermostat with a heat anticipator ?? Maybe it needs adjusting. It is a dial with an ...
Guardian furnace Pressure Control Switch	12/8/2008
Q: My pressure control switch on my new 95.5 efficiency gas furnace keeps filling with ... A: Well well. found the problem! You need a "P" trap, (not "S") on that horizontil run to catch the ...
trane induction fan	12/7/2008
Q: I have a trane 2.5 ton unit with gas pack that is about 12 years old not sure about the model ... A: Yes there is John.Locate the transformer & press on it & see if it changes sound. They develop a 60 ...
Guardian furnace Pressure Control Switch	12/7/2008
Q: My pressure control switch on my new 95.5 efficiency gas furnace keeps filling with ... A: That moisture would only come through the induced draft motor. That water may come from the flue ...
Rudd 5 ton heat	12/6/2008
Q: Howard: It's 4 years old. Have replaced compressor, 2-3 fans, it freezes up and quits, just recently ... A: Gather all you're service orders plus any other happenings. Call you're local Ruud supply house & ...
Heater blowing cold air	12/6/2008
Q: I have an electric heater, I noticed today that the house seemed cooler then normal. I was in and ... A: Those elements can drop off one at a time & you won't notice it till it gets real cold. Each element ...
Heater Problem	12/6/2008
Q: I have a Day & Night split unit with the fan coils in the attic and the condenser outside. The unit ... A: It could be caused by a digital thermostat. Also the heat fan is a separate circuit & for an old ...
A/C	12/5/2008
Q: I have a 28 year old Lenox central A/C system in a 1400 square foot Townhome. The outside condensing ... A: Let the buyer beware! Caveat Emptor. This equipment usually does not like to work in a different ...
heat pump compressor noise	12/5/2008
Q: Our"Thermal Zone" heat pump works fine in the summer ,but as soon as it turns cold out 40 degrees or ... A: Wonder you're still alive !! Must be good neighbors.Main thing differemce between heat & cool for a ...
Ducane	12/4/2008
Q: We have a Ducane heater. When it is super cold out side it completely turns off. The heater heats ... A: some of these heaters have several rollout switches.Some can be manually reset by resetting a button ...
PGCJAA/MAA cycling on-off in heat mode	12/4/2008
Q: in the heat mode, the unit cycles on and off, will not stay on to reach the temp needed to shut off, ... A: I presume this is a gas furnace. Don't recognize those letters.If this is a pretty old furnace ...
Furnace inducer problem	12/3/2008
Q: I have a 4 year old new construction house with an 80+ single furnance. The inducer had been making ... A: Naw, that's like stockpiling a compressor. You have one spotted so I'd keep oiling the shaft end ...
Furnace inducer problem	12/2/2008
Q: I have a 4 year old new construction house with an 80+ single furnance. The inducer had been making ... A: the bearings in those motors are just sleeve bearings. Was there oil ports on the motor?? Both ends ...
heating unit	12/2/2008
Q: My heat unit outside doesnt always run with the fan going, is this normal? But the thermostat, it ... A: Sounds like this is an electric furnace ?? If so the hea fan is run on a time delay relay & that ...
Comfortmaker gas pack issue	12/1/2008
Q: I have a 9 year old Comfortmaker gas pack model PGAD30D1K5 that I am almost positive has a bad heat ... A: We did have a good Thanksgiving with the family at a lake house owned by my daughter & husband. ...
AC blower cycling on and off	11/30/2008
Q: Ruud model UCBA100C, Propane furnace, Age not sure but if it is original it's pushing 30 years. ... A: A 10% allowance for a capacitor is the limit. So replace it with a 10 mfd size. Sounds like the ...
Booster Fan	11/30/2008
Q: I have a Carrier furnace with a Tjernlund duct booster fan on one of the branches. Previously, ... A: The booster fan ought to be 120v. Follow the 2 wires from the fan & see if they are not connected t ...
fan blowing, but no gas or ignition	11/28/2008
Q: I have a 10-15 year old Amana furnace. About a year ago, it started blowing cold air. The heating ... A: Could be the flame sensor, Roger. Needs cleaning. Remove it & clean with a rag. Could be the air ...
Gas Valve question	11/28/2008
Q: My Gas valve went bad on my Payne central unit. PY1PNBO30060AAAA series B LP converted Unit! I ... A: Does the flames look all blue, Jeff?? That's the sign of complete combustion on LP. And as you know ...
Comfortmaker gas pack issue	11/28/2008
Q: I have a 9 year old Comfortmaker gas pack model PGAD30D1K5 that I am almost positive has a bad heat ... A: That would be OK to plug the 2 bad bays in the heat exchanger. Gas pressure not affected.I would ...
Comfortmaker gas pack issue	11/27/2008
Q: I have a 9 year old Comfortmaker gas pack model PGAD30D1K5 that I am almost positive has a bad heat ... A: I'm not sure which model that is. You have 4 burners on that model? Does sound like a hole in the ...
Payne gas hot air heater	11/26/2008
Q: I have a Payne gas hot air heater. When heat is called for the exhaust blower starts for 15 seconds ... A: Gosh, Fran that's a crud problem, maybe. ! Let's see,you could have dirt or something clogging the ...
wiring for new thermostats	11/26/2008
Q: I bought the Honeywell rth6300b thermostat to replace the old mercury thermo that I'm sure came with ... A: Well, Don this proves that the heat pump thermostats will not work with an older model heat pump. As ...
Goodman Heat Pump	11/25/2008
Q: Howard, I have a 7 year old Goodman PHK024-1 heat pump. Last night the heat stopped running. The ... A: Yes, the compressor is supposed to run for first stage heat, as is the outside fan. Sounds like that ...
Condensation on Ceiling	11/25/2008
Q: I bought a house in April and it is on a concrete slab. At closing the seller told me he gets ... A: You're plumbing is under the slab & can leak anywhere. They find it by listening with headphones on ...
elctronic fan timer control board replacement	11/25/2008
Q: My System is keeping the fan on constantly. Both the heater and the AC will not engage....I suspect ... A: Sounds familiar. Try tapping on the little black boxes on the circuit board to see if you can ...
Carrier Gas Furnace short cycle	11/24/2008
Q: I am a novice and will try to explain what is going on and see if you can help me out. I just bought ... A: los of good info. I'll take it on one at a time. Don't understand what's the connection between the ...
wiring for new thermostats	11/24/2008
Q: I bought the Honeywell rth6300b thermostat to replace the old mercury thermo that I'm sure came with ... A: The wires used on the old tstat do not indicate a heat pump.W2 was used for heat.Don't lnow why C ...
Condensation on Ceiling	11/23/2008
Q: I bought a house in April and it is on a concrete slab. At closing the seller told me he gets ... A: Wow, Denise something funny here ! The condensation pump is to drain the condensate water generated ...
how to wire a honeywell fan and limit switch	11/22/2008
Q: i need to know how to wire a fan and limit switch to the blower A: A limit switch is usually a high temperature device & it is connected to the gas valve, in series. ...
heil model nuge080kg01	11/21/2008
Q: if I start the unit up the pilot lights and the unit will run till it reaches the set temp then when ... A: Not a place to have furnace problems ! Check the voltage across the gasvalve 24v terminals & see if ...
caloric LP range	11/19/2008
Q: we bought it used, converted to LP. The burners work fine, however the oven and broiler do not. ... A: Usually not involved with stoves but I think you're problem may be is the pilot orifice is stopped ...
pulse 21 furnace 6 years old horizontal unit with moisture in blower compartment	11/18/2008
Q: pulse 21 furnace 6 years old horizontal unit with moisture in blower compartment. The furnace runs ... A: Sounds like condensate problems.Was the filter pretty dirty when you changed it ?? I would check the ...
furnace	11/18/2008
Q: I have a 3yr old Tempstar upright furnace.The 5amps fuse on the circuit board keeps on blowing. Any ... A: You have a dead short in the low voltage control circuit. Got to find it. Sometimes can be in the ...
Heating Airflow problem	11/16/2008
Q: My parents live in a townhouse that was constructed poorly because when they turn on the central ... A: Town houses are notoriously bad for a/c installations. Most likely there are too many jigs & jogs in ...
Electric Furnace Sequencer/fan control problem	11/15/2008
Q: I'd like to start with thanking you for your time in advance. Now, help me impress my new wife with ... A: I better move fast Mark to keep you out of trouble with all those kids, wife too. You really have ...
Transformer got burned	11/15/2008
Q: I cleaned the blower, burners and heat exchanger for my furnace and in order to do so I took out ... A: That was caused by a dead short in the 24v control circuit.You need a 40 VA with 120/24 ...
lennox g40uh(x) series furnace gas	11/13/2008
Q: both led lights on furnace blink slow together when furnace is turned on the led lights blingk fast ... A: You should have in you're instruction a list of codes that tells what the problem is. If you don't, ...
My Ruud heater	11/13/2008
Q: I have a Ruud Heater/ac unit in my house I just bought. It runs fine in the summer and the ac unit ... A: Now,you need to check & see if the outside unit is turning off when the cold air starts.Or is the ...
lennox gas heat and air unit	11/13/2008
Q: I have a lennox gas heat and air furnace model gsc16. its a 93 model. Anyway when it started cooling ... A: That blower motor only draws about 3 amps, or it should. You have a clamp on amp meter ?? With the ...
Ignitor fires early or gas valve turns on too late...	11/12/2008
Q: Here is the sequence I see. I ask for heat. The combustion exhaust fan comes on. The ignighter ... A: I think the problem is low propane pressure. The gas valve ought to open pretty fast after the ...
heating and cooling workshop	11/10/2008
Q: I am converting a 14 x 20 freestanding potting shed into a craft studio. I'm adding insulation and ... A: Been on vacation so running late on my answers. I suggest a window unit with heat. I could be a heat ...
question on furnace	10/30/2008
Q: I went to a friends house and the furnace was in a flood. No LED lights came on whe I turn on the ... A: The blower motor is on a timed circuit & will delay AFTER the burners are on. Try jumping across the ...
Carrier Robertshaw Unitrol Valve	10/29/2008
Q: I have an older furnace, I'd say approx. 20 yrs old. It say 1985 as the year on it, but I'm not sure ... A: You have a 60 cycle hum from a 24v coil. I'm not sure what the part is as a "regulator valve" or " ...
Thermostat Replacement	10/29/2008
Q: Have a Trane electric forced air heat pump and air conditioning system with a Trane Baystat 239 ... A: Head for Home Depot & look at the round Honeywell tstats with a lcd screen on it. I think those are ...
gas furnace	10/27/2008
Q: My gas furnace is not lighting. In checking the electronic gas valve I see that the solinoids are ... A: A sensor needs to detect the igniter before the gas valve will open. So it seems the circuit board ...
Furnace won't ignite	10/27/2008
Q: I have a residential gas furnace g6rl 90+ downflow, it tries but won't ignite. This is my first yr ... A: Follow this cycle to check what is NOT happening. On a call for heat with the gas valve turned to ...
Heating	10/26/2008
Q: I have a Rheem RGRA series heater. The gas valve is not opening, when the furnace should be calling ... A: I'm not sure what all those acronyms mean. I don't know what the LED flashes mean, not having any ...
gas pipe	10/25/2008
Q: we have a huge vibration in our gas pipes in our home specially in one room where the pipes go on ... A: Gas pressure in the line is so low you may have a problem in the regulator at the gas meter to cause ...
heating unit filters	10/24/2008
Q: I have a Carrier 2800 gas heating furnace. It heats very well, but there are no air filter on any of ... A: Look at the return end of the furnace case.If there is a small door there that is the place for the ...
American Standard Freedom 90 - 4 Flash Code	10/24/2008
Q: It looks like I need to press the reset burner box temperature limit switch which is located at the ... A: That is a strange name for a heat exchanger. I think that is what that term means. There usually are ...
no power to furnace	10/24/2008
Q: I recently moved my thermostat from one side of the room to the other side,but I did,not turn off ... A: Wow, no wonder no power ! That 3 amp protects the 24v control circuit. The 20 amp should not have ...
heil model nuge080kg01	10/23/2008
Q: if I start the unit up the pilot lights and the unit will run till it reaches the set temp then when ... A: Since you have replaced the pilot sensor it indicates the module is not responding to open the gas ...
Carrier PAV 58 - Fan won't turn off	10/22/2008
Q: The furnace heats and everything else works..no failure codes, however the fan stays on. It turns ... A: Are there any small switches on the circuit board that sets the fan on time ?? They are called dip ...
furnace repair	10/22/2008
Q: I have an Empire direct vent wall furnace, propane, no fan 5 years old. The pilot went out, but now ... A: Is this a millivolt unit ? Sounds like it is. If so, need to test the voltage output with a strong ...
the basement	10/14/2008
Q: Sir, I am renting the pretty garden flat in the most prestigious location in London...but, alas, it ... A: I'm still here till Friday Jimmy. Fire away.
burners won't ignite on older ruud furnace with a gas pilot	10/14/2008
Q: I lit the pilot,turn on the heat but the burners did not ignite OK so i installed a new pressure ... A: Is the draft motor air flow blocked ? The air pressure switch is activated by positive air pressure, ...
HEATER NOT WORKING	10/11/2008
Q: I HAVE AN EVCON HEATER/AC THAT DOES NOT PUT OUT HEAT NOW. BLOWER WORKS, BUT NO HEAT. SOMETIMES IT ... A: Not enough info, Bill but I can make a guess. Main thing to know if this is a circuit board ...
trane gaspack furnace	10/11/2008
Q: unit has been cleaned and inspected but yet in am when it is not too cold out the heat seems to fire ... A: Wonder if you have low gas pressure ?? The flame sensor may not be sensing flames that are too weak. ...
Airflow into center of finished basement.	10/11/2008
Q: I don't think I have enough air getting into the room which houses 2 H/W/H, and a 100k btu furnace. ... A: A stopped up flue pipe can cause this, Nick. Don't run it with yellow flames. That creates soot, ...
Air Conditioning	10/10/2008
Q: I had my coil replaced about a year ago. I did not replace my outside ac unit yet, but it is pretty ... A: You do it with a garden hose & an oil can using about 5 drops of oil at the start of every Summer. ...
Tempstar DC90 - Thermal Limits switch trips	10/10/2008
Q: My thermal limit switch trips and the burner turns off. When I remove my filter the furnace runs ... A: If dirt or soot has accumulated to plug up the heat exchanger or the flue pipe, the flame, or too ...
Tempstar DC90 - Thermal Limits switch trips	10/9/2008
Q: My thermal limit switch trips and the burner turns off. When I remove my filter the furnace runs ... A: Is there any flames rolling from the burners ?? Is this switch one of those little red manual reset ...
HVAC / Evap Cooler Lockout Circuit	10/9/2008
Q: Does anyone make a "lock-out" circuit for an HVAC unit, such that it will not come on if an evap ... A: Boy, Don, that's a good one ! Swamp cooler & a/c going at the same time !! Don't know of anything on ...
Furnace	10/8/2008
Q: I currently have a Thermopride 1995 oil furnace and am thinking of switching to natural gas. I have ... A: Variable speed motors are quiet, but blow the same amount of air as a common motor. They do ramp up ...
Air Conditioning	10/8/2008
Q: I had my coil replaced about a year ago. I did not replace my outside ac unit yet, but it is pretty ... A: Not yet. R22 is phasing out in 2010, R410 replacing it. BUT, recycled R22 will be around awhile yet ...
AC control	10/7/2008
Q: I have a control problem that I could solve with an embedded controller, a small Visual Basic ... A: Interesting point, John. Just think that startup load is about 175% of run load & I could imagine ...
furnace wont light	10/5/2008
Q: The furnace will not ignite. It has electronic ignition and you can hear it click to try to ignite ... A: Most likely the pilot line is plugged. Can you try to light it with a match while clicking ?? ...
Bypass Humidifier Installation	10/3/2008
Q: I am installing an Aprilaire 600A unit on my Lenox Furnace and am wondering if the bypass ducting ... A: Is this an electrical furnace ?? The heat from that is only about 90 deg & not hot enough to ...
HARD START	10/3/2008
Q: You had asked me a couple of questions so as that you could better understand the problem. I ... A: FOURTEEN POUNDS !!! WOW !!! Do you have a 100 ft liquid line ?? The amount of the charge is based ...
gaffers and sattler forced air furnace model # S80FEF	9/30/2008
Q: my forced air furnace is located on the second floor in the closet. when i had the gasman come to ... A: Presume you use natural gas. Typical problem. The gas man was wrong. Soot doesn't mean a cracked ...
HVAC	9/30/2008
Q: we have a 4ton rooftop carrier unit, evaporator is clean condenser is clean condenser fan is running ... A: Sounds familiar.The compressor bearings are wearing causing a bit of heat. Then on a cold start the ...
Lennox Furnace on a Generator ?	9/26/2008
Q: Can I run my newer (2004) NG Lennox Furnace on the Generator?? Sorry I don't have the model # but I ... A: Not acquainted what a "Manual Transfer Switch"does. I wouldnt use the generator with a solid state ...
Heating	9/25/2008
Q: My furnace HEIL DC90, model NTGM 100 EHA2 runs a small fan continuously. The fan does not stop even ... A: Could be a short in the control circuit for heat.Remove the thermostat wires. Fan still run ?? Look ...
Lennox Furnace on a Generator ?	9/25/2008
Q: Can I run my newer (2004) NG Lennox Furnace on the Generator?? Sorry I don't have the model # but I ... A: You didn't say cooling. Just the furnace ?? If it's electric, probably not. One element is too much ...
gas furnace won't start	9/25/2008
Q: I have a gas furnace that has what my husband calls an electric start pilot light. The furnace was ... A: Aw, don't need model numbers, they are all alike. $180 !!!!! Wow. I'd ask the neighbors who they ...
no return register, stale air	9/24/2008
Q: I have a 3 story house. on the third floor, there are four floor registers but no return register, ... A: Where is the nearest register ?? I would say the return air was expected to be thru the open ...
match condensing unit w/ gas furnace	9/23/2008
Q: Right now I have a Lennox G26Q3/4-100-1 model gas furnace matched to a Lennox condensing unit ... A: Either inside or outside can be changed separately. Just has to match tons of cooling to provide the ...
condenser fan	9/23/2008
Q: two bladed fan slaps air and makes to much noise..uaka036jaz ruud, tried a three bladed 27degree but ... A: You are correct, cheaper. A shop that sells blades will have cfm values for blades.But the amp draw ...
No power to AC	9/22/2008
Q: The ac was running normally this morning when it stopped just as if it had reached the set point. I ... A: Go outside & remove the control area panel. With a screwdriver press in the contactor points.If it ...
HARD START	9/21/2008
Q: I HAD JUST PURCHASED AND INSTALLED A 14 SEER GOODMAN ALONG WITH NEW GAS FURNACE. I SAVE CONSIDERABLY ... A: He ain't worth $75/hr.R22 Freon sells for $7/lb so go figger.Or was this R410? Wonder what the sound ...
york furnace	9/20/2008
Q: ..I recently bought a house without central air/heat. Central air is going to be too pricey for us ... A: Sounds good way to go Justin, except for the York. Try a Comfortmaker, American Standard or similar ...
air handler/heaters	9/19/2008
Q: do you have to match the seer ratings of the handlers to the compressors (ac) eg can i replace a ... A: Wow, that is a arguable subject Jack.I have polled a bunch of the experts on this site & the ...
york ac unit	9/17/2008
Q: I recently bought a house with a York unit that was manufactured and installed in 1993. It ran fine ... A: First, install a good surge protector on the furnace power supply. Next, I think it may be the ...
Air vent noise	9/15/2008
Q: recently, I have notices a dripping/clicking noise in our upstairs air vents. At first, I thought I ... A: Sounds like condensate on the humid days is backing up water in the drain pan & maybe the fan is ...
thermostats	9/15/2008
Q: I have what is probally a dumb question. I was looking to buy a 7-day programable...it has 3 stage ... A: There are no dumb question, Nick. A heat pump has 2 stages for heat. 1st is the compressor heat,2nd ...
compressor problems???????	9/14/2008
Q: What could cause a compressor to operate under the conditions listed below? Liquid line pressure ... A: Is there a liquid line filter installed inside the outside unit ?? Or one outside the unit on the ...
New Air Unit	9/13/2008
Q: i just bought a home that was made in 1982. The air conditioning unit has went out. I found a nice ... A: Yes, you can change either in or outside separately. There is a "situation" happening about SEER ...
NEW HVAC SYSTEM	9/12/2008
Q: I have a home that was built in 1977 in southern California. There is a 5 ton Original Lennox ... A: Hey Ike, You remind me of a hurricane I knew! Sure is slamming Galveston right now. 22ft surge ...
Carrier Furnace	9/12/2008
Q: my fan won't kick on (buzzing at me) on my Carrier furnace. The LED light kicks on and is one solid. ... A: Spin the blower wheel to test the motor bearings. Test the motor run capacitor. If both OK,tap on ...
ticking noises coming from heating ducts	9/11/2008
Q: I have a 2 yr old trane system. In the last 2 months I have started to hear snapping noises coming ... A: I am really puzzled with this one based on the fact that it occurs even when the unit is not ...
hvac	9/11/2008
Q: My son has a 13 seer a/c unit, a payne, that is 1.5 years old and is no longer working. He had ... A: Sounds like bull to me, Jim. Current is current. Small difference between the power needed between ...
Central air frigidaire B4VM-X36K-B	9/7/2008
Q: I added a 6in duct booster and got a Packard PR293Q relay but I can't figure out how to wire it to ... A: Get a 24v coil, single pole, double throw relay.( NO)I assume the fan motor is 120v. Find a 120v ...
HVAC	9/6/2008
Q: I REMOVED A LEAKING R-22 EVAPORATOR "A" COIL AND I WAS GIVEN A CARRIER "N" COIL FOR REPLACEMENT. I ... A: I would use the old ear trick to set the charge on the TXV. Place a screw driver end on the liquid ...
a/c unit does not turn on	9/6/2008
Q: Goodman AH1826-1 Last week, the unit responded properly, but now the unit no longer functioned. ... A: OK, you've got a dead short in the 24v control circuit somewhere. Have a dog in the backyard ?? ...
Central air unit impacted by rain.	9/6/2008
Q: Howard, We live in a 6 year old condominium building with separate central air/heating units. Each ... A: After 30 years I thought I had heard everything !!! Not so, that's the strangest thing I have EVER ...
Yearly Cleaning on Regency Gas Fireplace	9/4/2008
Q: Wow... this is the first time I've been to this site! What a fabulous idea! People, such as ... A: Pat for the very kind words. I have semi retired after 35 yrs & this sure keeps my mind ...
Condo Wiring Issue?	9/4/2008
Q: We appear to be having an electrical issue in our condo. Awhile back our AC was icing up, freon was ... A: When it rains it pours is true, right ?? Icing is caused by several things: dirty filter, stopped up ...
variable speed furnace/motors	9/3/2008
Q: I am purchasing a new furnace and like the idea of a variable speed motor for comfort and savings. ... A: The variable speed motor ramps up from 50 rpm to about 1100 rpm for cooling, the common speed. So ...
Tripping CB in afternoon on start	9/1/2008
Q: My AC has been tripping the CB only in the afternoons during start up. I can reset the CB and it ... A: Where do you live in Phoenix ?? Your problems can often occur when the circuit breaker box is on a ...
Bryant 90 plus RED LIGHT and NO AC	9/1/2008
Q: My A/AC was working fine until today. The outside A/AC just stops running and upon opening the ... A: Insure there is power outside, check both breakers. Then check the contactor after calling for ...
Blown 50 amp fuse	8/30/2008
Q: Came home from store found A/C not running first thing I did was check the A/C disconnect,but could ... A: When that happens, Eric, it's usually the compressor shorting to ground. Disconnect all 3 wires to ...
A/C problem	8/29/2008
Q: Residential 3 ton R-22 A/C unit about 13 years old in Dallas. T'stat calls for cooling. 24V and ... A: Sounds like(my favorite term) the compressor has a locked rotor. Have you measured the locked rotor ...
Air conditioning	8/27/2008
Q: I have a two story home in FL my kids have moved out to school and we do not use the 2nd floor. I ... A: If it's possible to shut down the upstairs I would. The heat load from upstairs moving down stairs ...
noisy air conditioner inside	8/22/2008
Q: my ac makes a bit of a loud noise when it turns on - it blows loudly while it's on - it makes a loud ... A: Try this, with a pair of needle nose pliers, bend each fin on the return air grille open a bit ...
Lemon A/C???	8/22/2008
Q: I closed on my home 12/31/2003 (brand new, 2 story, 1600 sqft). Since then, at least twice per year ... A: Candice,Not a good deal at all. You need to push real hard on the manufacture of the equipment. Talk ...
poor air flow with newer home	8/20/2008
Q: I just moved into a new home. It is about a year and a half old. The builder lived in it for about ... A: Just a bad installation, Tim. If those are flex ducts the air resistance is high so the ducts need ...
