General Maintenance

• Check electrical connections and tighten any that are loose in order to prevent system interruption.
• Measure the voltage and current on the motor to make sure it is within tolerance.
• Lubricate moving parts that require it.  Many newer blowers and fans are permanently lubricated.
• Check the cycle of the equipment for proper starting sequence, operation and shut down.
• Check condensate drains on your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump so that water leaks don't damage equipment or your home.
• Listen to the system go through an entire cycle -- note any sounds or noises that don't sound "normal."
• Inspect the exhaust  flue for look connections in the sections and for leaks.
• Inspect the ductwork for leaks.

Furnace Maintenance

• Check gas or oil connection to make sure that it is secure. Loose fittings are a major cause of leaks.
• Measure gas pressure for proper flow and combustion.
• View burner combustion to determine efficiency.
• Adjust the flame in an oil furnace if necessary.
• Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or other damage.
• Change the air filter when needed.

Air Conditioner/Heat Pump Maintenance

• Inspect refrigerant lines and fittings as well as the coil and compressor for signs of a refrigerant leak.
• Check the refrigerant level and add/remove refrigerant as needed.
• Clean the evaporator (indoor) and condenser (outdoor) coils.
• Clean and Adjust the blower motor so that it delivers proper air flow for maximum comfort and efficiency.

Conclusion
Becoming familiar with your HVAC system will allow you to discover potential problems and have them serviced before they cause damage.  All of the items on this HVAC maintenance checklist can be do-it-yourself tasks, depending on your level of comfort.  An HVAC technician will cover all of these points and more, so it may also make sense to schedule a maintenance checkup every 1-2 years.  The key is prevention which can save you from costly and unexpected repairs.  Your heating and air conditioning system will also run more efficiently and last longer when you follow a regular HVAC maintenance checklist.

NOTE: Before you perform maintenance on a condensing unit, furnace or air handler, it is a good idea to turn off the circuit so that the system does not come on while you are working.  This is for your protection and for the protection of the unit.

1. Clean the coils regularly. The main reason for a heat pump losing efficiency is dirty coils.  Twice a year give the coils a thorough cleaning with a powerful utility vacuum fitted with a soft brush.  The outdoor coil in the condensing unit will accumulate dust and yard debris.  The indoor coil in the furnace or air handler will primarily accumulate dust.  In warm weather, hose off the outdoor coil every few weeks to keep dust, grass clipping, dandelion seeds, etc., from building up on it. Also keep limbs of nearby trees and shrubs trimmed so that excess debris doesn’t fall onto the condensing unit.

2. Check the condensate drain and base pan. It is essential that the condensate drain be clear of sludge.  Check it several times during the cooling season and clear any accumulated sludge.  Make sure the base pan is also draining, and remove any mold or moss, along with debris.  A system that is not draining will cause corrosion within the unit.

3. Check for refrigerant leaks. Small cracks in fittings or lines may be caught and repaired before a major repairs are.  If you see a leak but don’t have the equipment to fix it and charge the system, call an HVAC professional to service it.

4. Lubricate the fan or motor if this is a required part of regular maintenance.  Some fans and motors are permanently lubricated.  If you see lubricant spraying out, it likely means the seal is broken and needs to be fixed quickly.

5. Keep the filters in the furnace or air handler clean or replaced. Dirty filters will restrict air flow and lead to excessive defrost cycles which will eventually harm the unit.

Conclusion

It is common for well-maintained heat pumps to last for 15-20 years with few repairs along the way.  Poor heat pump maintenance can lead to repair issues and possibly total system failure in as little as 8-12 years.  Good maintenance will also allow your heat pump to run as efficiently as it was designed to run, while dirty heat pump coils or filters can rob a heat pump of 25% to 50% of its efficiency.

It is also recommended that you have a qualified contractor give your heat pump a thorough inspection and perform comprehensive maintenance every 1-2 years.  See the manufacturer's guidelines for recommended frequency.  These heat pump maintenance tips will help you get the most from your heat pump now and well into the future.

