No Heat or AC: What to Check First
Before you submit a request, a few quick checks fix many heating and cooling problems. Work through these in order. Not every home has AC, so check that first if cooling won't start. If your home has a gas furnace and you smell gas, stop and leave the home.
Step by step
1. Check the thermostat
Make sure it's set to Heat or Cool, not Off or Fan, and that the temperature is set above the room temperature for heat or below it for cooling. Wait about five minutes; many systems have a built-in delay before they start.
Not every home has air conditioning. Most thermostats show both Heat and Cool, even in homes that only have a heater. If you switch to Cool and nothing runs, look outside for an AC condenser, a large metal box with a fan on top, usually on a pad next to the home, or another cooling unit. If there's no cooling equipment, the home doesn't have AC. If there is one and it won't run, or you're not sure, submit a maintenance request or call us at (760) 349-1101.
2. Replace the thermostat batteries
A blank or flickering screen usually means dead batteries. Most thermostats pop off the wall plate or have a small battery door. Replacing thermostat batteries is the resident's job under the lease.
3. Check the air filter
A clogged filter blocks airflow and can make the system shut down, freeze up or blow weak air. Homes in the Resident Benefits Package receive filters about every 180 days. Install them within two days, with the arrow on the filter pointing toward the furnace or air handler.
4. Check the breaker and power switch
Look for a tripped breaker labeled furnace, air handler, AC or condenser, and reset it. Many furnaces also have a power switch that looks like a light switch on or near the unit; make sure it's on. Make sure the furnace door panel is closed, since some units won't run with it open. See resetting a breaker.
5. AC running but not cooling
Check that the outdoor unit isn't blocked by plants or debris. If you see ice on the indoor coil or the refrigerant lines, turn the system off, set the fan to On to melt the ice, and submit a maintenance request. Running a frozen system can damage it.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my heater turn on?
Check that the thermostat is set to Heat and above the room temperature, replace the thermostat batteries, make sure the furnace power switch is on and the breaker isn't tripped, and check the air filter. If it still won't run, submit a maintenance request.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Common causes are a dirty filter, a blocked outdoor unit or a frozen coil. Replace the filter and clear around the outdoor unit. If you see ice, turn the cooling off, run the fan and submit a request.
How often should I change the air filter?
Follow the schedule for your system, usually every 1 to 6 months. In homes enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package, filters are delivered about every 180 days. Change it sooner if it looks gray and dusty, or if you have pets.
Who pays for heating and AC repairs?
Repairs to the heating and cooling system are the owner's responsibility. Filters and thermostat batteries are the resident's, and damage caused by a missed filter change can be charged to the resident. See who handles what.
Is no heat an emergency?
Heat is an essential service. Submit a request right away, and call us at (760) 349-1101 if it's cold and you have young children, older adults or anyone with a health condition in the home. If you smell gas, leave the home and call 911.
My thermostat screen is blank. What should I do?
Replace the batteries first. If it still doesn't turn on, check the breaker and the furnace power switch, since some thermostats get their power from the system. Then submit a request.
Still not working?
Submit a maintenance request in the tenant portal and include photos if you can. Questions? Call (760) 349-1101 or email info@gfhousing.com, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See who handles what for repair responsibilities.