Installation of Honeywell Programmable Thermostat with Bryant Puron HVAC Syster	8/19/2008
Q: I have purchased the Honeywell 7-day Programmable Thermostat, Model # RTH7500, to install for my ... A: Wow, Mary Sue, that's mind boggling!Let's go back to the basics, then rebuild the thermostat. The ...
AC issues	8/16/2008
Q: I noticed that my ac unit was blowing warm air so I looked downstairs and noticed that the fan was ... A: RIP OFF, RIP OFF! That's probably an $8 relay. Well, that thing being a heat pump I'm not sure how ...
running fan on central air	8/15/2008
Q: I live in FL and use A/AC all year. I'd like to be as efficient as possible. I recently had to ... A: Only need to run the blower all the time if you live in a great big house with high ceilings. Better ...
Carrier compressor noise	8/15/2008
Q: We recently purchased a home that is 2 years old that has 2 Carrier AC units. The model numbers ... A: Have the compressor mounting bolts been checked for tightness ?? The rubber mounting pads been ...
AC not working with fan in auto	8/14/2008
Q: Central home AC does not start with fan on auto mode. When fan is set to on mode, blower starts but ... A: Insure that the wires to the thermostat are not shorted. Carefully separate them & retry.If this ...
Air Handler Replacement	8/14/2008
Q: First, thanks for taking the time to answer the readers' questions. It is appreciated. Is it OK to ... A: Well thank you Al, I really enjoy helping you all with your questions. Keeps my brain active. Is it ...
Ductless Air Conditioners	8/13/2008
Q: I have two 9,000 btu air conditioners connected to a compressor outside for which is for up to ... A: An air conditioning unit requires a blower fan to transfer heat to the evaporator coil.So I would ...
trane compressor	8/13/2008
Q: When my a/c shuts down, it makes a loud, vibrating noise. Was told that compressor is shot. My unit ... A: Having a Trane unit changes the answer on a compressor. Trane's are about 3 times the cost over all ...
HVAC Design-best control system?	8/12/2008
Q: I am planning to replace my Apollo furnace/AC system with a Goodman heat pump/gas furnace system. ... A: A Trane compressor is about 3 times as expensive as all others.The tubing in the coils is aluminum, ...
duct size	8/12/2008
Q: I don't think my duct is sized right please help me. I recently added on to my house and up sized ... A: Duct sizing is based on Bernoullis Equation for airflow.This is converted to a circular sliderule. ...
a/c not blowing very cold	8/11/2008
Q: i have a 4.5 ton a/c split system that is not blowing very cold. the unit runs all the time and has ... A: Looks like you have a restriction in the system. Too low, & too high. pressures. First thing, was ...
freon vs puron system - effect of reusing lines?	8/9/2008
Q: I need a total Heat pump HVAC system. The compressor is in the back of my townhouse,which is on a ... A: R-22 will no longer be made after 2010. So now is the time for R-410 for you. There is a flushing ...
Variable speed furnace operating with standard AC Unit?	8/7/2008
Q: I am in the process of doing a complete HVAC install on both my existing units that are 21 years ... A: First off, you ought to be installing systems using R-410a. Thats the new, high pressure stuff ...
Garage door opener	8/7/2008
Q: Recently my wife plugged in my large air compressor to inflate a raft! Well she heard a loud pop at ... A: WOW, what a blast ! No telling what happened with the breakers being rearranged ! Going to have to ...
Heat pump problem.	8/7/2008
Q: My home has three heat pump sytems which are about 15 years old - Seer 11. Recently, the MBR unit ... A: Sounds familiar for a compressor getting too hot over a period of time & shutting down, till it ...
Payne PA10 central air conditioner	8/6/2008
Q: My Payne PA10 air conditioner has suddenly quit working. The problem seems to be at the outside ... A: On the capacitor the 3 terminal are marked C, HERM, FAN.Cut the power, pull the wires off. With an ...
no a/c	8/5/2008
Q: the house is reading 85.no cold air.repairman was out 2 weeks ago.said i was low on freon.put some ... A: How much freon is "some" That sealer is best for a small leak. Say not more than 2# added to fill ...
carrier condenser motor replacement	8/5/2008
Q: outside condenser unit 38CKC036-340 says 1/5 hp 1.4a what my a/c repair man put in is an Emerson ... A: 69 avg days above 100 !! Couldn't handle that. I live in arlington,tx & we are having a string of ...
evaporator fan inop	8/5/2008
Q: This is trane airhandler a couple of years old with variable speed. If I turn on power to it, after ... A: Hey Paul, sounds just like a bad run capacitor on the evap motor. Test it with an ohm meter on the ...
Thermostat problem or . . .	8/4/2008
Q: In North Texas we are experiencing a significant heat wave of over 100 degrees for several days now. ... A: Need a freon test for capacity check. Just feel the suction line outside or inside in the afternoon ...
Circuit breaker keeps triping	8/2/2008
Q: I have a Central Lennox airconditioner installed in my home about eight years ago. I recently ... A: Running late on answering, sorry. It could be as simple as a loose terminal on the power circuit. Or ...
Dual Zone - Electronic vs manaul	8/1/2008
Q: We currently have a Electronic Dual Zone system that seems to have went bad after 12 years the other ... A: Zone control is sure good for multiple level homes.Being able to set 2 thermometers different in ...
White Rogers Thermostat	7/30/2008
Q: I recently purchased a property that I am renting out. There was an old white-rodgers thermostat ... A: An inexpensive thermostat can be a magnetic switch control.The White Rogers is good, mercury ...
mold in air handler	7/29/2008
Q: About 4 years ago I had a new ac system put in my 13 year old home. The old system failed and mold ... A: I'd say if you have a family with breathing difficulties get a UV light. I wouldn't pay $1800 for ...
HVAC Design-best control system?	7/29/2008
Q: I am planning to replace my Apollo furnace/AC system with a Goodman heat pump/gas furnace system. ... A: Hate to tell you but Goodman used to be Janitrol & we nicknamed it "Junkatrol" Used to be named GMC. ...
Air conditioner	7/29/2008
Q: We just had a power outage of 1-2 seconds. Our thermostat is working as is the blower. The A/C unit ... A: That outage is hard on compressor's. Refrigerator compressors too. If it is running when that ...
Time delay relay on outside Compressor	7/28/2008
Q: I have a Carrier 38CK036320 split unit hvac system. After having different issues with the air ... A: From adding freon last year, that's where I would start testing. That Carrier probably has a low ...
Freon/Puron Conversion Kits	7/27/2008
Q: I have a 6 yr old freon-based heat pump that needs replacing. In the process of getting quotes, one ... A: Sounds like he's blowing smoke at you, Mike. Never heard of a "conversion kit" before.It may be wise ...
AC not working	7/27/2008
Q: Mr. Livingston, I am hoping you can give me some guidance. Our home is only 2 years old, a modular ... A: 2 105 days ahead. That was very nicely worded question. Thank you. These things can break at any ...
AC Mold/mildew smell from ductwork	7/26/2008
Q: We live in South Florida and have a moldy smell in our house, which is probably originating from the ... A: Vacuum out the dust & dirt all you can from the supply air plenum. Then vacuum around the evaporator ...
AC Blower won't stop before & after New Blower Relay	7/24/2008
Q: 30+ y old Singer AC - The Blower motor turns on & after the compressor cycles off the Blower turns ... A: The cool fan circuit is different from the heat circuit, that you may know. Also, with the ...
thermostat swing	7/23/2008
Q: I have a question about the frequency of cycling of a Lux TX500 programmable thermostat which I ... A: I can't imagine you can satisfy both settings of cycle time & temperature !! A well balanced cooling ...
Goodman Heat Pump	7/23/2008
Q: I have a Goodman Heatpump and 2 days ago I started smelling a smell like the heat had kick on. I ... A: Don't know whether that Goodman has this but some heat pumps auto turn on heat elements on a defrost ...
Broken compressor	7/21/2008
Q: I would like to ask you a question. We have lived in an apartment 9 months and have one cat. Our ... A: Usually don't answer questions about friidges, but yours is easy.When the coils are pretty clogged & ...
ac not blowing but compressor runs	7/20/2008
Q: we have ac/heating unit lenox g-26 series.few days ago we noticed that the compressor runs outside ... A: Women are sure a target, Janet.I hate that.Fan control on "auto" comes from the thermostat. Do you ...
Gas Heater	7/20/2008
Q: I have a problem with my upstairs HVAC system in my house. The house was built in 1994 and has the ... A: Tricky question, Mike.I know of nothing that would interrupt power to the thermostat. There ...
crack combustion chamber	7/19/2008
Q: I just bought a house and had the oil furnace serviced for the winter and the person who conducted ... A: Cracked heat exchanger usually condemns it. But if he sees a crack so can you. That's an easy way to ...
A/C Capacitor	7/18/2008
Q: We had a service call (on our 2.5 ton Trane) a month or so ago (because only warm air was blowing ... A: WOW, $139 for a service call !!! $75 would be better.There is a 10% allowance from the capacitance ...
Central air units	7/17/2008
Q: Just returned from Iraq to find that the basin for one of two HVAC units in my house is full of ... A: The open one is a secondary drain line, needed when the primary drain plugs up. Someone was lazy.If ...
Air conditioner and water heater	7/16/2008
Q: When my air conditioner is running and the hot water heater turns on the exhaust from the hot water ... A: OOnly other thing I can think of is the heat exchanger in the furnace has a big hole in it. When the ...
a/c is blowing warm air.	7/15/2008
Q: I live in a mobile home. I have a "split system" ( a/c outside, electric furnace and blower ... A: Anything can happen anytime to this stuff, Anthony ! Warm air indicates the compressor is not ...
Gibson Furnace	7/15/2008
Q: Howard, I am attempting to solve two minor problems on a heat only central system located in a ... A: Wayne, Metal ducts I presume ?? #1. A multiple speed motor can have 2 brown wires for a capacitor,2 ...
Two Stage AC Wiring	7/14/2008
Q: I have a two stage 5-Ton Goodman condensing unit, single stage variable speed Goodman furnace/air ... A: the most complex circuitry I have ever seen is on a 2 stage compressor.Lennox has had those 2 stage ...
Question about Purely-Radiant Cooling?	7/13/2008
Q: I thinking of a cooling mechanism for houses and buildings in which the cooling -- in the direct ... A: I like you're thinking, Green! My counter to that idea is one of the laws of physics, heat flows ...
York heat pump not running	7/13/2008
Q: I have a york heat pump at home and it has stopped running. If I force the breaker in the unit ie. ... A: A control circuit problem.Can be a bunch of things to cause that. Low on freon,broken wire ,24v, to ...
SEER	7/12/2008
Q: The condenser on my split system failed (fifteen years old - we bought the house eight months ago). ... A: You touched a raw nerve, Bob about a mismatched SEER equipment.There is a lot of disagreement about ...
trane a/c compressor stops, will start backup	7/12/2008
Q: Our Trane is about 10 years old. It did this last year and stopped. The compressor will stop and ... A: Better test the compressor. After the unit stops, lay your hand on top of the compressor. Is is too ...
Leaking AC needs freeon??	7/11/2008
Q: About a year ago my AC was not getting cold. The company came and added freeon and it was fine. ... A: Lack of freon can cause lots of ice on the evaporator coil. As it melts you can have a flood. But if ...
York Heat Pump Error code 4	7/11/2008
Q: I have a York heat pump that is functioning properly for about an hour (starts to cool down the ... A: Sounds like a hot compressor. Need to let it run until it stops, then open the top & lay your hand ...
pricing/labor	7/9/2008
Q: My AC was not working properly and water was leaking around the outside unit. I called a repair man ... A: DON'T EVER PAY UP FRONT SHELLY. I changed a 4 ton coil & it was $875 total. Tell the guy to give you ...
fan problem	7/9/2008
Q: i have a ten yr old heat pump/ac it's a 3.5ton janitrol/goodman the problem is spuratic? maybe 2X's ... A: With the fan in the "auto" mode on the thermostat, the thermostat turns on the fan when cool is ...
Janitrol compressor problems	7/8/2008
Q: I have a 13 year old goodman janitrol heat pump with a bad compressor. It shorts out inside and blow ... A: That's a problem nowdays. The a/c supply houses require a license to buy parts. You might call a ...
pulled small wire from outside a/c unit	7/6/2008
Q: I accidentally pulled a small wire from my outside a/c unit while weedeating. It contains 2 smaller ... A: Oh, how much money have I made fixing those wires !! Best thing is to splice those wires back where ...
Return Air Vents	7/6/2008
Q: I am considering purchasing a new home still under construction, but we have concerns over return ... A: Did your current house have only 1 unit ?? Bet it did with multiple RA grilles.Now, the new house is ...
AC	7/5/2008
Q: We moved recently- Have a -Trane I believe- from an old bill- "Unit- ICPC- Model NFCX480062" , "ICPC ... A: Sorry about the delay, Fred. A busy weekend. Back to the contactor. Check the points to see if they ...
Air Flow	7/5/2008
Q: I recently ran an 8" air duct from the main duct of our swamp cooler to the master bedroom. ... A: If there is a supply air plenum with other ducts of various sizes connected to it & you add a duct ...
Mystery Duct	7/3/2008
Q: This is a receipt for a question you recently asked at allexperts.com of Craig HVAC Expert. You ... A: Did Craig answer your question ? Your link to the drawings is invalid.I will just make a guess about ...
Leak in the Compressor Area	7/2/2008
Q: "Hi, We have a Carrier 5 ton AC that's manufactured in 2001 for our home. We had an AC technician ... A: All good service folks have a H-10 leak detector which can measure leaks down to 1/2 ounce PER YEAR ...
24-V / 3 amp fuse	7/2/2008
Q: Having issues with my HVAC. At the forced air unit, there is a 3 amp fuse that blew, which caused a ... A: Right, Ken, you have a dead short in the 24v control circuit. You can fins it. It can be in the ...
air flow	6/30/2008
Q: I have a dual HVAC system and had the upstairs system replaced. i contracted a guy who was to ... A: Air flow can be affected by the evaporator coil only if it is making ice & blocking the air flow. 17 ...
A/C UNIT WILL NOT TURN ON	6/28/2008
Q: Two days ago I shut my a/c unit off(while running) from the Main circuit breaker and tried to turn ... A: Those breakers can be ornery. Once you've tripped them they may not reset, even tho you moved the ...
Rheem Criterion 2 cooling problem	6/27/2008
Q: I can feel the sheetmetal become ice cold but the fan blower motor is not spinning. Is that a bad ... A: Turn on the fan only. No cool. Does it run ?? Test the run capacitor first. OK, bad motor. But next ...
4 speed to 3 speed conversion	6/26/2008
Q: I have an older Frigidaire (Heil?) furnace with a 4 speed blower motor (low, med-low, med-high, ... A: little late responding. Phone has been down for 3 days. For heat & cool you need low & high speed ...
A/C compressor not always starting	6/23/2008
Q: I have a brand new Rheem Classic 90 (410A refrigerant) split system that works great 90% of the ... A: Sounds like you have a "sticky" compressor.How long is the warranty on it ?? 5 or 10 yrs ? Need to ...
Control Panel Wiring	6/23/2008
Q: My outside unit had water on the ground and iced up tubing leading into house. I opened express ... A: Can't see any missing wires in the photo, Dereck. That's a piece of the wire laying in the box ? ...
Carrier Heat Pump	6/22/2008
Q: Sir, I have a Carrier 38YMA which is 14 years old. The unit has been working extremely well. Last ... A: I would like to hire you to do my service work ! You good !!Fan motor windings do not have start ...
A/C system in Florida	6/22/2008
Q: I had an A/C system changed out in my Florida 1920's bungalow in 2002. I am embarrassingly young and ... A: Well, your question comes to a person that hasn't had a license for at least 10 years !!! I work ...
central heat/air	6/21/2008
Q: we bought a house last year-it's about 10yrs old- and the central air return is under the house in ... A: I live in North Texas. You too?? That's the way houses were built way back in the 50's & 60's here. ...
Furnace Clearance	6/19/2008
Q: I want to rearrange a few things in my basement and as part of that i want to put a door for access ... A: is this a gas or electric furnace.?? For gas you need 6" from the front to the door. The door needs ...
Need help on HVAC usage costs.	6/19/2008
Q: I have an an interior room in my house with no exterior walls. The central A/C for the house cools ... A: I'll get out my slide rule & figure that out ! Wish we had electricity that cheap in Texas. ...
Lennox heat pump (10HPB48-10P)	6/18/2008
Q: I have almost the same question as what was posted in the post "Trane heat pump xl1200". I turned ... A: Easy test for capacitors is with an ohm meter set on it's highest reading. With no wires attached, ...
air condioning	6/18/2008
Q: With air-conditioning season starting so has the debate as to leaving the air on and doors and ... A: The first thing cooling does is remove humidity, 2nd is the temperature of EVERY OBJECT in your ...
Heil heat pump	6/17/2008
Q: I have a Heil system that does not cool. The capicitor, reverse valve and compressor are good. It ... A: The service valve on the suction line has a Schrader valve in it. Sometimes the hose connection ...
wiring	6/17/2008
Q: I replaced the condenser fan motor on our churches a/ac package unit. It's running the correct ... A: Capacitors are NOT directional. Either way. Maybe test the capacitor. There sorta cheap these ...
Trane heat pump xl1200	6/16/2008
Q: I suspect that the cooling fan in the condenser unit is bad.I had ac on all night and awoke to warm ... A: Test the run capacitor first. If OK, it's the fan motor.2 speed condenser fan motors went out a long ...
Honeywell Vision Pro 8000 wiring	6/16/2008
Q: I am installing a totally self-contained heatpump system in a trailer, and want to hook up a vision ... A: Yes, remove the jumper from R & Rc. What I don't know is the use of E for that tstat.It is usual for ...
Heat pump size/efficiency	6/15/2008
Q: I have a 5 y/o, 1300 sq. ft ranch. It came with a 2.5 ton heat pump. I live in NC where the high ... A: Used a/c stuff has little market. They are good for garage cooling or a landlord looking for cheap. ...
Weird Smell From Air Conditioner	6/14/2008
Q: There is a weird smell coming from the air vents - I would like to say it smells like a super ... A: Not too uncommon to smell something from the vents. Main that that could create a smell is the ...
Electrical Problem (?) with Bryant AC Unit	6/10/2008
Q: On very warm days when my AC unit has to run for ~90 or more minutes in order to get/keep the house ... A: First, I would test the accuracy of the thermostat. Got another thermometer to lay on the thermostat ...
fan relay	6/9/2008
Q: 95 year trane unit, air handler fans runs non-stop, can the orignal relay#9100211Q132 be replaced ... A: I don't have catalogs to know what those numbers mean for a fan relay.I can say the coil voltage ...
Residential AC	6/9/2008
Q: I have 2 zones with a 3 ton air conditioning unit. The bottom zone is Central air with a propane ... A: Oscar. I'm a little late responding as fast as I like. Got to admit we had our 60th anniversary ...
a/c not real cool	6/8/2008
Q: I HAVE A TRANE WEATHERTON XE1000 WHEN WE MOVED INTO THE HOUSE THE AIR WAS REAL COLD NOW 3 YEARS ... A: It's possible but... Does the compressor still run ?? Sounds like the problem may be just needs ...
AC not blowing cold	6/7/2008
Q: I have a Raheem HVAC system. After noticing that the air is not blowing cold, I went outside to find ... A: Without that outside fan running the freon pressure goes nuts & kills the pressure switch. First, ...
Lennox Central Home Air Conditioner No Cool	6/5/2008
Q: Almost identical to another current question on this site. My system turns the distribution fan on, ... A: The breakers are only one of many causes for nor cooling. More are a burned contactor points. Or low ...
HVAC split unit	6/1/2008
Q: I have an HVAC where the compressor is on the roof and the heater is in the hallway. The model of ... A: Are you using the green horsehair media ?? Some horizontal furnaces just lay the filter against the ...
Rheem Split Unit	6/1/2008
Q: I have recently purchased a rehabbed home that was built in the 40's. The seller claimed that the ... A: These things cab act up at any time !! Usually on the weekends in Summer. Does the inside fan run ...
heating	5/31/2008
Q: I was having a talk with a friend and we discussing heating and how to save money this coming ... A: A chart I have compares the amount needed to produce 1 mil btu's. It says it takes 293 kwh & 10.9gal ...
help	5/30/2008
Q: heater work great all winter.except had to replace thermostate.turn on air cond. and blower would ... A: Where did you find all those bad people ?? Starts off with a bad motor & ends up changing a ...
question on appropriate heat pump size	5/29/2008
Q: I have a 3200 sq ft home in Washington state (pretty mild weather). My furnace is a Rheem Criterion ... A: A couple of questions first. Is this a replacement deal or a new house?? (Replacement would give a ...
Hard start kit question	5/29/2008
Q: Recently my a/c company installed a new evaporator coil with a TXV. Later they realized the coil was ... A: That lesson about using a start capacitor on a TXV valve coil is learned early on in this business. ...
Neither AC nor fan will come on	5/27/2008
Q: We tried to turn our AC on last night for the first time this season. I set the thermostat to cool ... A: Check the wires behind the thermostat. red wire on R, green wire to G, white wire to W, blue or ...
a/c compressor	5/24/2008
Q: I have a Bryant package unit, keeps blowing breaker. I think it could be compressor, removed black, ... A: Burned out motor windings for common & run windings. The freon ought to smell burned also.Add liquid ...
TRANE XE1000 HEAT PUMP THERMOSTAT	5/24/2008
Q: EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, OUR A.C. AUXILIARY HEAT "LIGHT" GOES ON WHEN WE LOWER THE COOLING SET POINT, ... A: Some control circuit wires crossed up for that to happen. Suggest checking the wires behind the ...
Heil Air Conditioning Unit	5/23/2008
Q: My unit is 6 years old and I have had an issue with it eery summer for the past 4 years. The most ... A: I've experienced that problem before & was totally unable to stop it ! It was a small, short wire ...
2 year old Carrier evaporators are leaking	5/22/2008
Q: In May of 2006 we replaced our entire hvac system with all Carroer equipment. Recently the system ... A: Different vents will have different temps due to the heat load in the attic & different length runs. ...
noise in Luxaire 12 EER	5/22/2008
Q: About a year after we got it, our outside unit started making a loud noise when it kicks on, ... A: If you have a mercury controlled thermostat & it is not level on the wall the mercury can roll back ...
Thermostat	5/22/2008
Q: My AC quit working. The thermostat is not showing any readings. I checked the transformer voltage ... A: That thermostat use batteries ?? Test for 24v from red to all other connection on the thermostat. ...
A/C age + compatability ?	5/21/2008
Q: My current a/c unit is as old as my home (1976) and is still hanging on by a thread, but just ... A: That is a 1992 model
2 year old Carrier evaporators are leaking	5/21/2008
Q: In May of 2006 we replaced our entire hvac system with all Carroer equipment. Recently the system ... A: Hey Jennifer, You said "both evaporators". You have 2 systems ?? Both leaking ?? I have not heard ...
motor replacement to air conditioning unit	5/21/2008
Q: Our unit is 25 years old. Within the last month it would work for an hour and then the blower would ... A: Makes me sick for someone to charge a fee like that !!I am assuming that the "blower" is usually the ...
YORK MODEL SJ - Not as cool as it should be	5/20/2008
Q: We just installed a YORK Model SJ unit in our mobile home: Latitude Series, R-22, 13 Seer, ... A: Mobile homes are not known for good insulation. 1# of freon shouln't make much difference in ...
Lawnmower Sound From Heat Pump	5/19/2008
Q: Okay, I have had my installer out four times to evaluate this problem. I have a 4 ton American ... A: Only thing on the inside unit possible is the blower wheel & motor. Sometimes the freon rushing in ...
hvac	5/18/2008
Q: I am getting ready to install a new HVAC (air conditioner and air handler) in my ten-year old, ... A: Always a good question, Don. This tho is only my opinion of coarse. Scroll compressors are good ...
Payne Warranty on Compressor	5/16/2008
Q: We bought a new house that came with a Payne A/C unit. The unit was serviced because it was not ... A: WOW ! You was ripped ! $60 OK. 2.75 hrs OK. $165 filter NOT OK. That's a $35 filter !!.No ...
Carrier motor problem?	5/16/2008
Q: The tech wants to replace my blower motor for $450, but I'm not convinced that it's the problem. ... A: Never heard of condemning a motor for those causes in 35 years !! If one piece of the continuous ...
Frozen AC	5/14/2008
Q: We live in TX where our Summers are always above 90. We just moved into a home with a central ac ... A: Ice forms when these things happen to the cooling system: Dirty filter, dirty blower wheel, dirty ...
need heat pump advice	5/12/2008
Q: I need some advice about heat pumps. My parents home is in West Central Florida ( Hudson ) where the ... A: Nw that's some good info, Ken. Usually the other way.Bet the R value od cinder blocks ain't too good ...
question about the fan	5/12/2008
Q: my question is about the fan. I noticed it was on this morning, even though it was on auto and the ... A: No need to worry, Angelique. There's lots of safety stuff on this equipment, plus circuit breakers. ...