Basic Troubleshooting and Maintenance
There are many things that can go wrong with a heat pump. You can help yourself by trying to identify some of the symptoms.

• Is the heat pump simply not running at all? Try the unit 'reset' switch. Also check fuses and breakers.
• Does it come on and then do a very short cycle?The filter may need attention or you could have a blower issue.
• Is ice forming on the outdoor unit? You will likely need assistance of a qualified professional.

The best way to deal with heat pump repair is to avoid it. Many homeowners think that HVAC equipment is maintenance free but this is simply not the case. All HVAC equipment needs at least yearly maintenance in order to work properly. You'd never buy a car and then not change the oil, yet many people think that nothing ever needs to be done with their furnaces or heat pumps. Consider getting on a yearly schedule for maintenance with a local qualified contractor. Also, be sure that you're changing your filters on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer. If you read many HVAC reviews you'll find that many problems could be solved by simply following a regular maintenance schedule.

Heat Pump Repair Costs
Depending on the type of repair you end up with, the costs can vary quite a bit. Most HVAC companies charge a trip fee and some also tack on a diagnostic fee on top of that. Keep in mind that if the compressor needs to be changed out, it can cost around $1400.

Hiring a Professional
HVAC equipment requires both electrical and mechanical expertise that most homeowners do not have. Do-it-yourself attempts by most homeowners end up costing more than what it would cost to hire a professional from the beginning. If you have any doubts about your ability to diagnose and repair a heat pump problem, it's a good idea to find qualified help. The best way to find a qualified technician is to call around or look online. Talk to several contractors and ask lots of questions. Find someone who has lots of experience with your particular brand of heat pump. Check BBB ratings. Get written bids and get more than one bid. Repairs can end up costing a hefty sum so a little footwork in the beginning can mean big savings in the end.

Diagnosing the Problem
Make sure you know what the problem is before you purchase parts. Reading HVAC reviews on websites and forums can be a good way to help you diagnose problems, ask questions of others and find out which brands are better if you end up doing a replacement. If you can't determine the issue, call in an HVAC professional to help you diagnose. Better to spend the money on the right part than to guess and end up with something you don't need.

Types of HVAC Wholesalers
Keep in mind that when you do an internet search you'll find three types of wholesalers:

• Dealer and Contractor-Only Wholesalers. These companies only work directly with licensed dealers and contractors. Often they will publish prices though, so they are still worth looking at to get some price information.
• Wholesale to public merchants. This is where you'll likely find HVAC wholesale parts. Be sure to look at their policies. Many wholesalers will sell to the public but they specifically state that parts purchased must be installed by a licensed HVAC professional.
• HVAC retailers who have good deals but are not wholesalers. These are also great places to shop. The goal is finding a good deal, even if it isn't wholesale. These types of retailers are also more likely to have free shipping so be sure to do some comparison shopping.

Quality Installation is Critical
While it may be possible to save some money purchasing HVAC wholesale parts, don't cut corners with installation. If you're experienced with electrical and mechanical systems you may be able to do the installation yourself safely, but for most people hiring a local qualified contractor is the way to go. Keep in mind that the cost of the part (unless it's a major component) will be the least amount of the expense you incur to fix your system. HVAC contractors aren't cheap, but it's worth it. The quality of the workmanship can mean the difference between a comfortable home and years of reliable service versus a "sick" home with cold spots and equipment that fails after a few seasons.

Before you place your parts order, talk to a few qualified HVAC installation companies and get bids. Ask how much for parts and labor versus labor alone. If you're talking about a $30 part and the HVAC company has it in stock and can do it right away, it's probably not worth looking for a wholesale deal. However if you're talking about a $400 component then the savings you can find may be significant.

