Something's broken
What's wrong with my AC or furnace?
Pick what you see or hear: the checks that are safe to do yourself, the likely cause, and what that repair usually costs where you live.
- Emergencies first
- Safe checks before a pro
- In technician review
What's going on?
If anyone could be in danger, pick one of the first four.
Questions
Before you call
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What if I smell gas?
Leave the house now with everyone in it. Don't switch lights or appliances on or off, and don't use a phone inside. From outside, call your gas utility's emergency line or 911.
Is it safe to reset the breaker?
Once, yes. If the breaker for the air conditioner or furnace trips again, leave it off and call a pro: something is drawing too much current.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
The most common causes are a clogged filter, a tripped outdoor unit, ice on the indoor coil, or a failed capacitor. The guide walks through the checks that are safe to do yourself first.
Who wrote these answers?
Our team, from manufacturer guidance and public safety sources linked on each step. Every step is reviewed before it is published, and we mark the guide as a draft until a licensed technician has signed it off.
Second opinion
Get one fair quote from a licensed local pro
Tell us the job and when suits you. We confirm by phone or text, then pass your request to one licensed contractor who covers your ZIP. Nobody else gets your number.
- We confirm the job before anyone calls you
- One contractor, never a bidding list
- License checked with the state
- Free for homeowners