Payne Interior unit problem	5/12/2008
Q: The distribution fan in the interior unit is receiving voltage in all locations except one. I ... A: Capacitor test: With ohm setting on the highest, remove all the wires & test across 2 terminals. The ...
A/C unit is freezing up	5/11/2008
Q: I have pretty fair knowledge of electrical and some a/c components. Limited on funds and down in ... A: Wow, a Chrysler still running !!! Those were really good units. Worse thing happened a freon leak ...
replacing a Condenser Fan Motor	5/10/2008
Q: I have a Ruud Acheiver 10 High Efficiency air conditioning unit. I've been watching this motor go ... A: No problem. Kill the power & remove the motor. Propeller is first tho. Just cut the wires in a ...
Inside Fan Motor stays on - Carrier AC with heat strip	5/9/2008
Q: Issue is blower motor stays on. Even with AC/Off/Heat set to Off, blower motor stays on, regardless ... A: One of the heat element sequencer disks on an electric heater can lock closed & keep the fan ...
Trane XE 80	5/8/2008
Q: We had a recent power surge come through our house as a result of some tornadoes. It took out 2 ... A: If you don;t have a fried circuit board you're lucky. The 3 amp fuse is an auto type plugged into a ...
Carrier furnace 58ES	5/8/2008
Q: WHERE IS THE FAN LIMIT SWITCH LOCATED? AND IS IT EASY ENOUGH TO REPLACE? IF I HAD AN ACCURATE ... A: Don't have info that you have sent me a question before ?? Anyway, on the old style furnaces(NOT ...
Air Conditioner Brands	5/8/2008
Q: We are looking to replace our AC units. I see information about trane/american standard and ... A: York makes their own compressors & they are way more expensive than other brands. Lennox is good ...
Goodman air/furnace	5/7/2008
Q: I have a HVAC system that is two years old. I went to turn the air on the other day and the system ... A: Sounds like you've lost the control circuit. Turn only the fan switch on to test for fan. If none ...
air handlers	5/7/2008
Q: Are variable speed air-handlers for Central AC worth the extra cost? How has their reliability been ... A: Good question, Steve.The best place to use a VS blower is where you need a quiet fan. Best example: ...
Replacement Coil	5/6/2008
Q: I have a friend who had his air conditioner go out yesterday. He called a repairman, and he said ... A: Replacing the coil indicates it is leaking freon. If this is an "A" coil upflow, there are coils ...
Black specks from air ducts	5/5/2008
Q: Black specks fall from the air duct in the room that is directly below the heating/AC unit in my ... A: This is a difficult question to answer. But not an uncommon question. Only thing I can imagine is ...
2 HEAT PUMPS 1 THERMOSTAT	5/5/2008
Q: At our church we have a very large room that has 2 separate heat pumps with 2 separate ... A: Yes. Use one of the units transformers to supply control voltage to both of them.So use the 24v ...
e-coil cleaning	5/2/2008
Q: I have some experiance with various hvac repairs. I want to inspect and clean a Rheem evap coil. The ... A: Some coils have end plates screwed in that you can take loose that may give you a peek to the ...
Why did my scroll compressor lock?	5/2/2008
Q: The HVAC man diagnosed a "tightly locked" Benchmark brand 3.5 ton compressor in my heat pump/air ... A: DON'T GIVE UP JARED !!!! 4 to 5 hours !!! 10# freon !!!! I can do those by myself in 2 hrs. No, ...
Carrier heatpump	5/1/2008
Q: Howard, I have a carrier one piece electrical 2 1/2 ton heatpump, 11 years old. The cooling works, ... A: Something fishy here, Ron. When you call for heat, doesn't the heat from the heat pump turn on ?? ...
Quotes, New Purchase	5/1/2008
Q: Right now I have radiant heat and am looking at upgrading to a heat pump system. So far I have ... A: Is that "air purifier" a true electrostatic filter ?? If so, those things are a lot of trouble. I'd ...
Compact Room AC for 12v Mobile Use	4/30/2008
Q: I would like to apply a small room, 115v AC Air Conditioning unit to a 12v DC mobile environment ... A: Don't think they ever made window units smaller than 5000 btu. The compressor start up is usually at ...
HVAC	4/29/2008
Q: Can you replace a 10 ser condensing unit w/ a 13 and not change the a coil, and if so what is the ... A: Yes you can, Bob. Some places cancel the warranty if the coil not replaced but most of us have ...
Lennox 10ACB24-9P	4/29/2008
Q: I was reading one of your suggestions about a hidden switch on my unit. I don't seem to be able to ... A: I was referring to a switch on the outside unit that trips on a fan motor failure - i.e. high ...
Payne Central Unit	4/28/2008
Q: I had a guy come out and look at my unit it was installed in 2001 . Propane heat split unit Payne ... A: I'd replace the gas valve. A familiar story.Furnaces can last 35yrs or more. He was hungry I guess. ...
gunk in a/c condensate line?	4/27/2008
Q: I noticed our unit- which normally cools to whatever temperature we set it at- was not cooling. The ... A: (that's an interesting name !)Ice is caused by several things, like; low on freon, dirty filter, & ...
new Hi eff furnace purchase	4/26/2008
Q: Have quotes on the lennoxG71p, bryant plus 90i, Ruud ultra hi eff furnaces with vs fans, wondering ... A: Best advice is move to Texas, where I live.Those variable speed fans are really expensive but good ...
a/c	4/25/2008
Q: Our a/c unit kicks on and runs for 3 minutes then kicks off for 3 minutes and keeps this steady 3 ... A: First thing to test is the freon amount. May have electrical problems also if freon OK. Could be the ...
short cycling heat pump	4/23/2008
Q: I have a Rheem RPKB heat pump that was installed almost two years ago. It now appears that the ... A: Lack of air across the coils will short cyle on a low pressure switch. If your system is operated by ...
Trying to understand HVAC repair and replacement.	4/22/2008
Q: I am an investor and I’m trying to understand the AC repair and replacement market. I would be ... A: Personal opinions can vary all over the place Robert. Here's mine. I used to have about 700 ...
Lennox A/c issue...	4/22/2008
Q: 2 months ago mid Feb. you helped me solve a heating problem. Your diagnosis was spot on! Now need ... A: The compressor is cooled by the returning freon.But it can also get hot from worn bearings & drawing ...
short cycling heat pump	4/22/2008
Q: I have a Rheem RPKB heat pump that was installed almost two years ago. It now appears that the ... A: Looks like you have lost some freon & it is short cycling from a low pressure switch. Got gauges to ...
Compressor runs but fan doesn't	4/20/2008
Q: My gas ac unit will run for how ever long it takes to get to programmed temp.but during process the ... A: Terry. Now the main thing to test is the run capacitor for the fan motor.You can test it with an ohm ...
Replacing an AC fan motor	4/19/2008
Q: Just wanted to get an idea of how difficult it would be to replace the AC fan motor on a residential ... A: OK, here goes, Wayne. Kill the power. Access the motor & remove the propeller.And that task can be ...
RUUD Filters	4/18/2008
Q: We have a RUUD UBHC 17J11SFF, manufactured 2/04. We're looking for HEPA-like air filters but ... A: Yo J. I like short names ! Don't be fooled by "electrostatic" filters. They are not. It takes ...
Lennox A/c issue...	4/18/2008
Q: 2 months ago mid Feb. you helped me solve a heating problem. Your diagnosis was spot on! Now need ... A: Well hello again Dave! You have been tricked by a typical problem. The outside fan masks the fact ...
blower on furnace will not stop	4/17/2008
Q: Heil gas furnace model EPD5536DC1, then it has another line under it that says d36pa15a1 but not ... A: I presume your furnace is controlled by a circuit board ?? Two things I can think of, Kim. One is ...
Pressure switch in furnace	4/16/2008
Q: My furnace runs too many times at night. Each time it runs less than 10 minutes. Could it be the ... A: The pressure switch closes to tell the circuit board the combustion air blower is working. Actually, ...
Trane XE800 High and low Pressure	4/8/2008
Q: I had noticed the Air Handler running almost constantly in the last month (Outside Temp 30-40 F). I ... A: Heat pumps are tested for freon only on the cooling cycle.The buzzing sound is typically the ...
a/c no start	4/8/2008
Q: I have a Goodman air unit. When I turn the thermostat I hear a click on from the unit and a hum as ... A: Yo Joe, Sounds like the contactor points are burned a bit & won't make good contact. With the ...
liquid cool assist for residential A/C	4/7/2008
Q: I'm trying to detemine if there is some kind of geothermal assist available for a/c units. I don't ... A: Well.Tom, you could dig a deep well in the backyard & run a loop of pipe in & out of it to precool ...
Lennox AC/Heat Pump	4/5/2008
Q: Thermostat lost power...outside unit has power, air handler has power... replaced defrost circuit ... A: Does the fan run when the fan switch on the thermostat is "on"? Thats a control & power circuit ...
Luxaire Evaporator Coil Access	4/4/2008
Q: I have an older home with a 1995ish a/c and furnace unit inside. I am having difficulty getting to ... A: It`s difficult to clean a coil. To do a good job, you have to remove the coils & the difficulty is ...
Duo Therm Roof RV AC	4/2/2008
Q: My '76 GMC motorhome has two roof mount Duo Therm AC units model# 54615-035 and 54515-036 one has ... A: gosh, after 30 years you ought to be used to the vibration !! That is just a flaw in the compressor ...
Carrier AC Problem	4/1/2008
Q: Howard, my AC system is a Carrier for a 2-story 1500 sqft townhouse and is less than 2 yrs old. A ... A: Best guess Tom, the transformer is heating up from a bad coil. A test would be read voltage on both ...
air handler circuit breaker	3/30/2008
Q: I just moved into a really nice townhouse. The air works but I noticed that the air handler switch ... A: Circuit breakers can be an ornery as any electrical device.Also can cause fires too. So when they ...
Rudd Furnace yr1991	3/30/2008
Q: Furnace starts up with induction motor first and then cycles without the hot surface ignition ... A: Tricky stuff it appears. You can eliminate the thermostat by jumping across the red & white wires at ...
AC/heat pump problem	3/29/2008
Q: Heat runs fine. When you cut the AC on the fan runs but the pump does not run. It does work with the ... A: The one thing that makes the heat/cool for a heat pump is the reversing valve.The inside fan runs ...
Low Flame Sensor Signal	3/29/2008
Q: My Frigidiare 90+ downdraft natural gas has a "low flame sensor signal" indication. Which some times ... A: That ought to mean the electrical signal sent to the flame sensor from the circuit board that there ...
Return Air Flow - Gas Furnace	3/29/2008
Q: Bought this house two years ago. We have been slowly renovating and I just pulled a return air vent ... A: That is a pretty good way to have good circulation, is to use the wall as a return air duct. Return ...
Heat pump not starting up	3/26/2008
Q: I have a Carrier heat pump that stopped working all of a sudden. Even if you put the fan switch to ... A: That's a first, Mohammad, to get a picture ! Circuit board can be identified by the part number of ...
Heating/A/C thermostat	3/26/2008
Q: I live in North Texas ( DFW) area. I have a single story 3000 sq Foot house with two A?c's/ ... A: The digital thermostats have taken over the market & there are a lot of varieties.Stay away from ...
home furnace/ac	3/23/2008
Q: Furnace switches on when thermostat says area is too cool. Runs as it is supposed to, but when ... A: This sounds like a fan running(no heat)since the temperature switch is not satisfied, Ron.If this is ...
American Standard Furnace	3/19/2008
Q: I've had ongoing problems with my 21/2 year old American Standard furnace. The most recent problem ... A: The pilot light or the ignitor has to be proven before ignition, then the flames proven by the flame ...
limit switch settings	3/19/2008
Q: I have a keeprite furnace, it has an intermittent switch I think it's about 10yrs old, anyway the ... A: Ought to shut off the fan at about 90 deg.But, if the furnace is controlled by a circuit board, the ...
Heil DC90 Model# NTGM100EHA2 intermittently blows cold	3/15/2008
Q: I am having the problem in which the draft inducer comes on but the pilot fails to go to full ... A: The flame sensor sanding may have screwed up the sensor. Just need to rub it with a rag to polish ...
Carrier Infinity	3/13/2008
Q: Howard, A Manual J was done on my home and determined that I need: 16,524 BTU's for cooling the 2nd ... A: Well, Brian I am a conservative & over the 35 yrs in the a/c business my opinion goes that way. ...
1 A/C or 2 ?	3/12/2008
Q: i am in central CA in a 2,000 sq.ft house. half of the house is open plan (almost one big room) ... A: Think the best approach, Rick, would be a separate system in the attic for the 3 br, 2 bath side. ...
frigidaire	3/11/2008
Q: I have a frigidaire model # FG6RA 096C 16B and was moving humidifier wires. The cap came off a wire ... A: Little trouble, huh? Ya never know what happens on a ground fault like that.Do you have a 120v ...
Furnace blower motors	3/9/2008
Q: I am about to upgrade my furnace to a 95% efficient one and add AC at the same time. Is there an ... A: The only advantage that I would see adding a variable speed blower is the quietness. I you have a ...
Goodman GMP100-3	3/6/2008
Q: I just replaced the blower motor and fan wheel.After I hooked everything up the blower works for the ... A: A blue wire to the gas valve is puzzling since a blue wire usually is the control wire from the ...
Won't keep running NUG9075FGB1/GUM075N12A	3/5/2008
Q: I have an old Keeprite/Comfortmaker which heats my house for the last 10 years very well. It's a ... A: Your`e a good fixer, Bruce.I like do-it-yourselfers, as long as they don`t take too much apart that ...
Concord gas furnace CG80UB150D20D	3/4/2008
Q: Install furnace in November. I notice burner cycling on/off. Works when bypassed. Original limit ... A: There`s no air shutters at the ends of the burners ?? Maybe not with combustion air regulated by the ...
Heater troubles	3/4/2008
Q: I am not sure of brand of heater...It has a diagnostic light on board that flashes three ... A: Wow,John, that`s a killer problem. Does the igniter ever light ?? I presume the LED code is still ...
Concord gas furnace CG80UB150D20D	3/3/2008
Q: Install furnace in November. I notice burner cycling on/off. Works when bypassed. Original limit ... A: Yo Edward,3.5 " water good. Those flames need more air if they are yellowish.You`re on natural gas, ...
Heater troubles	3/3/2008
Q: I am not sure of brand of heater...It has a diagnostic light on board that flashes three ... A: need to remove the hose & insure its not obstructed, nor the opening at the induced draft motor. ...
Comfortmaker high efficiency furnace problem	3/1/2008
Q: I have a 12yo Comfortmaker gas furnace model# NUG9075FGB1/GUM075N12A - For the past month, on ... A: In Texas we draw air from the attic into a sealed closet.The induced draft motor provides the air ...
Comfortmaker high efficiency furnace problem	2/29/2008
Q: I have a 12yo Comfortmaker gas furnace model# NUG9075FGB1/GUM075N12A - For the past month, on ... A: Test for gas leaks with a soap & water mix. Stir it up to make bubbles & wipe across the gas joints. ...
Installing Humidifier	2/29/2008
Q: I have a Trane Forced Air Furnace Model: GUCDA-10-A Type: 174-470-2-A I want to install the ... A: The air flow will only be from the high pressure supply side. So you can mount on the high side ...
Trane XE 90	2/28/2008
Q: I have a 1995 Trane XE 90 Heat Pump. The diagnostic light blinks 2X, "System Lockout, No Flame, ... A: That is just turning the power plug around to reverse the polarity. No plug, will have to splice the ...
Installing Humidifier	2/28/2008
Q: I have a Trane Forced Air Furnace Model: GUCDA-10-A Type: 174-470-2-A I want to install the ... A: Black is hot, white is ground.Ground is anything that is grounded, so the case, or copper pipes are ...
Gas Forced Air Furnace	2/27/2008
Q: The furnace is an Armstrong Air Ultra V unit. The blower motor starts, but ignition does not ... A: Remove the tube between the induced draft motor & pressure switch. Blow thru it to test for ...
heater will not ignite	2/26/2008
Q: My York diamond try to ignite three times and then goes into lockout mode. The seven flashes of the ... A: Aha, you have an electric ignition for the pilot only,After sensing the pilot, the gas valve opens ...
Rheem Criterion II	2/26/2008
Q: My heater is of electronic ignition control.. When commanded on by thermostat, initial sparking ... A: There is a flame sensor that CAN cause that to happen, Richard. The sensor is usually a metal rod ...
American Standard Freedom 78	2/25/2008
Q: Howard, I've got a American Standard Freedom 78 in my home that blows cold air from time to time, ... A: So you must have a variable speed blower ?? Assume the furnace is circuit board controlled also ?? ...
Tempstar condensing propane furnace	2/25/2008
Q: Late this past week I noticed sounds from our Tempstar furnace that sounded like the air from the ... A: Furnace problems can echo throughout the house! Open the door to access the blower & feel the blower ...
furnace filter	2/25/2008
Q: sorry if this is a stupid question but i recently moved into my new home and there is a heil ps80 ... A: There are no stupid question, only stupid answersKim. Normally, the filetr is behind the lower door ...
heater will not ignite	2/24/2008
Q: My York diamond try to ignite three times and then goes into lockout mode. The seven flashes of the ... A: Put on a coat, first.Does the igniter glow ?? Does this model light a pilot flame, then the burners ...
miller furnace	2/24/2008
Q: This is my mom's furnace. It is an '89 in a doublewide trailer. If properly working, I see it ... A: Pretty) sure I have seen this on trailers. As the "inferno: (I like that name) starts, it sucks the ...
Lennox heat pump	2/23/2008
Q: we had an issue with the a/c system not blowing cool air we called out a tech who said the system ... A: Adding freon means you have a leak somewhere. Favorite place is the evaporator coil. Need to sniff ...
Powered Humidifier wiring	2/22/2008
Q: How should my new powered humidifier be wired? My brother in law installed it for me. He ran a new ... A: Humidifier only runs when the blower is on. So if the board has an H terminal that ought to do it. ...
induced draft motor	2/22/2008
Q: i have a tempstar 90% furnace that wont run. its only 18 months old. the stat will call for heat ... A: Whoa ! not good, Tony. Typical electronics, acting up so soon.Those code LED flashes are usually ...
Maytag heat pumps	2/21/2008
Q: I am shopping around to replace my existing 15 year old lennox heat pump system. Most of the ... A: A salt water creek ?? Interesting. That explains the stainless steel.First thing, what`s wrong with ...
Furnace Draft Inducer Blower Replacement	2/21/2008
Q: I need to replace the blower, the wheel is wobbling and getting stuck. The gas-pak unit is a: Inter ... A: Hey George, Don`t think I have the answer either.I think the main thing to deal with is the shaft ...
Heater not blowing heat	2/20/2008
Q: I have a dual heat pump. The heating in the attic is working but the unit unit (big fan thingy) ... A: I`m sorta confused, Susan. I`ll quote you as " the heating in the attic is working..." & " the fan ...
TAPPAN FORCED AIR GAS FURNACE	2/19/2008
Q: I have a 30 year old Tappan Forced Air Gas Furnace (Model SGUF 140842 E-7 Series). It has a ... A: NOW your talking good when you said the flames are HUGE> Thats a very good tip that the regulator in ...
intake air vent	2/18/2008
Q: We have a big intake vent which is right next to our tv in our family room (basement of house.) It ... A: No,No. Find some thick, heavy shag carpeting. Glue a piece on the floor behind the grille. Find some ...
Am Std Freedom	2/18/2008
Q: read following question here...We have a Freedom 78 American Standard furnace in our 13 year old ... A: This is sorta a common problem.Has the LED trouble lights flashed? O r does your furnace have a led ...
Setting the thermostats	2/17/2008
Q: We are having trouble learning how to set the thermostats in our just built home (not programming, ... A: Start off by adding a LOT of ceiling fans.Particularly, one in the 2 story foyer.Then another in the ...
TAPPAN FORCED AIR GAS FURNACE	2/15/2008
Q: I have a 30 year old Tappan Forced Air Gas Furnace (Model SGUF 140842 E-7 Series). It has a ... A: Your question, Karen were the burners supposed to do that ? I said no. So now here is possibly your ...
Furnace	2/14/2008
Q: 8 yr. old Bryant heats to temp on stat and then cuts off. A qwik flip of the circut breaker restarts ... A: Could be a bunch of things.Was the circuit breaker tripped, or just reset?? There are several over ...
15 Year old WaterFurnace	2/13/2008
Q: I have a 15-year old WaterFurnace brand GeoThermal unit that has been diagnosed with a Freon leak ... A: Rush to the local a/c supply house & get a can of "leak sealer". That has hit the market about a ...
Lennox Propane Heater	2/13/2008
Q: I recently had a two-year old Lennox Direct-Vent propane heating unit replaced with a new one. The ... A: Yes, yes, yes you should be concerned with the soot.Not good. Those flames better be all blue, but a ...
Air purifier giving off a smell, may be motor	2/10/2008
Q: Testing your DC motor experience. I have just bought a second hand Sharp Plasmacluster air ... A: I`m not familiar with that kind purifier so I can only guess. My gues would be that thing was ...
HVAC Question	2/10/2008
Q: I'm loosing a ton of warm air generated by my HVAC system this winter because the only return ... A: A return air is sized so the airflow is about 400cfm/min across the grille(s). This ensure the ...
Lennox G60 error codes	2/8/2008
Q: I am having the same problem as Joanne is. Alternating LED's. It happens intermittently, maybe ... A: Didn`t check my answer to Joanne. I`ll just shoot you with what can be wrong with your furnace. It`s ...
Split system approaching its usefull life	2/8/2008
Q: I purchased a used house in S.W.Fla. 4 yrs ago.Came with a 1998 Lennox heat pump 13 seer 3.5 ton ... A: Sort of a common question. I have been an independent for 30 yrs, & a conservative type.So my ...
HVAC residential Compressor related	2/7/2008
Q: ... Generally speaking, if I had a symptom of a tripped 100 amp breaker, a burnt smell, how long do ... A: depending on the locked rotor amps of your compressor it could kick a 100 amp breaker. The locked ...
drain pan and drain pipe	2/7/2008
Q: I have 2 questions: #1 I have a Carrier Model # FX4ANF048 that was installed in late 2001. The ... A: You forgot what material the pan is ! I will presume it is plastic. Puron does not crack ...
Air Quality	2/5/2008
Q: We have an air quality problem I hope you can help me with. When our furnace clicks on we ... A: Thing of it is different people have different smell sensitivity. I have had bad experiences with ...
Furnace Control Board	2/5/2008
Q: Furnace Model # P1UKD12N0401A Problem is the ignitor stays lit all the time, only goes off when ... A: That`s a heck of a problem, Chuck. All of the problems seem to point to the board.It has the control ...
Gas furnace not blowing very hot air	1/31/2008
Q: I have a gas furnace (comfortmaker FBF050B12AA, serial # L002729897)that is 7 years old. When the ... A: I would check the duct system to see if they are OK. With all the burners working that amount of ...
hear pump	1/30/2008
Q: I have a Lennox heat pump that the compressor will kick off about every sixteen hours. I will have ... A: What you really need is a recording amp meter to follow what`s going on with the compressor (if ...
thermal fuse (or what)	1/29/2008
Q: I have a Trane Air Handler and need to replace some old, rusted fuses-took one out and it says ... A: I had the wrong fuse in mind.That`s a second fuse protecting against an overheat situation.Don`t ...
Emergency Heat Inoperative	1/28/2008
Q: Howard, I have a two and a half year old Carrier heat pump system with an electric emergency heat ... A: Wow, Chad that`s a good one !! Have to eliminate things one at a time to arrive at some kind of ...
noma 52-2570-6 thermostat	1/26/2008
Q: Good evening. I've never posted to this forum before but I thought I'd try... I just bought a ... A: You have a heat pump. Is the new one for a heat pump ?? I`m not familiar with that H designation. I ...
burners sometimes don't light on AS Freedom 78	1/25/2008
Q: We have a Freedom 78 American Standard furnace in our 13 year old home. I assume it's the original. ... A: The blower works on a time delay only. Does the igniter glow each call for heat ?? If so, the flame ...
I think Heat pump?	1/25/2008
Q: I have a carrier model # 38Ycc. The problem has happe three or four times. The outside uit shuts off ... A: Could be several things, Mike. One is the point on the contactor are burned & not making contact. ...
Lennox G60 gas furnace will not maintain heat set on thermostat	1/24/2008
Q: I have a Lennox G60UH-070-02 (2002)gas furnace which has been fine until now. At night or when I ... A: Check the thermostat to be level. Check the heat anticipator behind the front to be set about at .4 ...
Thermostat	1/24/2008
Q: Should you set the heat and leave it alone or adjust it at night. This is a 2 story house. Upstair ... A: Typical problem for 2 story houses with 1 unit ! If all the bedrooms are upstairs I would turn off ...
Heating problem	1/21/2008
Q: We just moved in to a new house that has a fairly new Heil H9MPD heater. It seems to work fine when ... A: Need to run a test on the thermostat.Wonder if it is a mercury or digital ?? If mercury controlled, ...