Carrier Furnace Parts and Prices
Here are a few sample categories of parts you may need for your Carrier furnace along with prices that can be found on the internet. Even if you choose to purchase from a dealer, this list will give you a starting point if you need to budget for repair work. Keep in mind that you'll need to determine which Carrier furnace parts you need. Not all draft inducers will work with all furnaces. You'll need to determine which part number is the correct part for your furnace. You may be able to look it up online or you can ask an HVAC installation expert for assistance determining which parts you need.

Carrier Draft Inducers

• Carrier HC27UE120 motor only for the Carrier 309868-755 draft inducer assembly. 3300 RPM, 115 volt motor. - $98
• Carrier LA11ZD058 factory original blower wheel for the 309868-755 (motor only). - $40
• Carrier 319346-753 "Quiet" Draft Inducer Assembly. Replaces motor # HC23CE116. - $540

Carrier Pressure Switches

• Carrier HK06WC012 pressure/VAC switch - $80
• Carrier HK06NB124 pressure switch. - $69
• Carrier HK06NB065 pressure switch - $83

Carrier Circuit Boards

• Carrier 325878-751 factory original main circuit board for Carrier, Bryant, BDP furnaces. - $270
• Carrier CES011005702 factory original circuit board. - $210
• Carrier HH84AA020 factory original circuit board that replaces factory numbers CES0110017, CES0110018, HH84AA010, HH84AA011, HH84AA012, HH84AA013, P771-7002, 302075-3 and 302075-302. - $95

Installation
If you read the fine print of most internet suppliers, you'll note that they state that parts purchased from them are intended for installation by a professional. Installation of replacement Carrier furnace parts can be complicated and dangerous. It's a good idea to contact a local, reputable HVAC technician to have them price out a replacement job. Ask them if they'll work with parts you supply or if they will only do the work if they supply the part. Before buying a part online and then hiring an HVAC installation expert, read a few HVAC reviews to see what experiences others have had. Remember that the quality of the workmanship is likely the most important thing. Saving even a few hundred dollars on the part won't be worth it if you can't find someone to install it correctly for you.

Warranty
Read your warranty paperwork carefully - you may find that the trouble you're having with your Carrier furnace is covered by your warranty. If this is the case, call your dealer and explain the situation and have them come out to diagnose and repair the issue. While you're examining your warranty also look to see whether or not purchasing replacement parts online can void your warranty. Before buying your own parts, decide whether or not it's worth voiding your warranty should something happen to the rest of the furnace.

Carrier furnaces are great pieces of HVAC equipment. With the right maintenance they should last for a long, long time. For best results with the installation of Carrier furnace parts, seek the advice of a local HVAC technician.

Why it's Critical to Change HVAC Filters
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do to keep your furnace in efficient working order is to regularly change your filter. Most manufacturers recommend changing filters frequently - up to once a month depending on the furnace and the size of your home. Filters aren't expensive and changing them isn't difficult, but somehow many homeowners end up paying for costly repairs because filters aren't changed often enough. The best way to make sure you change your filter is to set up some kind of reminder. Mark your calendar or set up a reminder on your computer to check and change your furnace filter according to the manufacturers recommendation. Some furnace warranties can even be voided if you fail to change your filter on a regular basis so it's important to stay on top of this easy maintenance task.

What Kind of HVAC Filters to Buy?
There's no significant difference in filters between brand names. The only reason to purchase a particular brand of filter is if it's required by your warranty. If you're unsure, check with a local HVAC installation company who can help you determine if your warranty requires a particular brand of furnace filter. A HVAC installation company can also help you determine which size of filter to buy if you no longer have your manual. Asking a local company for advice on the type of filter also isn't a bad idea. They service furnaces day in and out and will know which filters perform better.

As with all things, the least expensive isn't necessarily the best value. There's little point in paying for a filter that doesn't perform as well as a slightly more expensive brand. If you have someone in your household who is prone to allergies it is a good idea to invest in HEPA filters that can eliminate up to 98% of airborne allergens.

