Furnace or AC Not Working? What We Check First and How We Fix It | Forquer Heating & Air Conditioning

You tap the thermostat, expecting warm air or cool comfort, and nothing happens. Silence is frustrating, especially when your home depends on it. We get it, and we know exactly where to start.

At Forquer Heating & Air Conditioning, our job is to make sure your home’s comfort systems work the way they should. When a furnace or air conditioner will not run, we follow a proven process that saves time, reduces guesswork, and gets you back to comfort quickly.

What We Check First on a No-Heat or No-Cool Call

When we arrive, we start with the simplest, most common issues. These quick checks often solve the problem without major repair.

  • Thermostat settings: Modern thermostats have multiple modes and schedules. If someone bumped the settings or hit Hold, that can stop heating or cooling. We verify mode, temperature setpoint, and battery status.
  • Power and electrical: We look for a switched-off furnace service switch, a tripped breaker, or a GFCI that popped. It happens more than you think, especially near basements and utility areas.

If those are good, we move into full diagnostics.

Simple Things You Can Check Before You Call

A few safe checks at home can save you time and money. If you are comfortable doing so, try the following:

  • Make sure the thermostat is set to Heat or Cool and the setpoint is above or below room temperature as needed.
  • Replace thermostat batteries if it has them.
  • Check the furnace switch near the unit, it should be in the On position.
  • Check the electrical panel for a tripped breaker labeled furnace or AC. Reset once. If it trips again, stop and call us.
  • Look at the air filter. A severely clogged filter can cause shutdowns.
  • For AC, go outside and confirm the outdoor unit’s disconnect is seated and the fan area is clear of debris.

If these steps do not help, we are ready to take it from there.

Our Diagnostic Process: A Proven Sequence of Operations

Every system tells a story. Our technicians read that story the same way on every visit, using a consistent sequence of operations:

  1. Confirm power and control signals from the thermostat.
  2. Verify safety circuits and door switches.
  3. For furnaces, watch the ignition sequence, inducer motor, pressure switches, igniter, gas valve, flame sensor, and blower.
  4. For air conditioners, check the outdoor condenser, contactor, capacitor, compressor, fan motor, and refrigerant pressures.
  5. Inspect venting, drains, and airflow to rule out restrictions that trigger safety shutdowns.

This disciplined approach ensures we find the real cause, not just the symptom. It is how we prevent repeat breakdowns and give you clear, honest options.

A True Story: The Thermostat Said Cool, But There Was No AC

One of our favorite reminders that details matter came from a new homeowner. They set their thermostat to Cool, but nothing happened. We checked the thermostat, then went outside to inspect the condenser. There was no condenser at all. The home did not have an air conditioning system installed, even though the thermostat had a Cool setting.

It sounds wild, but it happens. Thermostats can be installed for future upgrades or left from previous equipment. If the outdoor unit is missing, the thermostat cannot make magic. We installed the correct AC system and had them up and running quickly.

Key takeaway: if your air conditioning is not working, confirm there is actually an outdoor unit on site.

Why Homeowners Trust Forquer

  • We start smart: Simple, high-impact checks first, then thorough diagnostics.
  • We communicate: You will understand what failed, why it failed, and your options.
  • We respect your time: A consistent process means faster, more accurate solutions.
  • We stand behind our work: Our team, led by Jim Forquer, treats your home like our own.

When to Call a Professional

Call us right away if you notice any of the following:

  • Burning smells, repeated breaker trips, or unusual noises
  • Furnace short cycling or blowing cold air
  • AC running without cooling or the outdoor unit not starting
  • Water around the furnace or indoor coil area

Electrical and gas systems are not DIY. We will keep your family safe and your system reliable.

Ready for Fast, Reliable Service?

If your furnace or AC is not working, let us help. Contact Forquer Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a diagnostic visit or request a consultation. We will check the thermostat, verify power, run our full sequence of operations, and get your home comfortable again.