RE: Tappan furnace wire question	1/20/2008
Q: Howard, I have a Tappan model 100-16, and the product literature that comes with it says that it ... A: There`s only about 50 rpm difference between adjacent speeds. Hi speeds for heating can produce ...
Help me build a ground source geothermal please!	1/20/2008
Q: I am looking for help with building a ground source geothermal this spring. I own a tractor and a ... A: Google it, Jessica. I have worked on them is all the experience I have. Most different thing is the ...
rheem criterion 2 gas furnace	1/19/2008
Q: My furnace fails to start, and I most of the time move the filters around to get it to start again. ... A: My wife used to call me at the office(1 hr away) that the washing machine flooded the place! Sounds ...
Bard Furnace	1/18/2008
Q: My furnace will shut down every 2 or 3 days? when I turn it on and off it cycles again for anothe 2 ... A: Tricky to find source of a problem like that. Start off reversing the power supply to the furnace. ...
Induction gas furnace	1/18/2008
Q: Furnace starts to turn on blower for 30 seconds but cuts off and flashes 6 times for trouble code. ... A: Bet that water has been sucked into the hose from the draft motor to the air pressure switch. Dry ...
Air Conditioning System	1/17/2008
Q: I'm getting ready to build a 2600 sq foot house. R-14 insulation in walls and R-49 in attic. Also ... A: I live in Texas & here 500sq ft/ton is a rule of thumb.I gather this is a 1 story house. If so, it ...
gas furnace location	1/17/2008
Q: mr. livingston i believe i have recieved some bad advice on the location of my gas furnace when i ... A: That flex ducting should have 3" of insulation on it for your location.That attic is as cold as the ...
replacing heat pump	1/15/2008
Q: We are about to replace our heat pump here in Columbus Ohio. There are some differences of opinion ... A: Charlie. I`ll ask you why are you replacing the system ?? Age ?? Still running OK after 10 years ?? ...
new unit vs dehumidifier	1/14/2008
Q: Howard, I was talking with Fred about my problem but he went on vacation. Would you be so kind as ... A: Holy cow, Ed what a discussion ! What a nasty problem.Can`t believe someone screwed up a 1 story ...
Heat pump	1/13/2008
Q: I have had a new heat pump and central air unit installed and I thought my gas furnace was only for ... A: That gas furnace is the secondary source of heat. The compressors supplies the first stage.Look at ...
Gaffers and Sattler Gas Furnace	1/12/2008
Q: I have a wonderful G&S Model CF100-1 gas furnace that has run great in my home for the last 30 ... A: I can still get parts for 50 + year old wall furnaces.True, that parts prices rise for old furnaces ...
Lennox 15CHPX	1/12/2008
Q: The unit (Lennox 15CHPX)was installed September, 2007. This is a split system. We've been dealing ... A: Something fishy here, Malou.You paid high dollar for that Lennox & it no work ?? Is that circuit ...
Burning smell coming out through heater vents	1/11/2008
Q: About two days ago, we noticed a burning/maybe gas coming out through our heater vents. The smell ... A: Furnace smells occur mostly on electric furnaces when something hits the elements when its on. If it ...
Gaffers and Sattler Gas Furnace	1/11/2008
Q: I have a wonderful G&S Model CF100-1 gas furnace that has run great in my home for the last 30 ... A: Don`t mess with it. Let `er run.Those parts like each other & a new part would screw up the ...
aircon fires	1/11/2008
Q: We have an window type airconditioner. A technician says that it has a compressor problem, i.e. ... A: There was a dead short in the wiring, maybe at the compressor, but maybe not.The compressor is a ...
Gas Furnace	1/9/2008
Q: My upstairs furnace is not burning correctly. Spitting out small flames when the gas company turned ... A: If the gas trouble persists for 20 to 30 min.the line would be purged. Now, when a gas line is ...
Trane XE 80 Furnace	1/9/2008
Q: "I have a Trane XE80 that is doing the following: When call for heat is sent nothing happens. The ... A: It is a normally open switch. Ohm it when the IDMotor starts up.Have some reports of the hose ...
Trane XE 80 Furnace	1/8/2008
Q: "I have a Trane XE80 that is doing the following: When call for heat is sent nothing happens. The ... A: With a good induced draft motor, the next event is the air pressure switch closing completing the ...
lennox elite series cb29m	1/6/2008
Q: Livingston, I have a lennox elite series air conditioner/heating system. The fire damper is closed ... A: Lennox builds strange stuff, Gayle.Complex electronics are the rule.Good stuff tho when the kinks ...
Trane XE 80 Furnace	1/6/2008
Q: "I have a Trane XE80 that is doing the following: When call for heat is sent nothing happens. The ... A: Has the induced draft motor ever run in the tests ?? Is that motor good ?? I would separate it & ...
Heater	1/6/2008
Q: I have a Honeywell thermostat set at 68 degrees. I wake up every morning and it shows the heat is ... A: How old is that stat, James ?? No doubt it uses a mercury bulb. Take the cover off & check the roll ...
continually running furnace	1/5/2008
Q: We have an older Steel City standing pilot gas furnace, the problem seems to be is that it is either ... A: I wouldn`t have changed the fan/limit length.The fan settings should be set at about on at 110 & ...
fan running continally	1/4/2008
Q: Forced air, natural gas 18+ years old, had limit switch replaced last year. Unit kicks on, burners ... A: That is a symptom of a stopped up evaporator coil. The dirt accumulations are on the lower side of ...
Ruud Achiever 90 Plus	12/21/2007
Q: We have a 9 year old Ruud Achiever 90 Plus Furnace. Starting toward the end of last winter, I began ... A: You are right on Casey, that is a malfunctioning air pressure switch. Need to remove the hose from ...
part numbers	12/21/2007
Q: I'm looking for a parts number manual for a Goodman GMH950703BXA gas furnace. I emailed Goodman to ... A: Sorry Richard, can`t offer any help.Don`t particularly like this company when years ago they had a ...
Furnace won't Ignite and blower is constant	12/20/2007
Q: I have a 20-25 yr old Bryant furnace which will not ignite and the blower/fan constantly runs. The ... A: Ignition problems caused by several problems. One is a gas pressure problem .The backfire can be ...
carrier gas furnace	12/20/2007
Q: Howard I've been working on a 90 model gas furnace with a spark igniter, 1st problem could not get ... A: With a fan/limit control with a manual knob to pull for on, push for off with the knob missing maybe ...
Furnace won't Ignite and blower is constant	12/19/2007
Q: I have a 20-25 yr old Bryant furnace which will not ignite and the blower/fan constantly runs. The ... A: (that`s what I was called many years ago)The blower is controlled by a relay on the circuit board on ...
Thermostat	12/17/2007
Q: Livingston I just replaced two thermostats with programmable thermostats. I have a combined ... A: Well, well, John, you have the cooling wire from the thermostat in contact with the heating wire. ...
electric heat	12/17/2007
Q: My father has been really ill so I hope you can help me for we don't have much money to call someone ... A: hate to see anyone getting ripped off. I can see he didn`t do any good.Moving wire s wouldn`t solve ...
ID fan & Circ Air blower won't stop	12/17/2007
Q: OK, the equipment is a 1999 Heil DC 90 condensing nat gas furnace with honeywell ST9120C4057 ... A: Wow, Dave, never saw anyone pulling so many wires ! ! I think if I did that I would NEVER get it ...
Adding a central humidifier to an AC only (no heat) system	12/16/2007
Q: We just bought a 1 1/2 story home in Maine with first floor only AC (no air heat) installed in 2001. ... A: Will not do too much good. You need to measure the humidity in the Winter & Google a psychometric ...
Returns	12/16/2007
Q: What is the concern in not having a return in a bedroom. We are on a forced air system? A: The return air path from the house back to the return air grille(s)needs to be just so long. that ...
GMP075-4 no power	12/15/2007
Q: I've got a Goodman GMP075-4 gas furnace that is not getting power. I replaced the ignitor because it ... A: The induced draft motor runs on 120 v as you found out. The quick test for low & hi power is to turn ...
Heat not working	12/15/2007
Q: When we returned home this evening we noted that the thermostat was set for 69 degrees yet it was 64 ... A: I`m gathering Dan, 2 different problems. When the burners have flames & then it shuts off the flame ...
Furnace fan won't turn off	12/15/2007
Q: I have a Lennox natural gas heater that is at least 35 years old and works great. I replaced the ... A: Was the low fan speed used for the heat speed ?? Usually, the red wire is used for that speed. If ...
carrier furnace/air conditioner 1 piece unit	12/14/2007
Q: i have a carrier air/furnace combo, sits outside. my problem; sometimes when i turn the unit on i ... A: Must be a gas unit since you "can hear it running" but no fan. Not possible for an electric furnace ...
Comfortmaker RPJII Furnance	12/14/2007
Q: Symptom: Occasionally and with increasing frequency the temperature in the house drops below the set ... A: to begin with #1: That`s an indication of thermostat failure. If it is a mercury controlled stat, ...
propane supply	12/13/2007
Q: My neighbors propane ran out and when it was refilled the furnace will not restart.Went by ... A: I have seen that happening a lot when I worked on mobile home furnaces. I found that when a tank is ...
Rheem a/c not working	12/13/2007
Q: I am a snow bird and am back in Florida. The a/c was not working when I got back although I had left ... A: Monica, A factor is how old & in what shape is the unit ?? Pretty clean unit?? Works good ?? ...
Rheem a/c not working	12/12/2007
Q: I am a snow bird and am back in Florida. The a/c was not working when I got back although I had left ... A: Lots of things can just happen to this stuff, Monica.First thing is to test the freon, then the ...
Heating Airconditioning Unit has ice on it	12/11/2007
Q: I discovered our unit has ice on the outside of it...what causes this? A: If that is a heat pump that is normal to collect ice on the outside unit. BUT, at some point when ...
Garage electricity will not go back on	12/10/2007
Q: Livingston, Some of my rooms on my first floor bi-level had a short (basically the electricity cut ... A: Just switching breakers doesn`t do any damage. Here`s the catch tho, the breaker switch can be in ...
Carrier/Night&Day Furnaces	12/9/2007
Q: I have five Night and Day Furnaces in my house. Two repeatedly blow their HBC controller and one ... A: When the 3 amp fuses blow that shows there is a short in the low voltage control circuits some ...
Vent Motor	12/7/2007
Q: I have a GDPI series furnace and the vent motor never shuts off. How do I fix it? Please help A: The notor runs from a call for heat thru the circuit board. If the thermostat is not calling for ...
Goodmam gmp100_4 will not continue to run	12/6/2007
Q: The heater will start up and ignite, burners will come on and run for a short time. I have replace ... A: its not vacuum, its pressure. Remove the hose between the induced draft motor & pressure switch & ...
cfms	12/5/2007
Q: Can you tell me how to calculate cfms in flex air duct for a new construction side job.Two story ... A: I have installed only 2 variable speed blowers. Had trouble with one. Had to adjust the switches to ...
Electrical Furnace	12/4/2007
Q: I have a Coleman Central Electric Furnace model number 3500A816, the problem when I call for the a/c ... A: The heat fan circuit goes thru the fan /limit to turn on the fan. Replacing that switch should have ...
cfms	12/4/2007
Q: Can you tell me how to calculate cfms in flex air duct for a new construction side job.Two story ... A: easy question a long answer.You need to go buy a "ductalator" at a local a/c supply house. It`s a ...
heating problem	12/3/2007
Q: mr. livingston, last friday my heating at home abruptly stopped working. i live in a condo with a ... A: Could be a failure of the gas valve. When calling for heat, test for 24 volts at the gas valve. If ...
Problem with Freedom 80	12/3/2007
Q: Hey Howard. I have a American Standard Freedom 80 model # AUD140C96051 serial # R261WWH2G and I'm ... A: That`s an interesting name. Sure would like to know the interpretation of the LED flashing 4 times. ...
Propane furnace burner problem.	12/2/2007
Q: I have a Tempstar propane furnace. The problem is only one out of the three burners are burning when ... A: Now that`s something you discovered Terry. Somebody never installed the complete conversion kit for ...
colmen gas furnace	12/1/2007
Q: my furnace went out.they replaced the contol board and it ran good for 5 days and quit again.I set ... A: I would remove the tube from the air pressure switch & see if its clean, then check the outlet & ...
Propane furnace burner problem.	12/1/2007
Q: I have a Tempstar propane furnace. The problem is only one out of the three burners are burning when ... A: Wow, Terry, that`s a good one ! Never have experienced that problem. If no gas is coming from 2 ...
rheem heat pump, humidifier install	12/1/2007
Q: I have a rheem heat pump, installing a honeywell 365 powered humidifier, humidifier plugs into 120v, ... A: First off, Norm I wouldn`t recommend a humidifier on a heat pump. Only gas furnaces produce hot ...
Heat	11/30/2007
Q: We just bought our home in Indianapolis it has a Trane XE 78 unit it keeps shutting the heat off but ... A: How much dust was on the filter ?? And, in the area around the blower ?? I`ll bet the previous owner ...
3 year old 3 ton 12 seer Ruud Heat Pump	11/30/2007
Q: 1. the intesnity of warmth is lacking- milk-toast heating- so runs a long time. I have an April Aire ... A: I hate to see folks ripped off. Happens too often in this business/ Ask your friends & neighbors who ...
furnace...	11/29/2007
Q: I have a 3 yr old modular house in Central NY. It is heated by a 3 yr old Thermopride fuel oil ... A: I live in Texas & we would freeze at 67 deg ! Heard that fuel oil price really increased this year. ...
Furnace air temperture	11/29/2007
Q: How warm should the air be that comes out of the registers A: Easy question, difficult answer Ken. The answer depends on the heat load or loss of heat from the ...
Gas Heater/AC Unit	11/28/2007
Q: The A/C portion of the unit works. However, the heat portion does not. When the unit engages, ... A: Does the spark light a pilot light or light the main burners?? Later models have a glowing ignitor ...
ruud 80 plus intermittent no heat	11/26/2007
Q: I have a 1989 ruud 80 plus unit, model # UGDE-14 ERAJS upflow furnace. I have an intermittent ... A: What you said needs clarifying. "the pre purge sequence starts, the draft inducer motor does not ...
airflow management	11/26/2007
Q: I have a 25+ yr old Freidrich central unit in a house I just bought. Sucker runs like a champ. The ... A: Take care of that Freidrich. Probably have another 8 yrs on it! These service guys see that & all ...
American Standard Freedom 90	11/25/2007
Q: My furnace is now flashing 3 times (pressure switch problem)per my service paper work. Is there ... A: Running late today Jim. Hope you haven`t froze yet. Need to remove the hose between the induced ...
Rudd Super Achiever 80 series	11/25/2007
Q: According to instructions on outside cover there is supposed to be a Honeywell on/off gas control. ... A: Problem with answering these questions, Virgil is not knowing the details of all these furnaces. So ...
gas furnace filling with water, tripping pressure switch	11/25/2007
Q: Howard, I have a Goodman GMN080-4 90% gas hot air furnace, about 15 years old. When it comes on, it ... A: Boy, Brian, we got a weird one !! Just another wild thought. You have a humidifier on this furnace ...
gas furnace filling with water, tripping pressure switch	11/24/2007
Q: Howard, I have a Goodman GMN080-4 90% gas hot air furnace, about 15 years old. When it comes on, it ... A: Better stop that water quickly,Brian. Rust out the heat exchanger. That isn`t condensate but can`t ...
American Genaeral Freedom 78 furnace	11/24/2007
Q: Furnace heats the house properly ,however ,turns off and on all night and day without stop time in ... A: Usually, on a complaint like that Ken, you are "hearing" the fan noise short cycling, not the ...
breaker	11/23/2007
Q: I have a six year old house. A/c cools great and so does heating. But when i use heater, after ... A: Yea, Mike like last night at 3AM at 35 deg & snow!I live in Arlington. You must have electric heat ...
Carrier combo unit	11/22/2007
Q: Have a 15 year old Carrier combo unit. Last year tech replaced gas valve with new Honeywell unit. ... A: After you bled the air out & you had heat it usually will not have any more air in the lines from my ...
fuse keep blowing	11/21/2007
Q: when i turn my unit on it runs for about 5 Min then the fuse on the inside the air handler on the ... A: There is a short in the low voltage circuit. If you were trying to run the cooling, check the 24v ...
Heat unbearable upstairs in WINTER!!!	11/20/2007
Q: We recently bought house w/Lennox A/C-Heat Pump. Our master bedroom is upstairs over the garage. ... A: Can`t stop the physics law that hot air rises.Cold air sinks.I would close completely off all the ...
Is there a filter on a gas Armstrong 38HWC182-5A furnace/air conditioner?	11/19/2007
Q: .. I have moved into an apartment (first one in 35 years), and it is REALLY dusty. I have opened ... A: Sometimes there was no place provided for a filter in the furnace. It needs a place that can seal ...
Intake Vent	11/19/2007
Q: In the colder months, the first floor of our house seems to get cold as if there is a draft. I ... A: Hey Paul, Are there foundation vents around your house that allow cold air under the house ?? Air ...
goodman gas pack problem	11/18/2007
Q: I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH A GOODMAN MODEL PGO-60150-1AB-REV E GAS PACK. AT FIRST IT WOULD NOT ... A: Boy, that is a crazy problem. I can think of several things to check out but they are just ...
TRAIN XE 1200 model TTP060C100A1	11/17/2007
Q: What are some possible reasons that the outside compressor makes a loud humming noise when the heat ... A: Is this unit a heat pump, Yale?? Main thing that can hum in the outside unit is the coil in the ...
Cozy Floor Furnace	11/17/2007
Q: I have an older Cozy floor furnace. The pilot light is lit but I could not get the heater to kick ... A: Wow, Brad, you must feel like a mole! I am thinking the problem may be "resistance" Maybe in the ...
Diamond 80 P3HUA12N06401c Furnace no heat	11/17/2007
Q: I have a Diamond 80 P3HUA12N06401c, when the unit calls for heat the main blower is coming on, not ... A: I`m not acquainted with any particular control boards.The induced draft motor starts first on call ...
Central Heating and Air Unit	11/16/2007
Q: Yesterday my C/ h&a unit seemed to be working fine, minus the fact that my air unit quit blowing ... A: Cooling first: Wonder if the coil has a freon leak to cause the guy to say you need a new one.Now ...
HEAT PUMP	11/16/2007
Q: I HAVE A NORDYNE SPLIT SYSTEM HEAT PUMP #F3TBA 030KA WITH HEATER KIT B3BM 030K AB. MY SON PUT ON A ... A: The new thermostat is for a heaT Pump ??? Sorry, can not provide info to connect the wires since ...
pressure swithc	11/14/2007
Q: i have a question about a Rheem 90 imperail furnace.the heat doesnt appear to be working correctly. ... A: Are you referring to the round pressure switch that has a hose from the induced draft motor ...
Central A/C not responding	11/13/2007
Q: Our A/C is not responding when we turn it on. The outside fan unit does not start. There is no sound ... A: Does the inside fan run when calling for cool ?? Locate the contactor rely in the outside unit & ...
heating flow	11/13/2007
Q: my girl friend has lived in the double wide trailer for a year now and she has had this problem for ... A: Double wides have an interconnecting duct between the 2 sides. Does the cold air come from the same ...
American Standard furnace	11/12/2007
Q: My blower motor on my furnace (model lgf120e100 will not stop running after the house has reached ... A: The length of the probe inside the furnace needs to be matched. Then, does your fan control also ...
flame sensor	11/12/2007
Q: For the umpteen year my Weatherking gas furnace turns on and the ignitor heats up and starts the ... A: The sensor is the small rod sticking into the flame on the burner. Kill the power,remove the 2 wires ...
convert gas pack to heat pump	11/11/2007
Q: I live in Raleigh NC. I want to covert my 3 ton gas pack to a 3 ton heat pump. Is this possible ... A: Can`t convert, Mike. Too much to change.The lowest SEER is now 13. That`s good enough. Don`t get ...
American Standard furnace	11/11/2007
Q: My blower motor on my furnace (model lgf120e100 will not stop running after the house has reached ... A: I am assuming you have the standing pilot type furnace ?? Doesn`t that dial have other temperature ...
Main fan problem	11/11/2007
Q: Carrier model #58SX100-cc-1 circa 1987. When call for heat is made inducer fan works, furnace lights ... A: The fan circuit is different for heat & cool modes as are the fan speeds. Usually, the heat fan ...
Propane AC	11/10/2007
Q: Howard, Do you know of anyone that makes a propane AC unit? I am fortunate enough to have free ... A: Well, hello lucky.I`m paying $2.38/gal !!There used to be gas powered unit made by Arkla Servel that ...
PROPANE FURNACE	11/10/2007
Q: OUR HEIL 7000 FURNACE LIGHTS NORMALLY BUT WILL BACKFIRE UP THE BURNER JET OCCASIONALLY. IT SEEMS TO ... A: Tricky problem. I would test the incoming gas pressure to confirm it`s OK. Is the gas valve fully on ...
trouble starting new York gas furnace	11/10/2007
Q: Just installed a York gas furnace 120,000 btu's 90% downflow unit GY9S-DH. Can't get it to start. ... A: How frustrating !!! Test the induced draft motor & air pressure by removing the hose from the draft ...
lennox gas furnace	11/9/2007
Q: my furnace stays on for a few days then goes off again. i clicked the reset switch and it would ... A: You need to move to Texas. It`s 80 down here. I`m sorry but you didn`t supply enough info to help ...
janitrol gmn100-4 furnace circuit board blinks	11/8/2007
Q: Just installed new circuit board, igniter not turning on (glowing)which was installed a year ago, ... A: Wow, Diane we got to get you some heat, FAST. But sorry, I don`t have the blink codes for your ...
Attic humidity	11/7/2007
Q: I just recently had an thermostatically operated attic fan installed. I was advised afterwards that ... A: You don`t want to remove moisture in the Winter, you want to add humidity. The heat dries out the ...
Rheem furnace 1x2000	11/6/2007
Q: My Rheem furnaces will trip out periodically and I have to reset one or more of the limit switches ... A: Now that`s an interesting name! Have you removed the flame sensor & drag over it with a rag ?? If ...
Induced draft blower cycling on and off	11/6/2007
Q: I have a 13 year old high efficiency natural gas furnace. I'm having no heating problems with it ... A: That motor turns on with a call for heat only.Sounds like there may be a short across the red & ...
Heat Pump fan operation	11/5/2007
Q: My fan works properly when the thermostat calls for heat, but it doesn't always stop when the ... A: A heat pump blower operates at only high speed. heat or cool. That fan is energized by a time delay ...
Heating balance.	11/5/2007
Q: I have recently moved into a newly built 2 story home. I have the HVAC unit on, at this time, to ... A: Hot air rises, cold air falls. 2 story house have an open stairway that allows that to happen in ...
no light from my smartvalve	11/4/2007
Q: I have a concord 80 plus gas furnace. I had a severe power spike in the neighborhood and the furnace ... A: Does the inside fan run when the fan switch on the thermostat is turned ON ??? The fuse on the ...
gas furnace	11/3/2007
Q: Maybe you can help me. I have a vented floor furnace. It is a Cozy brand. Model number 90P50A. I ... A: Insure the pilot flame is striking the top 1/2" or more of the thermocouple. Did you hold down the ...
Furnance	11/2/2007
Q: Sir: I have a new nat. gas fired furnance in my attic. It takes from 5-8 mins for the blower to come ... A: Gas lines for furnaces up to about 100,000 btu use 1/2" lines. 3/4" above that.The circuit board ...
Burnt electronics smell coming from my registers	11/2/2007
Q: I have a "burnt electronics/electrical" smell coming from my registers when using the heat. This ... A: Wow, Eric that`s a lot of amps for the blower motor!!That`s gotta be the cause of the smell but the ...
Wood Stove	11/1/2007
Q: No basement just a crawlspace. I run my propane forced air furnace blower on low 24/7 with my ... A: Not sure what the problem would be but if you could just install a flex duct from the ceiling of the ...
Furnace control problem	11/1/2007
Q: Howard, I've been having problems with my gas furnace the past few days. Furnace is American ... A: Think the place to start is with the "check line polarity" Turn off the power supply & reverse the ...
American Standard Trane furnace problem	10/31/2007
Q: My gas forced air furnace is not lighting. The fan blows cold, but that's it...it doesn't attempt to ... A: Well, that`s a first John, to get a photo of the furnace!!The 4 blinks for an open switch would be a ...
Gas Furnace	10/31/2007
Q: I got the pilot light lit and it stays on. When I first lit the pilot light the burners started as ... A: Is the gas valve on the gas line all the way on Bryan ??? How about the knob on the gas valve?? ...
white powder coming out of vents when ac unit on	10/31/2007
Q: I have white powder in my apartment when I run my ac unit. It is a very fine powder that covers ... A: The place you can find powder is inside the heat exchanger of the furnace.That`s a natural ...
blower fan for air circulation does not work	10/30/2007
Q: Blower fan for air circulation does not come on in auto or manual. I opened the door to the fan and ... A: Follow the 2 brown wires from the fan to the run capacitor. Need a volt-ohm meter to test it. If ...
centtral issue follow up button not working	10/30/2007
Q: Subject Central air/heat issues new installation Question Howard. My parents recently decided ... A: Well, Gregory what a deal !!! A 110,000btu furnace would have the cfm capacity for the size house. ...