Where to Find HVAC Filters Wholesale
By and large, the easiest place to find HVAC filters wholesale is online. If you know the size of filter you need all you have to do is a quick internet search to find listings of various companies that will sell inexpensive filters. When you're comparing prices, remember to factor in the cost of shipping. Also consider buying in bulk. Some filters come in value packs and can save even more money.

Changing your furnace filter is the #1 task to perform if you want to keep your furnace in working order. Changing your filter on a regular basis will also reduce your overall maintenance over the life of your furnace and extend the number of years service you can expect. Since filters need to be changed regularly, buying HVAC filters wholesale makes financial sense. Purchase a few months supply at a time to save on shipping and mark your calendar to keep you on schedule.

Things to Try

• Check all of your vacuum hoses. A plug in the vacuum hose can keep the pressure switch from closing.
• Check intake and exhaust vents for blockages. Any kind of blockage will cause issues with the pressure switch.
• Pressure switch hose could be plugged with water.
• Pressure switch hose could be blocked at either the inducer blower or the combustion box.

Getting Help
If you've tried a few of our suggestions and can't get it up and running, or if you'd just prefer to get some help, it's time to give a local HVAC service company a call. Give them a run down over the phone. Some places may be able to offer a few more suggestions - worst case you'll be able to schedule an appointment to have an HVAC installation tech come out to your place and fix the issue. Be sure to provide them with the make and model number of your goodman furnace. If you have the part number for the Goodman furnace pressure switch that would be even better.

When you call a local service company be sure to ask them whether they're licensed, bonded, insured and certified. Also ask them how much experience they have working with your particular brand and model of furnace. Also ask how much they charge by the hour and if there is an additional trip fee. Most pressure switches run about $25 online, so ask the dealer how much they'll charge you for the part and if they'd install a part you provide.

A pressure switch problem is one of the easier problems to fix. If our few troubleshooting tips don't do the trick a service technician should be able to get you going relatively quickly. You can probably save a few dollars by buying the part online but it may not be worth the savings if you have to wait a significant amount of time for shipping.

What HVAC Filters Do
HVAC filters keep dust and allergens from circulating in your home. According to the EPA indoor air can be up to 5 times as polluted as outdoor air! If you suffer from allergies, this can be a significant issue. A filter is installed in such a way that the air that is blown through the ducts and into the home first passes through the filter. The filter traps larger particles like pet hair and also smaller particles like dust and other contaminants. Depending on the type of filter you buy, you can reduce over 97% of allergens found in your home.

Types of HVAC Filters
There are a wide variety of types. The important thing to remember about HVAC filters is that it's not so much the type of filter, but the frequency with which you change it. An inexpensive filter left in your system for an extended period of time can actually cause equipment breakdowns. When filters become too dirty the furnace has to work harder and harder to push air through a filter that is clogged. Over time the furnace will simply give out.When you let your filters become dirty you also decrease the quality of air circulating in your home.

As with most things, you get what you pay for with HVAC filters so don't be tempted to buy the cheapest filter on the market. You may end up spending more on HVAC system repairs instead. If you're very concerned about the air quality in your home, investigate some of the HEPA HVAC air filters on the market as they are the most effective at reducing household allergens.

Routine Maintenance
In addition to changing your filters often, it's a good idea to have an HVAC installation specialist come out to the house on an annual basis for a whole system maintenance. Just like an annual physical, a local HVAC professional can go through the major components and diagnose and repair any issues. While it may not seem like an important thing to do, regular maintenance can substantially increase the life of your HVAC system. Additionally, well maintained systems operate more efficiently which can save you up to 10% on annual fuel costs. These maintenance calls can also be a great time to ask any questions you have about your thermostat, the efficiency of the system or any other concerns you've had about your system over the past year.

In addition to having an annual check on your system, you may want to combine it with having your ducts cleaned. If you're concerned about clean air, an annual duct cleaning is a good idea.

Safety Note: Before doing any kind of troubleshooting on your furnace, be sure to shut off the electricity and gas. If you're not sure how to cut the power and gas, call a professional for assistance.