Heil furnace blows cold air, SOMETIMES!!	10/29/2007
Q: Well if anyone can answer this then you did better then the contractor I had come over!! I have a ... A: The induced draft motor that starts the cycle has to blow enough air to close an air pressure ...
Ameristar Furnace	10/29/2007
Q: Can you tell me where to find information on a 2005 Ameristar Furnace? I just had the unit cleaned. ... A: By all means call the guy back.American Standard makes that furnace. Can`t find any info on it on ...
two stage furnace, one stage thermostat	10/28/2007
Q: I just bought a two stage furnace, how do I jumper the control board to still use my standard ... A: I presume your gas valve has high & low output of heat on the one gas valve ?? Or does it have a W1 ...
honeywell rth230b	10/28/2007
Q: I bought this house and when the temperature is really cold in the house, my Honeywell still reads ... A: Put an accurate thermometer on the thermostat for a good read of temperature. Take off the cover & ...
CLEARANCES FOR GAS FIRED HEATERS	10/28/2007
Q: I am rehabilitating an apartment complex in NJ. I am retro fitting each unit to have its own heating ... A: These high efficiency furnace nowadays are pretty small, about 42"high X 17" wide, about 28" deep, ...
gas furnance	10/27/2007
Q: I have a brand new gas furnace (KeepRite C8PN100F14B). It works well for a few days after it is ... A: Have you checked the blinking of the LED on the circuit board ?? It can diagnose the problem for ...
Central AC Fan Motor running at 1/2 speed or less	10/26/2007
Q: We have a 3 ton central unit in our home that is only a few years old. Its gotten kinda cold the ... A: Electric furnaces use 240 v power. One leg on the fan motor bad runs the motor on 120v at half ...
Frost on condenser pipes.	10/26/2007
Q: Howard, I live in dallas and have a Amana heat pump (AC & Heat), just today I noticed that my ... A: Could be several things wrong. Could be the defrost cycle was operating erroneously. You could the ...
Central air/heat issues new installation	10/26/2007
Q: Howard. My parents recently decided to get central a/c. They had their old heater and all duct work ... A: Wow, I hate to hear a story like that,Greg! Those high ceilings need a lot of airflow to circulate ...
replacing...	10/25/2007
Q: I am replacing the a/c heating system in my home in washington dc. the question i have is as ... A: Carrier repair parts are pretty darn expensive as is the equipment. The variable blower is an ...
HVAC Brands	10/25/2007
Q: What can you tell me about the Goodman brand? What brand would you recommend as a replacement unit? A: Goodman changed the brand name from Janitrol to Goodman. Maybe the reason was we used to call it ...
Question about home A/C	10/24/2007
Q: Problem: A/C starts cooling but quits. Have noticed that fan on outside unit starts but stops after ... A: Did the tech check the fan motor run capacitor ?? It could be just a $10 or less capacitor. If it ...
janitrol gmp100-3	10/24/2007
Q: My furnace will come on the hot surface ignitor will light and the gas will come on there are 4 ... A: Sounds like the flame runner is clogged, or even the orifice on the flashing burner is clogged too. ...
Forced AIr Furnace "Gibson"	10/24/2007
Q: I had a new (Gibson)forced air furnace installed professional two months ago. It is a 90k BTU w/ a ... A: Insulate, insulate, Dave. Can to use duct insulation which is black & really fuzzy on one side, or ...
Heat Blower not comming on.	10/23/2007
Q: Well I went to turn on the heat on my 3 ton HVAC for the first time last night and nothing. The ... A: The blower has 2 speeds, one for heat, high speed for cool. The heat speed is controlled thru a ...
Furnace only buzzes when turned on	10/23/2007
Q: I recently bought a fixed up home with an upgraded brand new gas furnace and hot water heater. The ... A: Easy way to test for power, Anthony, is to turn on the fan switch only. That proves low & high ...
Heating Problem	10/22/2007
Q: This morning it was a little bit cold in my house so I decided to turn on my central electric ... A: During the Summer cooling season dust is bypassing your filter & hanging on the heat elements. Then ...
re:tenant tampering with air conditioner	10/20/2007
Q: I rent out my basement which contains the furnace/electrical box. I think my tenant is tampering ... A: Well, Kelly I could say evict the tenants & you`ll find out !Naw, just kidding. The tenants could ...
Mobile Home Furnace	10/19/2007
Q: I have a Intertherm propane fired furnace. It is about 8 years old and in very good condition. The ... A: Sounds like you have a mobile home model furnace, Jason ?? If that is correct I am unsure that an ...
Amana furnace	10/18/2007
Q: We moved into a house with an Amana Air Command furnace that we think was installed in 1974 or 95. ... A: The filters are somewhere in the return air, Carolyn.Start off looking at the base of the furnace ...
heatpump	10/18/2007
Q: What is proper way to hook up hoses on heatpump in both heating and cooling modes? Which is best way ... A: I presume your talking about the liquid & suction line, Chad.Those lines connect to the evaporator ...
AC won't stay on...	10/18/2007
Q: Our Bryant air conditioner blew it's capacitor (run/start). The repair guy replaced the capacitor, ... A: Sounds like you have a heat pump having an outside sensor.Either way I would run a test at the ...
Hardwiring Air Purifier to HVAC	10/9/2007
Q: I'm installing a UV air purifier in the return plenum of an Gas forced air heating system. The ... A: You could supply the power with a relay that has a single, normally open switch & a 24 volt ...
airflow/black furnace filter	10/9/2007
Q: I had a new Gibson electric furnace installed three months ago. It was adapted to my air ... A: that`s a good question.If your furnace is in a closet sitting on the return air plenum I would ...
Warm Basement??	10/8/2007
Q: Howard, My basement has been noticeably warmer than the main floor this summer. It use to be the ... A: There was one more thing that it could be. But only if you have an electric furnace down there. It ...
Heating not working on central ac unit	10/7/2007
Q: This morining the heat was turned on (and it worked) then it turned off automatically; but it did ... A: The inside fan works by a time delay, not by heat or the "on" switch.You must have a circuit board ...
Forced Air Heater Pilot Won't Ignite	10/6/2007
Q: When the thermostat asks for heat, the draft fan starts, the pilot light igniter starts arcing, but ... A: Sounds like Mark that the pilot orifice is stopped up.Common problem. Maybe run a test by holding a ...
circuit board short	10/6/2007
Q: "i have a bryant model AC1CN036B that was installed in 1995. my dog bit thru and broke thermostat ... A: If your unit is NOT a heat pump there was only 2 wires on the outside the dog broke. If those 2 ...
furnace not lighting in heat mode	10/5/2007
Q: The ignitor comes on, then after a few seconds it goes out and the blower comes on but the burner ... A: The blower is on a timed circuit so that`s OK.Doesn`t sound like the pilot comes on either. The ...
outside ac unit	10/4/2007
Q: I have noticed my outside unit runs continually. There is also ice on the outside of the unit. Can ... A: You need another contactor in the outside unit. The points are burned & are sticking closed. Your ...
HEIL DC90 not lighting	10/3/2007
Q: I have a HEIL DC90 gas furnace that has stopped lighting. It is about 9 years old. The small blower ... A: Good description of your problem. Thanks. Sounds like the pilot flame is not being proved by a ...
Heating - Furnace	10/3/2007
Q: We have a Rheem Classic 90 high efficiency furnace installed in a garage to heat a garage apartment. ... A: Most of the limit switches have a little button that pops out when tripped. If so, just push the ...
fried equipment	10/2/2007
Q: i recently replaced a tranformer on the indoor unit of a split system, aparently an electrician ... A: Holy cow, Richard !! What a mistake.Could be the contactor coil in the outside unit was fried ...
How to light furnace	10/1/2007
Q: Howard, I have a nineteen year old Lennox furnace. Am confused as to how to light it, although I ... A: The only other kind of pilot control I have ever seen has a separate valve for the pilot.Follow the ...
Furnace turns off too soon	10/1/2007
Q: our furnace turns itself off way before it has reached the desired room temperature. Furnace and ... A: A 3 yrs old furnace is controlled by a circuit board. Some boards have little dip switches that can ...
Transformer Brunt	9/29/2007
Q: I have a Rheem model RBHA 17J10SFAA furnace and heat pump. Yesterday the thermostat screen went ... A: A short in the low voltage power somewhere.Could be the coil on the contactor in the outside unit. ...
condensation pump safety switch	9/29/2007
Q: The compressor would not come but every thing else worked, went out to the compressor to see if the ... A: The condensate pump wiring is simple. There are 2- 24v wires to the condensing unit, usually a red & ...
Poor Dehumidification with Old Furnace	9/28/2007
Q: Howard - I have a Lenox G14 Pulse furnace with a multi-speed blower. Added a new Lenox 2 speed AC, ... A: This a heat pump ?? They run heat & cool at high speed blower. Were the coils replaced when you got ...
central air and heat unit maintenance - coils	9/27/2007
Q: I live in an apartment and it looks like the coils in my system (inside the apartment) are in pretty ... A: Christie, that is the typical rental unit coil you described! It`s all because tenants NEVER change ...
return air	9/27/2007
Q: Howard, I just relocated your answer to me about return in ceiling, but had already posted another ... A: Well, you are a sharp lady, Paula. Always happy to help you. I gave away a lot of time over the ...
Furnace upgrades	9/26/2007
Q: I have an older (1980) electric furnace/heat pump system with a single-speed blower and noise from ... A: Heat pump inside fans need to run on high speed for both heat & cool.That`s what you have.Best thing ...
return air	9/26/2007
Q: Howard, I just relocated your answer to me about return in ceiling, but had already posted another ... A: Now I recall your problem, Paula! That`s goooood info you sent. I live in Arlington, by the way.Did ...
Help! Need a new a/c unit	9/26/2007
Q: Howard. It's 4:30am and I haven't slept all nite worrying about this. I'm in your neck of the ... A: Van. R22 will be phased out in the next few years. The wholesale price has already tripled! BUT, ...
Help! Need a new a/c unit	9/25/2007
Q: Howard. It's 4:30am and I haven't slept all nite worrying about this. I'm in your neck of the ... A: Wow, Van, what a night !! I would stay away from Puron (R410) It`s pretty expensive stuff & higher ...
air handler	9/24/2007
Q: i have a old carrier air handler 230 volt and changed the old t-stat out ive been doing this for 15 ... A: Is there a separate fan/limit switch mounted on the furnace ?? If so, there is a knob on the front ...
Coil and refrigerant lines freezing up	9/24/2007
Q: I have had 4 service calls recently because the coil and refrig lines freeze up. They have tested ... A: Well, well Jamie lets see how many ways can cause these things to make ice! You have a tricky one ...
airconditioner	9/23/2007
Q: I had my two year old 3 ton 13 seer airconditioner fixed ,it had a small leak and now it is not ... A: With 92 ambient temp the suction line should Chilly & even sweating. Did he fix the leak ?? Was it ...
Float switch reset?	9/22/2007
Q: My attic-mounted air handler/evaporator has a switched condensate trap. At the suggestion of the ... A: Never heard of a reset switch on a condensate pump.There, usually, is just a microswitch tripped by ...
HVAC not working	9/21/2007
Q: I came home yesterday to find my a/c not running. I've checked the circuit breaker and confirmed ... A: If no inside fan runs when fan switch is turned on test for 110 volts thru the wall switch or ...
HEIL 90 propane furnace, doesn't ignite	9/21/2007
Q: I have a HEIL DC90 furnace, and just got the propane tank filled, but the furnace won't ignite. The ... A: All that is controlled by a circuit board Ken.Got to have a pilot light first to light the main ...
a/c unit	9/19/2007
Q: I am have an air conditioner unit that is not blowing through the vents in the house, the outside ... A: Yo Cindy,How about a collapsed duct?? Or a blower motor not running at rated speed?? Or an ...
older home hvac	9/19/2007
Q: I would like to know if I can replace my air handler with a smaller unit or get rid of it entirely. ... A: If you have lots of money you could rip out all that stuff & install 1 or 2 or more( 1 per floor) ...
Hvac Coils	9/17/2007
Q: Said i had to also clean the evaporator coils.Seeing how the coils is hard to get to he said about ... A: Yes, Brad. The hot air from the furnace also flows thru the evaporator coils. That`s way too much to ...
Heat pump problem	9/16/2007
Q: When I switched the thermostat from cool to heat, it made a clicking sound and then never came on. ... A: Dead short somewhere.With the breaker reset, turn on the fan only(no heat) at the thermostat. If the ...
Humidifier	9/14/2007
Q: A recent HVAC Rep suggested I install a humidifier as part of a new system (both furnace & A/C). I ... A: Somewhat, John. Heat always dries out the air. Humidifiers will help some. If your family has dry ...
heat......	9/13/2007
Q: I have a modular home in Northern Ind. where it gets to 0deg. in the winter( a summer home) Can you ... A: Modular houses are not known to be well insulated.You never know how much insulation is in the floor ...
c/a	9/13/2007
Q: The fan on my Bryant High eff. furnace won't turn on, on the heat cycle, but it works for the ... A: The fan for heat is controlled by a time delay on the furnace circuit board. Actuated after flame is ...
Electrostatic filters on HVAC	9/12/2007
Q: I have a Rheem AC that recently failed (6 months out of 5 year warrenty, figures) and I am getting ... A: Have to define "electrostatic" filters, Joe. Does this filter have wires connected to it ?? If not, ...
panel to furnace wiring for air handler	9/11/2007
Q: I just had a heat pump and air handler/electric furnace installed. I noticed that the furnace has a ... A: Those breakers are, most likely just disconnects, Joel. 60 amps for 3 - 5kw heat elements, 20 for ...
Compressor Not Turnig Off	9/10/2007
Q: I noticed a warmer than normal temperature in my house one day this week, so I went outside to check ... A: The points are still not making contact after the cleaning. What you said indicates the thermostat ...
High pitched noise from coolant line	9/9/2007
Q: I have 2 questions for you: 1) We have an ac unit in the attic and the coolant line runs from the ... A: You must be about ready for the funny farm with all those irritating noises ?? Noise #1: Usually, ...
airflow	9/9/2007
Q: the air from the vents is cool but the air is barley coming out had the t-stat replaced a month ago ... A: I presume the air flow has been good in the past ?? That is, this lack of flow is a change ?? Lack ...
New Puron system, not enough air, bad service and design	9/8/2007
Q: Need advice/info: I hired a well-known HVAC company to install central air in my oceanfront, ... A: How many tons cooling was that, Robin?? How many sq. ft. is your house.2 story ?? Big attic ?? High ...
THERMOSTAT WILL NOT COME ON	9/8/2007
Q: MY THERMOSTAT WILL NOT COME ON AT FIRST IT WAS SET 90 DEGREES AND WE COULD GET TO TURN DOWN OR UP. ... A: Now that`s an interesting name, Eboni! Does the inside fan run when the switch is turned on at the ...
Compressor Not Turnig Off	9/8/2007
Q: I noticed a warmer than normal temperature in my house one day this week, so I went outside to check ... A: Those are pretty standard Mike. Go to a local a/c supply house & get a 30amp, 2 pole, 24 volt coil ...
moved thermostat - HVAC won't work	9/7/2007
Q: I'm remodeling and cut the thermostat wire to move the thermostat. I reconnected the thermostat ... A: Is that a digital thermostat that would have both common & hot wires from the transformer ?? That`s ...
Dual wall-mount A/C thermostat	9/6/2007
Q: I have a radio building with dual 3-ton Bard wall-mount air conditioners. This is a 200SF building ... A: Wow, 6 tons for 200 sq. ft. !!! You could use it for a meat locker too. Each one of those units has ...
Compressor Not Turnig Off	9/6/2007
Q: I noticed a warmer than normal temperature in my house one day this week, so I went outside to check ... A: A common problem,Mike! The contactor in the outside unit has burned points & is stuck in the closed ...
Follow up	9/4/2007
Q: This is a follow-up from my previous question (below). The fix is a little above me, so we called ... A: Sorry I`m late Joe. Have been in the hospital for a overnight stay. That`s too much for a circuit ...
Blower fan problem	9/4/2007
Q: Howard. I have a blower fan problem. Originally I thought it was control board problem. Therefore, I ... A: Well done description of your problem, Bill. As I follow the description it seems like your ...
Inside Unit Freezing Up	9/3/2007
Q: "Hi, we recently started having problems with our inside evaporator coils freezing up and not ... A: Freezing is caused by a low amount of freon OR a dirty air filter.Weak suction valves in the ...
goodman heat pump	9/2/2007
Q: I have a goodman package heat pump and homneywell pro 3000 thermostat. I need help with the wiring. ... A: White should be on w1, your heat pump primary heat.I`m not familiar with that stat nor did you say ...
Thermal shutdown problem	9/1/2007
Q: I have a Amana 14 seer RCE, about 2 years new. In a nutshell, the problem is that the cooling fan ... A: After knowing that the motor run capacitor is OK (changing or testing) if the motor fails its the ...
AC Blower will not turn off	8/30/2007
Q: I have a gas furnace, with an AC unit outside the house. We have two separate thermostats, one ... A: Yo Joe, stuck fan relay. Sounds like the relay is a separate relay?? (Rather than having a solid ...
AC/ Coil identification	8/30/2007
Q: I have a carrier split system and have been told the inside and outside units don't match in size. ... A: How in the world did that happen, Jerry ?? That`s a 5 ton(060)inside & 3(036)outside!That evaporator ...
old air conditioner, odor	8/30/2007
Q: At some point the original owner of our circa 1929 house installed in-wall air conditioning units in ... A: Need a little cleaning, Meghan, Best way is to pull the innerds that may just slide out of the case ...
Air Cond. Compressor not Running	8/29/2007
Q: My Goodman A/C Compressor stopped running. Model CK24-1B Serial 951002322B. Furnace & Thermostat ... A: Does it trip the breakers to the outside unit when trying to start ?? But since nothing runs I would ...
AC	8/29/2007
Q: Our power went out yesterday. When it came back on the lights were dim for several minutes, then ... A: That`s an unusual outage! When you turn the fan switch on, does the inside fan run?? That`s a test ...
No blower, Control board change, Bryant 3 ton unit	8/28/2007
Q: Friday a bad storm went through, power flickered on and off (stayed off) and then a couple of bolts ... A: You have a digital thermostat ?? Could have ruined the fan switch with the strike. I would jump ...
Furance/ ac replacement options	8/28/2007
Q: I am planning on installing the following system to heat and cool a two story three bedroom home ... A: Only Carrier uses Puron, that I know of Ron. Puron is just R 410 thats been around a good bit. Works ...
Furance/ ac replacement options	8/27/2007
Q: I am planning on installing the following system to heat and cool a two story three bedroom home ... A: Is the new stuff the same ratings as the good old stuff?? That is: 100k heat, 4 ton cool ?? But ...
Air Conditioner	8/27/2007
Q: I have 1 year old home with TRANE air conditioning unit. It is not working. There is air coming ... A: That was a run capacitor Kristina.God only knows what a service call is where you live. That ...
Air conditioner doesn't cool, inside unit doesn't turn off	8/26/2007
Q: I have a 22 year old unit and earlier this year I replace a few parts on the outside unit and had a ... A: Wow, 22 yrs !! Good stuff, don`t get rid of it till a compressor dies. You`ve most likely got a ...
outside compressor control	8/25/2007
Q: I had a "handyman" do some work on a rental unit. The week before my lawn care person told me that ... A: better find another lawn care! Better test the 24 volt transformer in the furnace first.I gather he ...
Air Conditioning	8/25/2007
Q: Every time it rains, the thermostat quits working on the A/C. We have it set at 74 degrees and it ... A: Wow, Debi, that`s a new one !! Let`s see how many things there are that could cause that ?? A ...
Digital T-Stat Blank Screen and Furnace is not responding	8/24/2007
Q: I woke up this morning to find my digital thermostat with a blank screen. I checked the fuse at the ... A: Well, well, it happens ! Check your furnace controls to see if you have a solid state circuit board ...
Capacitor Blew Out on A/C- Cost to Replace?	8/23/2007
Q: Hot air was blowing inside the house but the Heil outside unit was not running. Called an A/C ... A: Well, Jeannie I`m sorry to hear that. The booster can help kick start a compressor, is what it does, ...
Need to charge A/C?	8/23/2007
Q: I have a very old Duo-Therm Exec 1900. The past 2 weeks it has been so hot and our compressor has ... A: You have access to R-22?? To make it simple add enough so that the suction pressure is about 70 ...
schrader valve leaking	8/22/2007
Q: I have been living in a brand new house for 2.5 years and have had the freon in my downstairs unit ... A: If a schrader valve leaks, just tighten the cap on it & test with soap bubbles. But you may have ...
Rheem Classic 8	8/22/2007
Q: I foolishly tried to upgrade the thermostat on my HVAC system and now the system is DOA. Nothing ... A: That`s the way we learn, Andrew! One transformer supplies the whole control circuit. If your inside ...
inside blower motor	8/20/2007
Q: i have a trane model # bt724a100bo installed in 1985. my blower motor will run for 10-20 sec then ... A: In the electrical compartment in the furnace somewhere.Kill the power & disconnect the wires. With ...
Condenser cycles on and off	8/20/2007
Q: Our Goodman central air conditioner condenser cycles on and off. We have been fighting this for ... A: Sounds like you may have a bad contactor in the outside unit, the points are not making good ...
replace central A/C	8/19/2007
Q: Please give me your opinion on the best central A/C system. Carrier? Lennox? York? Rheem? ... A: 3 ton should do well in CA. GOT to have good air distribution too. Lennox very expensive but good. ...
What is normally done in this situation?	8/19/2007
Q: Have a 2.5 ton matched A coil I want to put in the discharge of the furnace duct. The duct ... A: Well, sort of, Tim.Normally, the coil would sit on top of the furnace for an upflow furnace. (Is ...
bryant heat pump/air conditioner 8 yr old	8/17/2007
Q: my system doesn't cool in really hot weather. seems compressor kicks off. If i keep it on 60 when 90 ... A: FOURTEEN THOUSAND !!!! How about a piece of the Brooklyn Bridge ?? There is a compressor failure ...
Outside Unit not coming on	8/16/2007
Q: Why is the outside unit not coming on when the AC switch is activated? The air is warm and the fan ... A: Can be quite a few reasons Terence. Low on freon can trip a switch to stop it. Burned contactor ...
clear slime	8/16/2007
Q: My Central air unit doesn't seem to be cooling down the house very well. When I went downstairs to ... A: that`s from the condensate water, I`ll bet. Individual homes can create "crud" of some kind with the ...
AC compressor clicking	8/14/2007
Q: I came home yesterday to no AC. The thermostat appeared dead, so I replaced it with a new one. ... A: Hey Josh, Do you have your manual for the furnace? Need to find out what that single flash of the ...
HVAC - Ac unit	8/13/2007
Q: I own a older townhouse in Boulder City, NV (Las Vegas region)and the upstairs ac unit finally went ... A: what a pity to have to upgrade to the new stuff.That 13 SEER coil is sooo big.Not too good ...
Puron system question	8/13/2007
Q: We installed a Carrier 3 ton Puron system 1 year ago. Our home is a pretty tight 1600 foot house. ... A: From all I know about Puron (R 410) the evaporator coil should provide a 40 deg coil. Therefore a 16 ...
Cold Air Returns	8/13/2007
Q: I have a two story 1550 sq. ft. house and recently had a new compressor and coil installed. They ... A: Where were these returns they closed ?? You have returns to insure return air gets back to the ...
compressor replaced and now not cooling well	8/11/2007
Q: We purchased a 1 story 2500 sq. ft. historic home w/ 2 sep. units. Original unit 2 1/2 ton very old ... A: Now I`ve got the questions! You have had 2 units cooling the house, were they both 2 1/2 tons ...
keeping spare room cool	8/10/2007
Q: I own a two story townhome/denver co. my spare room upstairs faces east and gets morning sun. I have ... A: Ya got to stop the heat from that window. How about a solar screen, or a reflective solar coating ...
Never cool	8/9/2007
Q: I live in an apartment complex forthere are 12 apartments in each building I've called maintenance ... A: Apartments are famous for not-too-good cooling systems.Ducts supplying the air the same. If your ...
simple Comfort 3001	8/9/2007
Q: we have a simple comfort 3001 and the screen goes on and off, shows 78 degrees for a few minutes, ... A: Not acquainted with that thermostat. Does it use a battery in it ?? If so maybe a new battery will ...
Central AC	8/8/2007
Q: My Fan on the outside unit will not turn and it is HOT! About 1 month ago our unit was frozen over ... A: Well John, Summer has come in Texas also! Sounds like bad motor bearings, but first test the motor ...
Goodman air conditioning unit is leaking water	8/8/2007
Q: We have a Goodman Air Conditioning and heating Unit model GMS8 and it is leaking water. It less than ... A: I presume the white pump is sitting on the floor? That is a condensate pump. It has a float switch ...
a/c electrical????	8/7/2007
Q: We have been in new home 10mo 14 ton seer unit live in Texas elect bill just keeps going up 1 story ... A: Sounds like your electrical system is at fault, Cathy.Properly sized wiring shouldn`t do that.Only ...
additional information to question (8/6)	8/7/2007
Q: In my original question, i forgot to mention that the unit works and is cooling my house. The ... A: I can`t find your original question, Lisa.But I would guess from your question you may have a bad ...
possible replacement of unit	8/4/2007
Q: My service company tells me it is tine to replace with a higher effiency system preferably a trane ... A: My theory is "run `em till they die" You ought to be washing those outside coils twice a Summer with ...
Outside circuits for A/C	8/3/2007
Q: A disgruntled neighbor has been tampering with my unit outside. Just to fill you in first. This ... A: Call the cops, Melissa !!! That neighbor is BAD !!! He tripped the breaker to the outside unit. Just ...
HVAC Trane XE1000 TTR042C100A2	8/3/2007
Q: Lead from contactor to dual run cap is burning up. There is no start cap on this unit but this cap ... A: Once the terminals get rusty the wires can melt from the heat generated by the rusty connection. ...
Central AC	8/3/2007
Q: My AC unit will run as though cooling the house although the house is not getting the cool air. ... A: Hey Alice, First thing to check is the freon. Low amounts cause the freezing. Second thing that ...
AC not cooling	8/2/2007
Q: AC was blowing semi cool air so I had a servideman come out. He said he did not see any major issues ... A: Run this test, the hotter the day the cooler the suction line. At about 90 or above that line ought ...
Bryant 561CJ024-D cool/not cold after charge	8/2/2007
Q: We have a dual zone AC/heating system. Our upstairs AC unit is a Bryant 561CJ024-D. It was ... A: Good info you sent.Yes, the temps of the suction lines should be about the same at the same ambient ...
Carrier Compressor	8/2/2007
Q: If my compressor is reading 30 to 350 and the expansion valve is frosting (has been replaced) and ... A: Have you gone to a/c school ?? What knowledge! Something stopped up for sure.That frost at the TXV ...
Lennox Condensing Unit Runs Constantly	7/31/2007
Q: Our Lennox refrigerated air condensing unit sits outside on a concrete pad and the fan is located in ... A: Hey Mark, you`ve got a stuck contactor in the outside unit. Not good to run the cooling without an ...
fishy smell seemingly from HVAC	7/31/2007
Q: We have noticed a fishy odor now that we use the AC in the summer. We have lived in a new modular ... A: (nice name)I get questions like that now & then & it`s tricky to find the source. Wonder if the ...
Very hot compresser	7/30/2007
Q: Sir, Water cooled boat compressor starts and runs for about 10 minutes and then shuts off, the ... A: If water supply is normal , may have bad bearings in the compressor to cause the heat. Or, how is ...
central air	7/30/2007
Q: My central air unit seems to be working fine, however Im having a lot of water pouring out of the ... A: Stopped up condensate drain Everett. Usually, it`s at the mouth of the drain pan under the coil. ...
Warm Air - Compressor Short Cycling	7/29/2007
Q: Howard, We woke up this morning to a warm house (and a complaining 3 year old grandson!). Warm air ... A: That sounds just like a switch tripping off the compressor due to a low freon amount. Best call a ...
Not Cooling After Power Outage	7/28/2007
Q: After a couple of brief power outages, my unit quit blowing cold air. I have tried setting the ... A: Hope the unit wasn`t running when the outage struck. That is really hard on a compressor.It may take ...
Contact Switch Burns Out Often	7/22/2007
Q: I recently replaced a contact switch in my central air unit. After the unit started running again I ... A: I`m thinking the cause of the new contactor failing was the cause of the failure with the old one. ...
can't find a/c leak	7/22/2007
Q: We purchased a home a little over a year ago (3yrs old). It was too cold to properly inspect the a/c ... A: Oh, you bring back not-too-good memories about the same kind of problem you have.And guess where the ...
AC trips circuit breaker often	7/21/2007
Q: I have a Trane xe 1000 unit. About once per day, the two circuit breakers that control the AC ... A: Yes there is, Gerard, Feel the breakers while the unit is running. Are they overly warm to hot? ...
Booster Fan add-on	7/21/2007
Q: Your Question was: I have a ground source heat pump which works well except for our only 2nd ... A: Connect wires to the R & G terminals at the thermostat or at the furnace. Connect these wires to the ...
Furnace pipe plugged	7/20/2007
Q: Today my 3 year old son put a bunch of rocks in one of the pipes coming out of our heating furnace. ... A: And you thought the terrible two`s was over !! Sorry, Erin that I don`t understand what pipe that ...
furnace won't turn on	7/20/2007
Q: okay... here it goes... this may be long and at length... i have a weather king gas furnace and ... A: Electrical problems are tricky but I can give you all the things to test to try to find the problem. ...
New Trane systems not cold	7/19/2007
Q: Replaced two 19 yrs old Carrier systems with two Trane systems five days ago. Same tonage on both AC ... A: Must live in FL for humidity like that! Cooling systems remove humidity first, then the heat ...
Frigidaire window air conditioner	7/18/2007
Q: I suspect that my window air conditioner may need refrigerant recharging. Can I do it myself? The ... A: Those things don`t have a service valve, Wayne. You need to add one that clamps on the suction line, ...
Unit freezes up at night or early morning	7/17/2007
Q: My sister-in-law has a goodman evap unit and ruud condenser. I checked evap. coil found unit on low ... A: You have to have a license to buy parts - usually. Never hurts to try a COD order tho.The fan relay ...
Smell coming out of air conditioning vents	7/17/2007
Q: I bought a brand new 17,100 BTU window unit. Ever since I bought it I have been smelling a plastic ... A: Lousy warranty, Susan.Probably would be difficult finding the problem of the smell. These newer ...
Air handler blower motor	7/16/2007
Q: Last season I called a tech to replace the blower motor in my home a/c. The technician showed and ... A: Most condenser fan motors run at 1100 rpm. But, it`s the amp draw that counts. The 1/3rd motor ...
Unit freezes up at night or early morning	7/16/2007
Q: My sister-in-law has a goodman evap unit and ruud condenser. I checked evap. coil found unit on low ... A: 2-4 deg superheat too low. Too much freon.I use 30 deg split between suction line temp & ...
Sand like white particles when I turn on the AC	7/16/2007
Q: Whenever I turn on my Air Conditioner. There is some tiny sand like white circular particles (it is ... A: Howdy from Texas, Wonder what kind of ducts you have? Flex, metal?? Or plenums?? If the plenums are ...
replaced units in condo with new trane	7/15/2007
Q: contractor replaced all but 1 bottom panel, that hides the pipes underneath, he used existing ones. ... A: Well, I`m stumped. I`m not acquainted with what panel you need.I presume it is a Trane part ?? If ...
Bryany ac heater dual pack	7/15/2007
Q: I have a bryant dual pack ground unit with a hunter digital thermostat, the thermostat seems to be ... A: Hey Mike, Thermal barrier 1st: Heat transfer is instantaneous. So if it is laying on the floor of ...
AC no cooling	7/14/2007
Q: My AC was not cooling three days ago. I called a service company. They checked and changed a Start ... A: A hard start capacitor is generally used to add voltage when the compressor starts when the ...
A/C blowing cool air but not cold air and I can feel the fan blowing even when the unit is off.	7/13/2007
Q: My A/C unit does not blow cold air even when I set the temp. at 70 degrees. The house does not cool ... A: Sounds like you have an electric furnace possibly causing your problem. What can happen is one ...
Hookiing up two thermostats	7/13/2007
Q: I have central air and forced hot air oil burner Thermo Pride. I believe the thermostat is 24v. I ... A: One tstat would use only the red & green wire from the furnace for fan only. The other one would be ...
leaking A coil Interthem	7/12/2007
Q: had tech out charged system, next day iced up 5lbs loss put die in found the leak in A coil the back ... A: Evaporator coils are exposed to heat/cold & that means expansion & contraction. Those coppertubes ...
Central air blower	7/11/2007
Q: Great service, thank you! I have a 4 year old Armstrong Air Ultra V Tech 80 in my home. Since I ... A: The blower is controlled by a circuit board with input from the thermostat. Lets test the fan ...
blower cuts out when a/c is turned on	7/11/2007
Q: working on goodman combo hvac and gas heatpump recharged unit have checked everything and what's ... A: Sounds like the fan shuts down fast, then the ice forms, then the compressor shuts down from a low ...
heat pump	7/10/2007
Q: Our house has a furnace and an outdoor heat pump. Today when the a/c clicked on the heat pump unit ... A: I would start with the contactor having burned points that can`t make contact. Locate it in the ...
Electric vs Propane and what size	7/9/2007
Q: We live in Indiana so we have big temp fluctuations. We currently have a Propane furnace but it is ... A: WOW !! That`s a huge heating bill.You would need about 4 -20 kw heating elements. That`s an 80 amp ...
Blower won't work	7/9/2007
Q: I have an Armstrong Ultra SX 80 furnace and an outside unit.The outside turns on like it should but ... A: ,The blower motor is controlled by the circuit board in the furnace. Does the fan run when the ON ...
carrier unit dripping water from evaporater	7/9/2007
Q: I have carrier unit, the evaporater dripping water into the area behind the intake (return air), I ... A: typical Summer problem.The evaporator coil needs to be removed & cleaned. I use a water hose in the ...
Fan will not start.	7/8/2007
Q: I recently had a radiant barrier applied in my attic. My attic space is very cramped. Three ... A: easy to connect your problem to guys crawling all over your attic but don`t feel that is the cause. ...
Heat pump won't start with temp below about 80	7/7/2007
Q: I have a Tempstar heat pump, model ch9525vka1, with a Honeywell ct70a1001 thermostat. We bought the ... A: John, I`ve sent your question to the question pool to see if anyone can solve your problem. I am at ...
Freon loss	7/7/2007
Q: I have a Trane XE-1000 heat pump, which is 14 years old. Three weeks ago it started leaking freon. ... A: Is he using a H-10 freon sniffer? They can detect an ounce/yr leak. The coil is usually where leaks ...
AC Follow Up	7/6/2007
Q: 6/26/07 Question I have a HVAC System that was installed in 01. After the AC runs for a few minutes ... A: Only thing I can say is when the thermostat is on auto, it is the thermostat that turns on the fan ...
Lennox 10ACB24-9P split system	7/5/2007
Q: Fan will not start, Compressor will not start, but humming. Contactor approx 230V In/Out. ... A: Ah, Lennox & their hidden switches. Look in the outside unit for a switch with a red push button ...
return supply	7/5/2007
Q: Just had a 5 ton A/C unit put into 2700 sq ft 1 story home. The only return vent is under the unit ... A: That other guy is an expert cause he told you correctly. Return air CAN NOT move 50 to 80 ft across ...
A/C handler in a bad garage location	7/4/2007
Q: I am currently building a 3500 sq ft. house in Caly County Florida and I just noticed that they've ... A: Me again Will, The only thing I can say about that installation is that is a mighty strange place to ...
York AC makes main-house-AC-breaker trips off; new house owner	7/4/2007
Q: when I try with capacitor & turns main house ac breaker on the fan turns one spin & main house ac ... A: Now I got it. The red wire to contactor is the other 220v leg, therefore has the white wire ...
Downstairs Air Conditioning	7/3/2007
Q: There is no air blowing downstairs. The thermostat kicks on and I can hear the compressor/condensor ... A: Don`t run the cooling without the inside fan.Check the auto type fuse on the circuit board in the ...
York AC makes main-house-AC-breaker trips off; new house owner	7/3/2007
Q: when I try with capacitor & turns main house ac breaker on the fan turns one spin & main house ac ... A: Boy, Kong that`s a lot of info!I don`t dig the "White to red to Contactor to C capacitor" The white ...
Rusted pan in air handler	7/3/2007
Q: My air handler has several problems. The 5 Mfd capacitor tests around 1.8 Mfd, and the secondary ... A: WOW ! That capacitor costs $3. Greed wins over all. Now here`s what to do for about $60 +/-. Pump ...
Fan blowing but no cool air	7/2/2007
Q: I have a Trane system. Model TWR036C100A1 I was getting cool air this afternoon, but by evening, ... A: You need some of this rain we are having in Texas. Almost broke a record for a wet June. Had rain 19 ...
goodman elec. ahu	7/2/2007
Q: Goodman parts are hard to come by here locally, can I replace the fan relay that looks like a ... A: Have not changed relays from a 5 pole to 6 pole in a looong time so had to test it again.Terminal 1 ...
Replacing Fan Motor of York HeatPump	7/1/2007
Q: I am replacing the Fan Motor of my York Heat Pump. The old motor had 3 wires (Purple, Brown and ... A: OK,Kamal let`s sort this out.You need to read the printing on the 2 capacitors to see if the mfd ...
York A/C with Gas heat, indoor fan not running.	6/30/2007
Q: The indoor fan motor doesn't kick on. Bought a new motor from A.O. Smith's cross refernce, but the ... A: Brown & brown with white strip goes to either lugs on the cap.Then 2 hot wires to power. One yellow ...
air conditioner	6/29/2007
Q: My house is 1800 sq ft and my unit is Arco Air and is less than 2 years old. The unit was in the ... A: The air temp at a mid range supply grille from the furnace ought to be about 55 deg. Did anyone ...
Inadequate AC unit	6/29/2007
Q: We have a 5200 s.f. house with the main floor being 2000sf, the lower level being 2000sf, and the ... A: The heat load on your house determines the cooling capacity needed to keep the house 30 deg cooler ...
Blower doesn't stop	6/28/2007
Q: I have a Lennox O23 furnace with a Lennox 10ACB condensing unit and C23 coil. About 1 month ago I ... A: You sure the thermostat switch for the fan is on auto ?? (never hurts to ask)Now, since you have ...
Inadequate AC unit	6/28/2007
Q: We have a 5200 s.f. house with the main floor being 2000sf, the lower level being 2000sf, and the ... A: Wonder where you live?? Your heat load is really small for the 6 tons total cooling.Your house sure ...
Air Conditioner Repair	6/27/2007
Q: I had a repairman out last week because central air unit was blowing hot air. He replaced what I ... A: The "start capacitor" he replaced is under HIS warranty. Unfortunately,that charge was a little high ...
low air flow	6/27/2007
Q: I have a Janitrol residential air handler model R43-00 (electric heat and cool) with a 3 ton ... A: Ya never know what maintenance has been performed on that system. Maybe none. Lack of filter changes ...
Air Conditioner not working	6/26/2007
Q: I have a mobile home and my air conditioner used to wotrk.. then after winter I tried to turn it on ... A: To begin, we need to confirm that there is power to the outside unit. Ought to be a circuit breaker ...
HVAC	6/26/2007
Q: I have a HVAC System that was installed in 01. After the AC runs for a few minutes it sounds as if ... A: Ya know, the thermostat is blamed too often & usually is not the problem.Your description of the ...
Blower fan doesn't stop	6/25/2007
Q: I replaced the filter in my A/C unit a few days ago and after putting the cover back in place the ... A: Boy Sonny, that`s a killer question! A key fact may be is this a circuit board controlled unit ?? ...
AC operation	6/25/2007
Q: My year old electric ac unit has a few seconds of fan operation then it hesitates a couple seconds ... A: I say "baloney".What happens if you turn on just the fan switch at the thermostat?? Hesitate ?? Do ...
Goodman and Wires	6/24/2007
Q: I have a goodman unit and the wires that come fropm the house have been chewed up from the previous ... A: You can`t believe how common that problem is with dogs. They will keep doing it for some strange ...
Suction King valve	6/23/2007
Q: I have a Corsaire by Rheem air condtionong unit. It has been running fine until the other night it ... A: Lock tite ??? Never heard of sealing a 175psi system with that !! The valve he was messin` with is a ...
Grinding noise at Compressor startup	6/23/2007
Q: I have a 6 month old matching Goodman 5 ton unit & coil with a 7 years old goodman Gas furnace. ... A: What`s the guy want to replace the inside blower for, the noise is outside! That motor surely can`t ...
AC unit and lightning	6/23/2007
Q: I did have a nearby lightning strike. No outside operation or inside fan. The fuze on the control ... A: Hey Frank, Not too good. Be sure & add a surge protector on the furnace.You have a fuse or ...
Grinding noise at Compressor startup	6/22/2007
Q: I have a 6 month old matching Goodman 5 ton unit & coil with a 7 years old goodman Gas furnace. ... A: I gather that this noise has recently started ??More than likely it would be a fan motor That could ...
Loose wire on outside compressor	6/21/2007
Q: I have a Trane XB1000 HVAC unit. After I opened the outside compressor to clean the coils, I ... A: Let`s start with cleaning the coils. Best way is with a water hose not spraying too hard & squirt ...
RE: Trane XL-80 furnace controls	6/21/2007
Q: I have a trane xl-80 two stage gas heating system with white rodgers 50A51-495 controls. when I try ... A: How about a good ground on the power supply?? Is the low voltage fuse seated in the sockets?? Is the ...
24 volt control circuit	6/20/2007
Q: unit will not come on checked volts at t stat from red to ground = 0 volts went to transformer had ... A: That`s a doozy of a question, Roy.Got to have some resistance somewhere. Try disconnecting the red ...
not cooling air	6/19/2007
Q: i live in a townhouse and i have a digital thermostat but do not know what brand my unit is, my home ... A: Hotter than Texas ?? You have lost freon. Got a leak somewhere, usually in the evaporator coil. Just ...
Dryer or not to dryer	6/19/2007
Q: I have an old gaffer and Sattler Central Air conditioning/gas heater on my roof. I beleive it is 2 ... A: He didn`t know what he was doing. You had a "burnout" of the compressor motor windings spewing ...
compressor contactor/thermostat	6/18/2007
Q: I have a 5year old Comfortmaker heat pump (scroll compressor) and I am having problems with the ... A: What triggers the defrost cycle? Sometimes it is an air pressure actuated switch sensing ice on the ...
AC power interrupter	6/18/2007
Q: Is there a power circuit interrupter to protect the compressor when the power is interrupted by a ... A: Yes, I`ve got one. It is a Honeywell thermostat sold at Home Depot. It`s round with a digital temp ...
Heating and AC unit	6/18/2007
Q: My new AC and Heating unit does not cycle on and off what is the problem A: Sometimes on a new installation the vibration will crack a weld on the copper piping. Lose some ...
Lennox AC model G23-31-1	6/17/2007
Q: I have zoned heating and cooling. both units are right next to each other. The G23-31-1 had water on ... A: Not likely that the water would have damaged anything. Need to find out if the compressor is running ...
AC: Varying supply air temperature	6/14/2007
Q: When the AC is running, I am getting different supply air temperature from different rooms. I have ... A: Those attics can be about 120 deg on a hot day. Different length duct runs can pick up more or less ...
A/C Units	6/14/2007
Q: I have a NOMA - 10,000 BTU A/C Unit. I havent had it for more than 2 months & its brand new. Anyways ... A: A/c units produce lots of condensate water & that`s about the only thing that could cause a smell.I ...
Outside unit will not run or runs sometimes	6/13/2007
Q: I have a carrier heat pump. I noticed a few days ago that I would hear a click or several clicks ... A: Did you test the unit by manually closing the contactor?? That test would localize the problem to ...
Air flow from a wall unit	6/13/2007
Q: We have an A/C unit (GE Model) through the wall unit, which blows and cools perfectly in an ... A: Well, well, something else, huh? So if the motor is running at full speed it has to be a stopped up ...
Water from air conditioning unit	6/13/2007
Q: We have a Rheem Classic 90 Plus furnace/air conditioner. Water is leaking from the bottom while our ... A: Typical Summer problem, condensate water leaking. Got a stopped up drain line.Open the panel in the ...
Mismatching SEER #'s	6/12/2007
Q: Can I use a SEER 13 condensing unit(a/c only) with a SEER 10 evaporator coil? If so will it shorten ... A: Good question, Pat. Some a/c companies here indicate the warranty is void unless the evaporator coil ...
Air flow from a wall unit	6/12/2007
Q: We have an A/C unit (GE Model) through the wall unit, which blows and cools perfectly in an ... A: Low voltage in the other apartments could cause that low air flow. Test both places for similar ...
AC not cooling to set temp	6/11/2007
Q: I have a Rheem heat pump unit. My AC blows cool air but does not reach the set temp. For example, if ... A: Wonder how much freon was added last year?? 1 to 2 lbs? small leak, 3 to 5 lbs, big leak.The ...
Rheem AC	6/10/2007
Q: I have an old rheem air conditioner that is working order, my question is I replaced the motor for ... A: You have a short to ground on the motor. Usually this short is in the windings but may be from an ...
Central AC unit --- contactor releasing	6/10/2007
Q: Howard, I have an old Central AC unit about 25-27 years old. I have replaced the fan motor about a ... A: I`ll bet a switch in the outside unit is stopping the unit.You probably have both high & low ...
Lennox GCS fan runs continuously	6/9/2007
Q: The fan on my Lennox GCS20R-411-75-4P runs continuously. The compressor starts and stops ... A: Goofyis the fan switch on the thermostat in the ON position ?? How about exposing the wires on the ...
Squeaky A/C	6/9/2007
Q: We have a 15 year old Luxaire Delux high efficiency unit. Model # PCMU-LD12NO57B (I am not positive ... A: That unit uses a belt ?? Bet it is a direct drive. Assume the motor squeaking is the inside blower ...
Trane XL weathertron heat pump	6/8/2007
Q: I received a used Trane weathertron heat pump with the heat pump feature disabled by rerouting of ... A: Wow, a freebie !! Is there a visible schematic on the access door ?? Suggest get one, if none ...
Heat works but not A/C	6/7/2007
Q: I have a 7 year old Carrier Heater and A/C Went to turn on A/C today and nothing happens. I can ... A: This time of the year when the a/c is first turned on the common problem is low on freon.You need a ...
Trane XE 1000	6/7/2007
Q: I have a Trane that is almost 10 years old and suddenly it does not blow cold air. The Fan runs and ... A: You need to check it with a set of gages connected to the high & low side to really tell what`s ...
Lennox Model HS19-511-6P	6/6/2007
Q: First off I would like to say thank you for your time in answering this question. Now I bought a ... A: It`s all about money, right ?? These guys nowdays will sell you a new unit even if it`s 4 yrs old!! ...
HVAC	6/6/2007
Q: Here's the thing. I have a uncle who put in a new 2.5ton 13 seer gas pac in his home during the ... A: Some good rules of thumb. For a 1000 sq ft house a 2 ton cooling system is good.A right size system ...
New blower motor trips breaker	6/5/2007
Q: Howard, I have a Lennox dual pack/4 ton unit approximately 20 years old. Replaced the compressor ... A: Hey Rob, That higher amp rating is the permissible amp draw, so the new motor should be pulling only ...
Trane XE1000 - short somewhere?	6/4/2007
Q: Trane XE1000 - Model TTR048C100A2 Noticed no cold air, then noticed that breaker was tripped. Tried ... A: One more try,Eric. Cases like this I drag out my $150 ohm meter(35 yrs ago, analog) & put it on ...
Outside unit will not run or runs sometimes	6/4/2007
Q: I have a carrier heat pump. I noticed a few days ago that I would hear a click or several clicks ... A: Sounds like another switch in the outside unit is the culprit causing the contactor to cycle.One is ...
dual zone systems cost & issues	6/4/2007
Q: I am finishing an attic & the concerned about AC in this third story room. The contractor has just ... A: How much insulation is there on the ceiling of the new room ?? Lots I hope. Figure this: Rule of ...
Heil central air conditioning fan	6/3/2007
Q: Two yellow wires on the outside fan unit on our Heil 10 central air conditioner were disconnected ... A: Those 2 wires are normally the 24 volt connection to the outside unit. They connect to the red & ...
Blower Motor	6/2/2007
Q: The blower motor on my unit has been making strange noises when starting and stopping while running ... A: Classic symptoms of bad bearings on the motor. Best way to tell is to pull the blower assembly by ...
Carrier 58PAV	6/2/2007
Q: I have a Carrier 58PAV Upflow furnace / A/C. The drain was clogged on the primary and the pan filled ... A: Yo Daron,I think you may have a wire in the thermostat shorted to another wire. The draft motor is ...
Trane XE1000 - short somewhere?	6/2/2007
Q: Trane XE1000 - Model TTR048C100A2 Noticed no cold air, then noticed that breaker was tripped. Tried ... A: Little slow responding today. Yard work. You need to ohm the compressor for a shorted motor. Isolate ...
transformer hook-up for 1980 era gas furnace	6/1/2007
Q: We have a singer gas furnace installed in 1980. The original transformer burned out a few weeks ago. ... A: Do you mean 4 wires total from the transformer?? If I dig you right, the 6 wire new one has 2 wires ...
control transformer failure	6/1/2007
Q: I have 3 amana units. One of the units stopped working and I found a blown fuse. I replaced the ... A: you have a dead short in a 24 volt control circuit. Start outside checking the control wires from ...