Troubleshooting the Ignitor
The primary symptom of a faulty ignitor is the gas starts but doesn't ignite. In this circumstance, this is what is likely happening:

• Thermostat sends a signal for heat
• Inducer starts up
• Pressure switch senses negative pressure and closes
• Draft inducer runs, gas flow begins (you should be able to hear a hissing noise)
• The ignitor does NOT glow
• After a few seconds the flame sensor doesn't detect a flame so it shuts off the gas
• At this point, most furnaces will shut down and will need to have the power cycled

If this describes what is happening with your furnace, then the likely issue is the ignitor. First inspect the ignitor, but do not touch it with bare hands. Examine the ignitor closely for cracks. If you do see a crack, you need to replace the ignitor. If you do not see a crack, it is possibly another issue such as a control board issue or a limit switch issue.

If the above sounds familiar except that the gas DOES light but then after a few seconds shuts off again, then you may have an issue with the flame sensor not the ignitor. You can carefully clean the flame sensor with steel wool or sandpaper. If that doesn't do the trick, try replacing the flame sensor.

Ignitors are relatively inexpensive - running around $25-$30. It's not a bad idea to have a spare ignitor on hand as it is one of the more common parts to fail on a gas furnace. A spare can mean the difference between a quick repair job and a weekend spent in a cold house waiting for a part or service technician to arrive.

Calling the Cavalry
If you've tried the basic troubleshooting steps above and are not seeing results, it's time to call in a professional. Call the HVAC installation company who put in your system, or find a local licensed professional. You can often get a few bids via telephone if you've identified the source of the problem and can provide the make and model of your furnace. If this is the first time you've needed an HVAC professional, be sure to ask a few basic questions before going ahead with the work. Find out if they're licensed, certified, bonded and insured. Depending on the work that needs to be done, you might want to check references. You can also look into their Better Business Bureau record.

A Word of Warning
Gas heaters and furnaces do have automatic shut off switches and safety devices built in to avoid gas leaks. That said, they are not fail safe. If you notice an odor of gas in your house, don't attempt to troubleshoot the furnace. Avoid turning on lights and don't try to shut off the gas supply to the furnace. Leave your home, leave the door open for ventilation and call the gas company or the local fire department. Don't re-enter your home until the gas company or the fire department has informed you it's safe to do so.

What is a Limit Switch?
The limit switch is the device that tells when to turn the hot air blower on and off. The limit switch keeps cold air that is not fully heated from blowing into the house. It also acts as a safety device by turning off the burner if the temperature of the warm air supply gets too hot. In this way it works to keep your heat exchanger from cracking from too high of a temperature.

Troubleshooting Basics
The furnace limit switch is generally found on the furnace just below the plenum. If the plenum reaches too high a temperature, the limit switch shuts it off. It also shuts the blower off once the thermostat indicates that the desired temperature has been reached. If you find that your blower is running constantly however, either the blower has been set to be always on or your limit switch is faulty or needs adjustment. Check your thermostat first to be sure that the blower hasn't been set to the 'on' position. If the blower is already on 'auto' instead of 'on' then chances are your limit switch needs attention.

To adjust the switch, go to your furnace and find the limit switch and remove the cover. Underneath you'll find a dial with one side marked LIMIT and the other side marked FAN. Don't adjust the limit side - only adjust the fan side. There should be two indicators on the fan side - one at a higher temperature setting and one at a lower one. They should be around 25 degrees apart. Try setting the upper one to 115 Fahrenheit and the other to 90.

When All Else Fails
If adjusting the limit switch doesn't fix the issue it's time to call in a local HVAC service professional who can help you further troubleshoot and repair the problem. It could be a number of things from a faulty limit switch to a blower that is on the fritz. Most licensed professionals will be able to quickly identify and address the issue and can save you money over the long run versus doing it yourself. When a service company does the work you also have the peace of mind knowing that you have a service warranty to fall back on in case the repair isn't effective.