Air Conditioning outside Unit not Running	5/31/2007
Q: Trane 3 ton XE 1000 AC unit running ok this morning. Came home and noticed no cooling in the ... A: Is that oil below the access panel to the electrical stuff?? Bet so. Remove the panel & check the ...
Humming Sound Every 4 Minutes	5/30/2007
Q: I have an elite 90 gas fired heater by Lennox. While the thermostat is on off position I noticed ... A: A coil of wire that is energized can make a humming sound.That furnace has lots of "stuff" on it so ...
Pkg Unit Blower only works with heat not A/C	5/30/2007
Q: I have a 1 yr old (ICP) Comfortmaker PAM342K00A1 3.5 ton Pkg unit w/ 10kw heat strip. Blower motor ... A: Heat fan & cool fan 2 different circuits controlled by a NO & NC relay on the circuit board. The ...
rheem 6 year old ac unit not running	5/30/2007
Q: i have 3 ac units for my house. the guys that put it in "were not the best" as i have been told by ... A: Need to run several tests that can isolate the problem. One: Turn the fan switch on the thermostat ...
Lennox AC unit outside not responding	5/29/2007
Q: I have a Lennox Elite CB29M unit that recently I noticed was blowing only warm air throughout the ... A: There is a dead short to ground somewhere.Was the compressor running when you went outside to check ...
HVAC outside unit has quit!	5/29/2007
Q: Outside unit has quit running, totally. Nothing. AC will blow air inside, but the outside unit ... A: Remove the access panel on the unit to the electrical controls. Locate & manually press in the ...
Air Conditioner STOPPED	5/27/2007
Q: I have a Rheem 14 seer central system. Than is all I know about it. Yesterday the house was hot ... A: Have a close lightning strike ?? Bet there is a circuit board in the outside unit, they are sure ...
Trane Heat Pump Failure	5/27/2007
Q: Our 3 yr old Trane heat pump failed to provide cold air this week. I is a 4 ton XR12 Trane unit. ... A: Not a un common problem, Jan, but unusual on a 3 yr old system. Fan blade could have been defective ...
Air flow	5/27/2007
Q: I have a Carrier central air unit that runs great in the winter when the unit is heating the house. ... A: Well, that`s interesting, Charles.You have a 3 speed motor there, black wire is high,blue the next, ...
Heat Pump Problem!	5/26/2007
Q: I have a 22 year old Heat Pump (TRANE) brand. Went to turn it on for the AIR Conditioning, for this ... A: good questions.Need to test the freon. Outside fan running can mask that whether the compressor is ...
AC fuse box	5/26/2007
Q: Howard, I have a fuse box located outside (next to my AC unit--central air) that contains two fuses ... A: You brave gal, Diane. Dead short caused the sparks. I`m curious about reversing the fuses.Are the ...
AC - Trane with Honeywell TH8000 Thermostat	5/26/2007
Q: I have a Trane outdoor condenser with in ceiling air handler; Honeywell TH8000 Thermostat. ... A: Expose the thermostat wires & jump across red & green wire to test. I would expect the trouble is in ...
ac blows hot air after circuit breaker trips	5/25/2007
Q: i live in an apartment and my circuit breaker for the ac seems to trip often. i re-set the breaker ... A: When it is running OK, feel the circuit breaker & see if it is hot to the touch. If, not the ...
Dog ate thermostat wire	5/24/2007
Q: Ok, kind of a long story here. My dog chewed the thermostat wire out of the outside central air ... A: I used to make a lot of money fixing wires chewed on by dogs! Once they do that they never stop. ...
blower motor	5/24/2007
Q: the blower will not work, when it calls for it to run it just has a hum. Is the problem the blower ... A: Several things to test. Turn off power to the furnace, remove lwr access door. Manually spin blower ...
Central Air not working	5/24/2007
Q: I turned my a/c on for the first time this year and it is kicking on the heater. It is blowing hot ... A: Not an uncommon problem, Tina. It is usually a shorted wire in the thermostat. Remove the cover & ...
High current draw AC unit off	5/23/2007
Q: With thermostat satisfied, a high amp load (70+ amps)dims the lights in the house for about 2 ... A: I would feel the breaker when the cool is running & see if it `s hot. The loose wire could have ...
heat pump	5/23/2007
Q: Howard I have a goodman heat pump pakage unit Mod #phk024-1 when I put T'stat red and yellow ... A: I led you astray on my last answer. The wires to the contactor do not come directly from the ...
A/C not blowing	5/23/2007
Q: I am a new homeowner with a completely renovated home. I have a one year old Trane air condition ... A: Lack of freon can cause icing of the whole system.This blocks air thru the evaporator coil. If ...
Hvac goodman ck42-1c	5/22/2007
Q: Outside unit quit. Fan motor extremely hot but blades are free. I'm waiting to let it cool down to ... A: Test the run capacitor first. Got a VOM? Use the highest ohm setting & test across the terminal ...
ac problem/son	5/21/2007
Q: my sons Trane XE1200 ac unit's fan works, but outside compressor wont work, reset breaker, nothing, ... A: Need to test compressor run capacitor first. Then retest. Test next after trying to start up, the ...
Ice is blocking the tube	5/21/2007
Q: I turned on the A/C unit and within 2-3 hours the coil is frozen. Therefore no air goes thru the ... A: You have lost some freon Luis. The inside coil is icing also, blocking the air. The tech needs to ...
Goodman CK42-1C	5/21/2007
Q: I live in Houston, and have a Goodmand CK42-1C that works very well overall. I had the coils ... A: I wondered about that word windy,Marc. The freon liquid line going to the coil could make a noise ...
Goodman CK42-1C	5/20/2007
Q: I live in Houston, and have a Goodmand CK42-1C that works very well overall. I had the coils ... A: that is a head scratcher.Something funny about that "windy" sound. I`m thinking that the motor is ...
220 vs. 110 advantage for thru-the-wall ac unit	5/20/2007
Q: I am about to purchase a 15,000 btu thru-the-wall air conditioner to be installed in a bedroom. My ... A: Voltage is equivalent to pressure in a water hose. The more the pressure, the smaller the motor can ...
Tri-zone LG Multisplit	5/19/2007
Q: Tri-zone LG Multisplit 13 SEER 3 indoor units, one outdoor. Units a and b work fine; spitting ice ... A: Never have experienced a 3 split system so all I could presume is that unit c superheat is off maybe ...
Bryant Plus 90 Furnace	5/19/2007
Q: I am having trouble getting my HE furnace to light. When heat is call for from the thermostat I ... A: First thought, Kyle is that the pilot orifice is plugged.You proved the gas is flowing from the gas ...
Heil air reduction	5/19/2007
Q: We are having an issue with our Heil model H8MPN075F16A A/C (2 years old). On warm days (80F) the ... A: That problem smacks of a freon loss causing icing of the evaporator coil blocking off the ...
ac unit	5/18/2007
Q: We have an trane central air & heating unit installed when the house was built 1999. Last year the ... A: Your description fits the problem of a freon leak. How many pounds of freon was added at the recent ...
compressor contactor/thermostat	5/18/2007
Q: I have a 5year old Comfortmaker heat pump (scroll compressor) and I am having problems with the ... A: The simple test of manually closing the contactor tells you it is a control circuit problem.I`ll bet ...
duct size	5/17/2007
Q: Is there a general guideline on the size of the duct that should be going to each room? That is, 8" ... A: Duct sizing is a function of Bernoulli`s Equation for airflow in ducts. That equation applied to ...
Lennox G40UH(X) series gas furnace	5/16/2007
Q: We have zoned heating/A/C. Over the past couple of days, although we're not heating or cooling, one ... A: If that is the outside unit running all the time you probably have a stuck contactor. Don`t let it ...
evap cooler	5/16/2007
Q: I just replaced my roof top cooler, rewired it like the diagram said, but now when turned on the ... A: Not really acquainted with your cooler but a motor that does that can be a capacitor run & if so the ...
central ac	5/16/2007
Q: I turned on my 7 year old central air for the first time this year and the blower started blowing ... A: Sounds like a locked rotor in the compressor if that was the compressor you heard. Did the hum stop ...
outside unit not working	5/15/2007
Q: My air conditioner wasn't cooling the house, I looked outside and the outdoor fan unit wasn't ... A: Don`t mess with this guy, he wants money.Yes, the outside unit can be replaced separately. A heat ...
Air Conditioner Fan blows but no air comes through the vents	5/15/2007
Q: I have a Heil air conditioner. When it cycles on, the fan is running, but no air comes through the ... A: A rip off at $300. That`s about a $60 motor. Take the motor out yourself. Cut the wires to the ...
10 year old Nite&Day air cond dead	5/15/2007
Q: I have can see the 220V relay operate correctly and I've replaced the capacitor but still neither ... A: Got a voltmeter?? Test for 240 volts on the inlet side at the contactor & 24 volts at the contactor ...
A/C Compressor Won't Start	5/14/2007
Q: Howard, my wife and I purchased a pre-owned home in January. Due to about 3 feet of snow on the ... A: The fan switch on the thermostat sure should turn on the inside fan when turned on. That is the red ...
central air not cooling	5/14/2007
Q: Ontario and I have a 1.5 ton keeprite central air conditioner that runs steady. My house is 900 ... A: One test you can do may give a clue as to why it runs all the time on cooling. You will need a good ...
AC compressor capacitor.	5/13/2007
Q: I have and ancient "Singer" AC central air unit. Has always worked great. This season when ... A: My philosophy is to run `em till they die! Does ancient mean 18 to 20 years?? If so, & it is the ...
Air Conditioner Fan blows but no air comes through the vents	5/13/2007
Q: I have a Heil air conditioner. When it cycles on, the fan is running, but no air comes through the ... A: You need to spin the blower manually with the power off to test the bearings. If it spins freely it ...
Goodman CK42-1C condensate pan	5/12/2007
Q: The condensate pan in my unit appears to be rusted out because I have a puddle of water from under ... A: Condensate water leaks can come from dirt on the coil or a rusted drain pan. Either one, the coil ...
Goodman CK42-1C	5/12/2007
Q: fan will come on but the unit will not cool. unit sits outside with the heating unit in the attic ... A: I see the desert is heating up, time for cooling, huh? Sounds like you are low on freon assuming the ...
air filters	5/11/2007
Q: How often should air condition filters be changed? Thank you A: Good question. My usual answer is: whenever they need it.Mark the time for a new filter & say check ...
ac furnace runs only on "ON" position	5/11/2007
Q: Howard I have a problem with my ac furnace, It will turn on and stay running only, when I set the ... A: I`ll bet you have a digital thermostat?? Hear this problem quite often. First, you need to prove ...
Air Conditioner Fan blows but no air comes through the vents	5/11/2007
Q: I have a Heil air conditioner. When it cycles on, the fan is running, but no air comes through the ... A: Hey Jeff, I presume this is a new problem?? So let`s see how many things can cause this. First, is ...
central air	5/5/2007
Q: I have a Janitrol model GMP100-5. The fan will not turn off. What do I need to do to get it to turn ... A: I presume you`re talking about the inside fan??? Thermostat switch off??? Find the fan relay & tap ...
heat pump with air handler	5/5/2007
Q: Howard I love to read your guys experts opinion I have a heat pump that won't work has 24V to the ... A: You need some freon. Normal low side pressures are about 70 psi at 85 to 90 ambient.Always indicates ...
units needed	5/5/2007
Q: how many units or size of unit is needed to cool a two story home A: 500 sq/ ft. per ton is a good rule of thumb. A 2 story home DEFINITERLY needs 1 unit upstairs & 1 ...
Central A/C condensor freezing up	5/4/2007
Q: I live in FL and have a Janitrol central A/C system, 8 years old, that has an outside condensing ... A: Ice forms from lack of freon or too low airflow.Filter clean?? Good airflow from the supply air ...
Heat pump problem	5/4/2007
Q: Howard, I have a 5 year old Comfortmaker heat pump (2 ton 10 SEER) that has stopped working. When ... A: That sweating compressor does show it is running too cold. Now you would know that the cold air ...
Heat pump problem	5/3/2007
Q: Howard, I have a 5 year old Comfortmaker heat pump (2 ton 10 SEER) that has stopped working. When ... A: I`d say it`s definitely the rotor is locked in the compressor.No doubt the compressor is a Copeland. ...
digital thermostat	5/2/2007
Q: I installed a new hunter digital thermostat.. everything seems to be working just fine .. except ... A: Hey Cheri, I congratulate you for changing out the t`stat yourself. I`m a do-it-yourselfer too & get ...
heat pump with air handler	5/2/2007
Q: Howard I love to read your guys experts opinion I have a heat pump that won't work has 24V to the ... A: Lets go thru some "could be`s" for you to test. You have a control circuit problem for sure. Could ...
HVAC - A/C	5/1/2007
Q: Howard, I turned on my A/C for the first time last night. The outside unit turned on and copper ... A: That is a different circuit for the heat fan than the cool fan. Sounds like the fan relay. Cool fan ...
THERMOSTAT	4/30/2007
Q: HAD A SIMPLE COMFORT 2200 THAT HAD BATTERIES / REPLACE WITH A S C 2201 / PROBLEM / DISPLAY GOES OUT ... A: Shoot, Edward, attics are a big part of the business.A transformer cost about $10 so check out the ...
Replacing Compressor Contactor	4/29/2007
Q: I have a RUUD A/C unit where the outdoor fan motor will not start. I checked voltages at the fuse ... A: Maybe. Some a/c supply houses will sell COD to anyone. Others not. You have to know exactly what you ...
ac blower	4/28/2007
Q: I have a goodman 3 ton heatpump model# ph036-10 that heats and cools fine but sometimes the blower ... A: Hey Robert, Check the thermostat next. If you have it in auto & cool,the thermostat turns on the ...
DICO Thermostat	4/27/2007
Q: When in cool/auto mode, the thermostat will not allow setting below 73. It goes uu fine, but stops ... A: I`m not acquainted with that brand of thermostat. I presume it is a mercury bulb controlled ...
Heil split unit central air conditioner	4/26/2007
Q: Howard: My air conditioner quit blowing cold air last night. I removed the side panel of the inside ... A: Hey Frank, Not enough freon. Where did it go?? Most likely the leak is in the evaporator coil. Look ...
Rheem outside package unit heat pump	4/26/2007
Q: Howard, The unit is about 15 yrs. old and installed in 1992 new. When the AC is on, sometimes ... A: The blower motor(inside air) is controlled by the thermostat for cool thru the green wire at the ...
Thermostats dying one by one	4/25/2007
Q: We have hot water heat and had absolutely no problems until we had our boiler cleaned at the end of ... A: Down here they were primarily in apartment buildings & those people never did pay on time. So I will ...
Rheem HVAC	4/24/2007
Q: Howard, I have an 18 yr old Carrier Gas Furnace and Central Air system for my 3-level townhouse in ... A: Hey Brant, Sounds like the contractor needs money for his new car? Why not replace the evaporator ...
Cold/Hot Rooms	4/24/2007
Q: We purchased a "new" home this past fall and have continuing problems with hot/cold rooms no matter ... A: Air distribution is so critical for the longevity of a system & you have hit it head on. The method ...
Start capacitor?	4/22/2007
Q: I have a 10 year old trane xl 1100 split system. A few months ago the outside unit quit running, as ... A: That is a typical failure of a grounded compressor. But first the capacitor need testing, even ...
air conditioning unit	4/22/2007
Q: my comercial a/c uit will not turn on. a new thermostat was installed a month ago. It worked fine , ... A: First lesson to diagnose is start at the power source. Both 220/120 & 24 volt. Maybe a bad ...
A/C vent locations	4/20/2007
Q: I am selecting a vendor to install a/c - 2nd floor central system through attic, air handler in ... A: Hey Brian, The practice I followed all these years is select a place on the ceiling, not more than 2 ...
Will a faster condenser fan speed hurt?	4/20/2007
Q: I need to replace a condenser fan on a heatpump. The old OEM motor is an A.O. Smith with three ... A: Don`t recall ever seeing a motor running at 665 rpm. Usually is 825. You need to match that ...
OK to install a mixed system?	4/19/2007
Q: I need to replace my Air handler. The coil has a BIG leak. 1500 Sq ft, current system is a 3 to ... A: Why not just replacing the leaking coil?? I would stay with Lennox. Trane stuff is very expensive to ...
burnt boards	4/17/2007
Q: Howard, My gf has a carrier 395. the inducer bd burnt up and damaged the connector, replaced it ... A: Two things to check. First, is the gas valve & main gas turned on? Second, remove the flame sensor, ...
Split ductless air conditioners (thru wall)	4/17/2007
Q: I have a very small house with no ductwork, it is all electric heat through either baseboards or ... A: Sorta expensive but a sleeve unit, like motels use would work for you.Or you could cut a hole in a ...
Central AC Blower	4/15/2007
Q: I have a whirlpool package unit aprox 20yrs old. Can't find a model#. The blower runs ok when I put ... A: The thermostat controls the blower when in auto position & cooling. If the stat is digital, they can ...
burnt boards	4/14/2007
Q: Howard, My gf has a carrier 395. the inducer bd burnt up and damaged the connector, replaced it ... A: WOW, never heard of such repairs to a cb before.We just replace them. Ya know it takes a computer ...
coil leak	4/14/2007
Q: I want to know the guidelines on checking a coil leak. My repaireman said i could have a coil leak. ... A: Sounds like he doesn`t know what he`s doing! The only noise on the outside unit that can be caused ...
air is cool @ blower but not @ vents	4/12/2007
Q: Mr. Livingston I live in a double wide mobile home, when i turn on the intertherm ac the outside ... A: Sounds like a duct problem somewhere. I presume you have an attic in the MHome containing the supply ...
Schematic - Fan Relay for Electric Furnace	4/11/2007
Q: I have an adobe attachment of a scan of the schematic for my electric furnace. I can't find where in ... A: Let`s see if this helps.There are 2 kinds of relays, but in the same case. They are about 1" x 2". ...
Afue ratings	4/7/2007
Q: I have two Janitrol (Goodman) natural gas forced air furnaces in my house that are roughly 17 years ... A: I don`t have access to that AFUE rating. What`s wrong with the old furnaces?? 17 years is not old ...
coil leak	4/7/2007
Q: I want to know the guidelines on checking a coil leak. My repaireman said i could have a coil leak. ... A: YES. He`s right. In my working days I felt like I was working for Texaco I pumped so much ...
Carrier aux heat lock out	4/6/2007
Q: Has anyone encountered problems with lock out on new carrier units? I have two 2 ton carrier units ... A: You are the first I have heard from about this type problem. Not acquainted with that model Carrier ...
Gas Pack Blower Reverses from Ait to Heat	4/6/2007
Q: Howard, I have a 6 Ton Gas Pack unit outside the house. A month ago I had to change the blower ... A: I call a blower motor the one that supplies air to the house. Is this the one you changed?? Also, is ...
HVAC Fin Comb	4/3/2007
Q: My fins need combed, is this typically something a home owner can do themselves if they buy a comb? ... A: You need a fin comb that matches the spacing on the coils. Go to a supply house for a/c to get one. ...
Thermostat / Condenser Wire connection	4/2/2007
Q: The wire has been cut from the thermostat to the condenser in the exterior brick wall cavity... We ... A: 24 volts won`t cause a fire, no problem. The easiest way, unfortunately, is to knock out a brick or ...
NO BLOWER IN AC MODE	4/1/2007
Q: The heating works fine, but when I set the t-stat to COOL the outside unit comes on and I can hear ... A: The fan(blower, we call it) doesn`t work in auto or on? A blower relay has failed.Now, if you have ...
Thermostat Power	4/1/2007
Q: I just moved into a house that has been vacant for awhile. the compressor won't come on unless i ... A: I would go to the furnace terminals for low voltage wiring to confirm the wire colors. The blue & ...
home a/c	3/31/2007
Q: My home is 9 years old and I have a service contract on the furnace-a/c unit since new. The a/c was ... A: No, there is about a quart of oil in the compressor. Wonder why there was a bit more oil in the ...
upright freezer burning smell	3/31/2007
Q: "My upright freezer that I keep in the garage has a burning smell coming from the back side. ... A: I`m not in the freezer dept., only HVAC but can say you probably have a fan motor that smoked. ...
Will Booster Fan solve my problem	3/30/2007
Q: I recently had about 50' of 8" duct ran from my plenium to my garage I converted to a room. I don't ... A: Too much resistance in 50 ft. If the duct was flexible, is the run pretty straight? Lots of ...
Hvac contactor	3/29/2007
Q: I would like to know can contactor energize to pass 220 power but not be passing 24 volts to the ... A: The reversing valve is controlled by the thermostat with 24 volts. You can have a 110/220 coil on ...
Cental A/C kicking on and off rapidly	3/29/2007
Q: 1994 mobile home with Coleman/Evcon.at end of cooling cycle it will try to turn off,but will kick on ... A: Sounds like a thermostat problem. Mobile homes should have a mechanical switch thermostat. Yours ...
bad smell from air vents	3/28/2007
Q: We turned on our air for the first time about 4 days ago. About day 2 I noticed a bad smell, like ... A: I`ve seen dead snakes in a third floor furnace = electrocuted! You must have a return air grille ...
Sears model 867.816940 AC Condensing Unit has loud buzz, won't run	3/27/2007
Q: Just activated my AC unit for the season. Inside blower runs when moving thermostat down to ... A: AllExperts weree supposed to send my answer to you to test my problem with them. Sorry `bout that. ...
Sears model 867.816940 AC Condensing Unit has loud buzz, won't run	3/26/2007
Q: Just activated my AC unit for the season. Inside blower runs when moving thermostat down to ... A: Yo Jason, I presume neither the compressor AND the fan motor not working from your description. I ...
need help with ac/thermostat	3/26/2007
Q: My ac quit working a few days ago, after a little searching I found a blown fuse (5a) on a small ... A: Probably you had a short in the low voltage control circuit wires & didn`t need another thermostat. ...
discrepancy between upstairs and downstairs temp	3/26/2007
Q: We have a two story house and the first floor gets cool but the second floor stays hot. With the ... A: Heat rises, cold air sinks. The problem will reverse in the Winter. Open the downstairs vents just a ...
HVAC	3/25/2007
Q: We had a new heating and air unit put in around Nov. of last year. The heating works great, but ... A: Need to test the freon. Got a gauge? Maybe had a leak & lost it all & a low pressure switch has it ...
No power to thermostat	3/25/2007
Q: 2 days ago my downstairs thermostat appeared to simply stop working..i have a goodman AC unit and ... A: Sounds like a dead transformer. Test the voltage output on BOTH sides of the transformer with the ...
Heat Pump/Diagnosis/Reccomendation	3/24/2007
Q: Extremely informative (but he's on vacation) so Im writing you. My heat pump failed, and I think Im ... A: Les, You didn`t receive my previous seething reply about AHS ?? My second reply was the "software ...
icing	3/24/2007
Q: i have 3 unit 5TR floor mounted split type aircondition the problem is the compressor was icing ... A: correct diagnosis on your filter. So if the icing is occurring at the compressor there must be a ...
amana gas furnace electical diagram.	3/22/2007
Q: I have an older model that has run well for 15 years. I just moved in and am renovating the house ... A: I a charter member of the transformer smoke club! Here are the standard colors & places. R = ...
HVAC WHISTLE	3/22/2007
Q: When my whole house a/c cycles off, I get a high pitched whistle coming from inside the air handler ... A: Got to be an air leak. Can someone be at the furnace & another at the thermostat? If so, turn "cool" ...
Heat Pump auto reset device?	3/22/2007
Q: I live in a large condominium with water chillers on the roof and air handlers in my unit. They are ... A: Yes, I am sure there are digital or analog timers that will do that. The HVAC commercial equipment ...
looking for circuit board	3/21/2007
Q: I have a forced air with cooling unit. The name on the side is Concord, let me get to the question ... A: I have never heard of that brand. I would check the nameplate for a location & try to contact them. ...
electronic ignition gas furnace	3/21/2007
Q: the hot-surface gas ignitor on my furnace comes on and glows. the burners will light but will not ... A: The most common flaw in these furnaces. The flame sensor needs cleaning. It is a small metal rod ...
no heat	3/20/2007
Q: my questin is,,the fan will run but no fire to the burners...its a relatively new furqnce,,, with ... A: Does the combustion air blower motor run? Does the igniter glow? Need to know if these events are ...
Ruud Heat Pump	3/20/2007
Q: I have 24 volts at the outside unit but the unit only comes on when I push down on the 220 volt ... A: Wire colors can be different on different brands so I would be helpless seeing a circuit board. You ...
HVAC air handler question	3/20/2007
Q: Howard, My compressor on my unit is not turning on. I had a HVAC tech look at my unit and he said ... A: Oh boy, Charlie, too common a problem on evaporator coils. True that only 10 SEER stuff is ...
a/c wont cool down my house	3/20/2007
Q: i have 850 sq foot second story room, w/ a 3ton furnace and a 1.5 coil and ac. temp inside 74, out ... A: Not quite enough information George for a positive diagnosis but I`ll do my best. If all is OK with ...
Gas furnace	3/19/2007
Q: I have a 1996 Gas Rheem furnace sometimes it takes 30 minutes to come on after the thermostat sends ... A: You need to read the voltage between R & W at the circuit board on the furnace to test if the ...
new residential A/C & furnace...	3/19/2007
Q: My mother is looking to replace her A/C and furnace and she has been quoted the following: Rheem, ... A: 3 1/2 ton, 75k btu is OK for 1800 sq.ft. IF, she hasn`t had problems in being comfortable in every ...
outside A/C unit problems	3/19/2007
Q: My husband and I live in a rental house with electric heating/cooling units. The one inside works ... A: You have a common problem having an electric furnace. A heat relay is stuck closed, causing an ...
Ruud Heat Pump	3/19/2007
Q: I have 24 volts at the outside unit but the unit only comes on when I push down on the 220 volt ... A: Yo Steve, You have a control circuit problem diagnosed by what you did. Now, it may be simple, maybe ...
a/c lines to heat pump	3/19/2007
Q: i have started a prject of removing an lp furnace and installing an electric furnacein the process i ... A: You are right about the freon flow. But it`s like "you do what ya gotta do" to install this ...
Gas furnace	3/18/2007
Q: I have a 1996 Gas Rheem furnace sometimes it takes 30 minutes to come on after the thermostat sends ... A: I need to know more about your furnace to try & give you an answer. If it is a high efficiency ...
Honeywell RTH 7000 Thermostat	3/17/2007
Q: I hope you can help me because it's going to be 95 here in AZ today! I have a RTH 7000 Thermostat ... A: Let`s check the wiring in the thermostat first. Electric stuff is hard to return. Usually won`t. Did ...
new HVAC install	3/17/2007
Q: My question is regarding choosing a HVAC system for a house that has no existing system. My main ... A: You amaze me with your knowledge !!! I never get that much info on a question either.There can be a ...
Cross Reference for Wiring a remote Thermostat	3/14/2007
Q: Good Day... I have finaly got around to my office in the barn. I purchased a PTHP Sanyo STW-2 and ... A: Reasonably sure these terminals are the match between the 2 thermostats. I assume the FDC is for the ...
central air system	3/12/2007
Q: central air system gets frozen and does not htrow enough air flow to the inside of the house. what ... A: You have a freon leak OR your air filter needs changing. Two things that cause a cooling system to ...
empire propane room heater	3/11/2007
Q: I e-mailed you about the pilot light going out.I thought the wind was blowing it out but I was ... A: The pilot flame is not hitting the thermocouple when the burners shut off. I would even guess that ...
Furnance won't work	3/8/2007
Q: I have a question about my 4 years old Rheem Criterion II Gas furnance serial no. 49875. It does not ... A: Got some diagnosing to do. Those red LED`s blinking can give you a clue to the problem by counting ...
furnace	3/5/2007
Q: I have gas furnace, the blower motor is making grinding noise. I wonder if i can oil it and how can ... A: Run another test for bearings. Turn off the power, reach in & spin the wheel by hand after shaking ...
Propane leak in my furnace?	3/2/2007
Q: So I believe i have a propane leak in my home furnace. So I turned off the inside gas line and my ... A: The soot problem needs fixing before you fire up the furnace again due to the CO emissions emitted ...
Wireing new thermostat	3/1/2007
Q: white,blue and yellow is extra but now what I did is hooked up the red to R the white to W and the ... A: Standard colors used are: R for red, power, G for green for the fan switch, W for White, heat, Y for ...
Rheem heater	2/27/2007
Q: My rheem gas heater lights but when it comes time for the fan to turn on there is a loud hum and the ... A: Does the motor run when you turn the fan switch on at the thermostat? If so, the motor is bad & need ...
Goodan Furnance doesn't reset	2/25/2007
Q: I have a Goodman (Janitrol) Furnace Model GMP125-4 serial # 9404117191 apx 12 years old Honeywell ... A: Hey Sandi, Your problem description can only lead me to that 25 cent door power switch! But ...
burner limit	2/25/2007
Q: I have a 90% upflow gas furnace approx. 5 yrs. old with a honeywell 406650 control board. The ... A: I suspect the flame sensor is not sensing a flame & shuts off the gas. The sensor is a small metal ...
Why would cause one loud vent?	2/25/2007
Q: I was looking for some help. We have a 3 ton HVAC unit with 5 ducts sending air. Two of them are 8", ... A: Let`s start with "system requirements" A 3 ton furnace produces about 1200 cu.ft./min air at a ...
rudd heater model # UGDD-O6NC-ER	2/24/2007
Q: EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE WORKING EXCEPT DOESNT SEEM LIKE THE GAS IS GETTING OUT TO WHERE THE IGNITOR ... A: Sounds like there is no gas beyond the gas valve ??? Correct ?? To start, is the gas valve knob in ...
HVAC	2/22/2007
Q: I have a Carrier furnace model 58mxa located in the crawl space of my home. It has a exhaust pipe ... A: I figured my answer would be a problem re leveling the flue pipe from the furnace to the foundation ...
HVAC	2/21/2007
Q: I have a Carrier furnace model 58mxa located in the crawl space of my home. It has a exhaust pipe ... A: Tricky problem there. Flue gas contains water vapor which condenses into water when the gas hits ...
condensation in 6.5 type B gas vent	2/20/2007
Q: How can I eliminate the excessive condensation in this area which is leaking and coming thru the ... A: Sounds like there is a single wall pipe section somewhere in the flue pipe.Maybe on the roof ?? The ...
AC/Heat Pump	2/19/2007
Q: I have a split all electric AC/Heat pump system. The blower is running continuously. I observed the ... A: Sorry about the delay, David. Didn`t get an email notice with your question. When you say "the coils ...
FURNACE MAKES CLICKING NOISE	2/12/2007
Q: My furnace is approximately 3-5 yrs old (from what the seller told me) and it started making a ... A: I`m Howard, picking up your question from the pool. I`m recovering from surgery & don`t have ...
Possible thermostat sensor problem	1/30/2007
Q: Well you helped me with something already...I did take the cover off the thermostat and found that ... A: Only other thing I can think to try is cleaning the flame sensor. It`s the small metal rod sticking ...
Luxaire outside unit frost and icies over	1/30/2007
Q: I have a older Luxaire Model : ECHP-F024AA unit. The outside unit will have frost on the inside and ... A: That HP sounds like a heat pump. the freon needs to be checked & if OK this is a normal occurance ...
I think I have a blower problem	1/29/2007
Q: I did everything, and nothing went wrong, I believe it to be the blower motor, it was very loud. As ... A: The blower motors sometimes are sealed & sometimes not. Look for a small oil hole in the visible end ...
furnace	1/29/2007
Q: I am really trying to narrow this down here. The therm idea seems ok, but the fact that it will work ... A: The exhaust fan runs on 110 volts. The transformer also feeds parts of the circuit board & the ...
HVAC system	1/28/2007
Q: I am having a central air and heat pump system installed. I wanted to know about the run on my ... A: 24 + feet is OK. The lines,at best, should slope downward a bit from the inside coil to the outside ...
furnace	1/28/2007
Q: ------------------------------------------- Ok so I have figured something else out. I can control ... A: Somewhat Kevin. Do you have a digital thermostat? I have found faulty ones with the fan switch on ...
Possible thermostat sensor problem	1/27/2007
Q: I have a gas powered furnace that is approx 13 years old. I have never serviced it in the 6 years I ... A: let`s see where to start testing for the problem. How about at the thermostat.Check the level of the ...
3 amp fuse, circuit board	1/27/2007
Q: I've been having trouble with my heater ( furnace with air conditioner) It blows out the three amp ... A: You have a low voltage wiring short between a red, white,green,or blue(maybe yellow) wire & common. ...
furnace	1/27/2007
Q: I have an armstrong furn eg8g Gas model I am a new home owner who has been trying to solve alot of ... A: There are no silly questions ! Sure sounds like a bad circuit board. I`m not acquainted with the ...
Heat Pump - Defrost Board/Compressor	1/26/2007
Q: Howard, I have had some problems on & off with my Heat Pump w/ nat. gas furnace. A few days ago, ... A: Hey Stan, lets run a few tests & check out their diagnosis. First off,the defrost board. Have you ...
I think I have a blower problem	1/26/2007
Q: My furnace will try to start and then stop. It does this about 3-5 times before finally kicking on, ... A: I am assuming you have a circuit board controlled furnace. If that is correct it sounds like you ...
new programmable thermostat problems	1/26/2007
Q: I just installed a programmable thermostat. I labeled wires correctly, double-checked my work, ... A: Do you have one problem or two ?? "stayed on all night...house getting colder" sort of tells me the ...
Poor air flow when heating	1/24/2007
Q: My home is 7 yrs old and approx 1900 sq feet, two story. We have an attic mounted Rheem furnace ... A: Oh what a familiar problem!! Builders like to save money & install only one unit when there should ...
Furnace Problem	1/24/2007
Q: We have a furnace in our home that is about 10 years old. There is some piping that drains water ... A: The pipes are to drain condensate water from the cooling system.Don`t think that water problem ...
new Goodman furnace noise	1/24/2007
Q: I recently had a Goodman high efficiency furnace (Model #GMV90703BXA) installed to replace my old ... A: Not good. I would turn off the furnace & turn on the blower only. This is high speed. Still hear the ...
furnace + thermost	1/23/2007
Q: YOU MEAN TO TURN ON THE STAT AND JUMP THE CABLES ON THE STAT RED AND WHITE TO SEE IF THE MOTOR ... A: Pull the cover off the thermostat, remove the subbase then jump the red & white wires. If the ...
furnace + thermost	1/21/2007
Q: I few days ago I made the attent to replace my thermostate for a digital one, it just jappen that I ... A: There was a short between one of those 4 wires & common to blow the fuse. Check the wires carefully ...
Furnace fan won't work on "auto"	1/20/2007
Q: The other day, the house started to get cold, and there was no air coming out of the vents. I went ... A: it keeps my brain active after retiring. You most likely have a faulty heat fan switch.ON at the ...
"Cyclematic"	1/20/2007
Q: Mounted on my cold air return plenum is a small black box labeled with the word "Cyclematic." It is ... A: These questions keep my brain active since retiring. I really liked service work. I sure have no ...
Wiring & Controls	1/19/2007
Q: I need to run my waterfurnace geo unit with a back up generator but how would i be able to eliminate ... A: Going to have to add a switching relay to the electric element to have a "generator" & a "normal" ...
Propane furnace & adding air conditioning	1/19/2007
Q: Howard We just replaced an addition on our home. we have the old propane furnace for the main part ... A: Not worth it,Carol. A blower on a heat only furnace is too small for a/c & the wiring has to be ...
BRYANT FURNACE (HEAT AND AIR)	1/19/2007
Q: THE SMALL FAN DOES NOT STAY ON FOR NO MORE THEN 10 SECONDS AND THE BLOWER COMES ON (THE PILOT IS ON ... A: I am assuming Jay, you have a high efficiency furnace controlled by a circuit board. The sequence of ...
SEER 13	1/18/2007
Q: I want to get a new heat pump that has a SEER of 13.Is this considered to be very efficient?Thanks! A: Yes, but you can get up to a 23 SEER nowdays!! A 13 SEER is as low a rating there is today. Compared ...
Heating in 2 story	1/18/2007
Q: I have a 2 story built in 77. we put in a new trane system 3 years ago. in the winter we set our ... A: Tough answer since you can`t stop heat from rising. 2 story homes really need 2 units, 1 up, 1 down ...
Bad Contactor?	1/16/2007
Q: This question is in regards to a SmarTemp Model T-1000 swimming pool heatpump. Here is my ... A: Good diagnosis ! The contactor either has burned points or an ant under the points. If the contactor ...
Forced Air Heating	1/16/2007
Q: I live in a double wide manufactured home, and one side of the heater vents have warm air coming out ... A: Are you up to crawling under the home? There is a duct interconnecting the 2 sides that I would ...
Cold air return, etc.	1/15/2007
Q: Two part question. I am making living space in my basement. The finished part is approx. 900 sq ft, ... A: 1.The paper faces inside & is suffice for a barrier. 2. Air diverted to the basement is lost to the ...
Is turning into block of ice normal, or a design flaw ?	1/15/2007
Q: Is outdoor compressor unit turning into block of ice normal, or a design flaw ? My American ... A: Iced over outdoor coils is a NORMAL state for heat pumps. The sensor & defrost control is designed ...
air flow	1/14/2007
Q: I have a brand new home and siting on my couch i feel cold air flowing out of my register. I have 9' ... A: Air doesn`t flow unless there is a pressure differential. For cold air to drop 9 ft. through hot ...
NO Heat or heat start. All else, Fan, cooling works	1/12/2007
Q: We have residential Carrier 376BAW036075AABA @1988 with control board HH84AA009. No heating occurs ... A: I presume your exhaust fan is the combustion air blower motor & that it runs when you call for heat? ...
gas furnace	1/11/2007
Q: I have a gravity direct vent wall furnace in my office and it has a little problem. We lite the ... A: There is a thermocouple that the pilot flame hits to generate a small current to keep the gas valve ...
heating	1/10/2007
Q: Have armstrong furnace not quite 4 years old when you turn up heat can hear burners kick on but go ... A: First I would clean the flame sensor. Ought to be a small steel rod between burner & igniter. Use ...
I need help!	1/10/2007
Q: I have Central Air And Heat. My pilot light on heater will not stay on. I think the controller on ... A: First, make sure the pilot light is striking the thermocouple at least 1/2". If not, strike the ...
New 3 ton a/c suction line sweating	1/8/2007
Q: The suction line is insulated with the proper insulation but it drips on the inside panel the runs ... A: Somehow, somewhere there is a suction line exposed to the air, however small. There is an ...
Rheem furnace still out	1/8/2007
Q: Howard, you are correct about the IDM. Rheem calls it the Induced Draft Motor. I checked the ... A: I would remove the IDM (got it!) (power OFF) & check the blower wheel & tightness on the shaft. ...
condensation	1/8/2007
Q: I have a new Rudd 3 ton a/c central unit my suction line sweats exsessivley cound there be somthing ... A: The suction line should be insulated. Sweating is normal when the temp/humidity is just right. Add ...
Rheem furnace stops after purge	1/7/2007
Q: I have a Rheem gas furnace about 10yrs old. It was running through the start up cycle up to the ... A: First let me say that when you need a flame sensor try lightly cleaning the rod with steel wool or ...
Cold Finished Basement	1/6/2007
Q: I had my basement redone, have gas heat (ducts are in the ceiling, forced hot hair, only one zone. ... A: A rule of physics: Hot air rises. I would install a supply air grille in the ducts on the side of ...
Rudd heat pump: Airflow does not stop	1/5/2007
Q: First, thank you for your time! We have a 5-year-old Rudd electric heat pump, with an intermittent ... A: Sounds like there may be 2 problems going on. One is the fan switch is stuck on. The circuit board ...
RUUD Silhouette Nat. Gas Furnace Problem	1/4/2007
Q: I am in central Alabama and I have a RUUD Silhouette Mod. # UGDG 07EAUER Furnace w/ natural gas ... A: Let`s start at the thermostat for a simple test. Turn the fan switch to on. Does the fan run? If so ...
Reventing chimney	1/2/2007
Q: Howard, I want to replace our 17yr.old 70% gas furnace w/ a 94%+. I've had 2 guys say I need to ... A: There are a lot of rigid rules about flue piping.But I`ll give you my opinion based on my ...
Noma Programable themostat 52-2570-6	1/2/2007
Q: I recently tried to replace a standard Honeywell thermostat connected to a Lennox furnace with the ... A: Something fishy here. The thermostat is just a on - off switch.The instructions with a new ...
hitachi minisplit	1/1/2007
Q: i have a hitachi 9000 heatpump the ac works great the tstat in heat mode gets it to hot and then it ... A: Need to check your thermostat for a "heat anticipator".That is a manually adjusted small lever on a ...
heating problem unit model 383kay036055	12/31/2006
Q: I have problem with the heating, I call HVAC service technician and he diagnosed and he said so ... A: Little bit high on the circuit board price, Salvador. I assume the board has been changed already? ...
condensor fan motor	12/30/2006
Q: I need a new fan motor. But I cannot find one exactly like the one I have.I found several very ... A: NO,NO. Use the 1075 rpm & change the run capacitor. How about direction of rotation?? Amperage ...
rheem gas furnace	12/30/2006
Q: I have a Rheem RGDG furnace about ten years old the furnace works fine goes through all startup and ... A: I am not acquainted with that model furnace.One answer for both kinds can be a stuck fan relay. The ...
variable speed blowers	12/29/2006
Q: I have 2 York 90+ furnaces with variable speed blowers.After the furnaces are running for a while ... A: Several options: One is to reduce the max speed of the blower by resettings the blower speed ...
heat seems to work but no air circulation	12/29/2006
Q: I have a heat pump that seems to be working (outside fan is running, coils into the house are hot, ... A: Let`s see whether it`s a control circuit problem or a power supply one. Quick test on the blower ...
Heating	12/28/2006
Q: Hey, It's winter here in Toronto. It's really cold in the solarium (solarium is in the apartment). I ... A: I hate to give you my quick answer but that is go buy an electric heater with a good fan as part of ...
Fan Motor cuts off burner when energized	12/28/2006
Q: The Luxaire Hi-Efficency gas furnace I have in my shop (2 months old) that I installed myself was ... A: I gather your furnace is controlled by a circuit board? For all my experience I cannot connect any ...
Clicking noise when combustion air motor running.	12/27/2006
Q: The noise definitely isn't related to the negative pressure switch or the blower fan part of the ... A: Well, when a tech has that kind of weird problem you get a new combustion air blower motor. But, ...
Hot upstairs cold downstairs	12/27/2006
Q: I got a new Trane split system installed on 11/24. House is 1718 sf, two story. I got a 5 ton split ... A: I assume the furnace blower is downstairs. You can`t beat the laws of physics that heat rises! Does ...
Rudd Furnace Troubleshooting	12/27/2006
Q: What should I do on a Limit Switch Open in my Furnace. My model is (UGPH-10NAMER) and it's a Rudd. ... A: There are probably 3 or 4 limit switches on your furnace hiding here & there around the burners & ...
Coleman furnace	12/26/2006
Q: I have a Coleman furnace model # 7956-856 and I am having problems with it. When I turn the ... A: Lets start checking the pilot flame & thermocouple. Is the thermocouple line to the gas valve snug ...
Flame Sensor	12/26/2006
Q: I have a Frigidaire packaged unit (3.5 ton). I have had to have three flame sensors replace. ... A: Not a good situation for a new furnace. I imagine your flame sensor is a small steel rod? Usually ...
comfortmaker furnace	12/26/2006
Q: My electric ignitor isn't working, probably has a crack. How do I remove it and replace it? I have ... A: You probably have the black, flat curved kind. This kind is way too sensitive & probably cracks from ...
Rheem criterion furnace - no heat... pls help	12/25/2006
Q: as it's blank (it's a honeywell t8601D chronotherm... I hired a tech to come out, he tested the ... A: The circuit boards are tied to the furnace brand. I would shop among the local dealers for the best ...
Rheem criterion furnace - no heat... pls help	12/25/2006
Q: as it's blank (it's a honeywell t8601D chronotherm... I hired a tech to come out, he tested the ... A: Just finished answering a question about circuit board problems.That final answer was, we techs hate ...
Furnace flame sensor	12/25/2006
Q: I have a Goodman GMP400-1. It will only intermittently start the burner. I disassembled it and got ... A: Good question with excellent information I usually don`t get. Have to do too much guessing. But the ...
Furnace Humdifier	12/24/2006
Q: It was very helpful. My follow-up question is a general one. Do furnaces typically have (for the ... A: No safety cutoff provided for continuous running other that the thermostat. The stop & go cycle you ...
lennox heat pump icing up	12/24/2006
Q: We live in Wa state, and our heat pump just became a block of ice. The fan can't turn because the ... A: That ice formation is a natural state for heat pumps. It occurs when the temperature & humidity are ...
Thermocoupler	12/24/2006
Q: How do I replace my thermocoupler in my furnace? It says to take the nut off and It won't come off. A: The nut referred to is screwed into the gas valve. If you can unscrew it, then the other end needs ...
Furnace Humdifier	12/23/2006
Q: I'm having a problem with my furnace when the outside temp drops down around 20 deg. or below. The ... A: You have proven the supply air to the house was reduced by the humidifier air. The ONLY control you ...
heating problem	12/23/2006
Q: i replace the thermostat and the heat come on but it don't blow out it come on for 2 minutes then ... A: Interesting that you don`t use capitals. A couple of my friends do that.As is usual there may be ...
Clicking noise when combustion air motor running.	12/22/2006
Q: I've done some more looking and testing and still haven't found anything but your suggestion to just ... A: OK, let`s dig a little deeper! Since the noise disappears when you pull the motor away from the ...
trouble heat pump	12/21/2006
Q: my goodman heat pump model cplt30-1 not working .when i test the contactor i have the 220v put no ... A: Control circuit problem. Heat pump control circuits can be complex so can only suggest a few things ...
Distance from Air Handler to Condenser?	12/21/2006
Q: Howard, Do AC systems lose efficiency of the condenser is too far away from the air handler? ... A: Hey Stephen, Yes, yes. Technically that 30 + foot elevation & 100 foot length of liquid freon is ...
nordyne gas furnace	12/20/2006
Q: my gas furnace is giving me fits the red light is blinking twice .if i blow on the little hose on ... A: that blinking is a signal some thing is going wrong. Check your manual or the sticker maybe on the ...
no Power to Thermostat	12/19/2006
Q: Came home today and there was no display on my Totaline p474-0100 digital thermostat. Went to ... A: Some of the digitals need batteries for the display. Would imagine you would have checked this out. ...
Janitrol furnace	12/19/2006
Q: lost pressure in the hose between pressure switch and venting fan. What can I do? A: I presume the combustion air motor is running but will not close the air pressure switch ? If that ...
RUUD propane furnaces	12/18/2006
Q: 10% of the time my furnace comes on with a bang. This has been going on since it was installed 17 ... A: Delayed ignition is the cause. Typically that is caused by the "flame runner" that carries the flame ...
Clicking noise when combustion air motor running.	12/18/2006
Q: I have a Rudd Deluxe 90+ furnace that is 18 years old. Starting recently when the combustion air ... A: Those motors are pretty darned expensive too! Did you notice ANY wobble in the blower wheel when you ...
Noisy dampers in heating registers	12/17/2006
Q: A new home in CA has gas-fired forced hot air heating. The system is not balanced, so we are closing ... A: A balanced airflow means that the ducts are properly sized & properly installed for the spaces they ...
electric furnace trouble	12/17/2006
Q: We have a Coleman furnace ,about 5 yrs old .Four weeks ago , the Blower motor burned up .So I went ... A: A good question & I think the best way to try to help is ask you a series of questions since the ...
Fan problems old Holly Furnance-GE Air	12/16/2006
Q: Lately when it gets cold, below 40F outside, the fan/electronics have been flaky. For a while if I ... A: Please don`t run furnace without the blower. I have seen overheat switches malfunction & almost ...
william wall furnance not working properly	12/16/2006
Q: my wall furnace not working properly. i bought new simple mechanically operation wall thermostat and ... A: Well lets see. There are 2 kinds of wall furnaces. A transformer powered one with 24 volt control or ...
Thermostat - Mobile home	12/15/2006
Q: I live in a mobile home that I have done a lot of upgrades and renovations to. I would like to ... A: Yes. Go to Home Depot or Lowes & get a programmable Honeywell.The digital ones nowdays handle gas or ...
rheem criterion ll blower	12/15/2006
Q: the question i have, when i turn the heater on, and after the top fan comes on, then the ignitor ... A: Several things can be the problem: 1.Reach in and spin the blower wheel to test for bad bearings ...
White Powder buildup on Heating unit & blows through vents	12/14/2006
Q: This is actually the second winter I spent in my house (moved in January this year) so this is not ... A: The products of combustion of natural gas are primarily water, carbon monoxide, non combustibles. To ...
White Powder buildup on Heating unit & blows through vents	12/13/2006
Q: The powder was found inside and outside the furnace, and no, the powder has not shown up on the air ... A: I noticed that the powder problem only happened when you turned on the heat for the first time. Also ...
White Powder buildup on Heating unit & blows through vents	12/12/2006
Q: I have a gas pack heating/air unit. When I switched from air to heat in November, a white powdery ... A: I don`t think I have ever encountered this problem before but give me more information & I`ll give ...
Furnace maintanance	12/11/2006
Q: Howard, I recently bought a house and became a proud owner :-).. And then started problems..:-( ... A: Good question, Sree. Lack of simple maintenance causes a lot of problems. You should see the rent ...
W1,W2 WIRNG ON TRANE BWH742P100A1	12/11/2006
Q: TRANE BWH 742 HANDLER ,HW CT3611 THERMOSTAT,PAYNE PH10 HEAT PUMP. HAD TRANE HEAT PUMP W/THIS SYSTEM ... A: Sounds like some techs that installed the Trane were lost & left you without defrost heat.It can be ...

All Questions in This Category

Email this page