Jan 01 2026 14:00
When your heating or cooling system isn’t acting right, it can throw off your whole day—especially with Northwest Ohio’s temperature swings. While some HVAC issues are simple enough for homeowners to troubleshoot, others require a licensed professional to diagnose and repair safely.
At Ascend Mechanical, we want to help you understand the difference so you stay comfortable, safe, and stress‑free. Here are the most common HVAC problems, what you can do at home, and when it’s time to call in an expert.
Common HVAC Issues You Can Troubleshoot Yourself
1. Your HVAC system won’t turn on
Before assuming the worst, try these checks:
- Thermostat settings: Make sure it's on "Heat" or "Cool" and set to the correct temperature.
- Dead batteries: Thermostat batteries can cause the whole system to shut down.
- Tripped breaker: Locate your electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers.
2. Weak airflow from vents
This often has a simple fix:
- Change your air filter (if it’s dirty, airflow drops fast)
- Make sure vents and registers aren’t blocked by furniture
- Check for closed dampers in the ductwork
3. HVAC running but not heating or cooling
A few things to try:
- Outdoor unit: Clear away leaves, debris, and snow
- Air filter: Replace if clogged
- Thermostat mode: Make sure it’s not accidentally set to “Fan Only”
4. Strange odors
Some smells have simple causes:
- Dusty smell: Normal at the beginning of the season
- Musty smell: Replace filter and check for moisture around the unit
If the smell is burning, electrical, or rotten-egg-like—skip troubleshooting and call us immediately.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional HVAC Technician
Certain issues signal bigger problems that only a licensed HVAC contractor should handle. Here’s when you should pick up the phone:
1. Your furnace or AC is running but not heating/cooling at all
This could point to refrigerant leaks, a failed capacitor, compressor issues, or ignition problems—all requiring professional diagnostics.
2. You hear banging, grinding, or screeching noises
Unusual sounds often indicate failing motors, loose parts, or blower issues. Shutting the system off and calling a pro is the safest move.
3. Your system is short-cycling (rapidly turning on and off)
This can be caused by faulty sensors, airflow problems, or oversized equipment. A licensed technician can pinpoint the root cause before more damage occurs.
4. Your energy bills suddenly spike
If your heating or cooling costs jump but your usage hasn’t, your system may be struggling or failing.
5. You suspect an electrical issue
If breakers keep tripping, lights flicker when the HVAC turns on, or wiring looks damaged, stop troubleshooting and call us—your safety comes first.
How Regular Maintenance Helps Prevent Breakdowns
Most emergency HVAC repairs start as small issues that would’ve been caught during maintenance. That’s why we offer an HVAC Maintenance Agreement
to keep your system tuned, efficient, and reliable year‑round.
With routine service, you’ll enjoy:
- Lower energy bills
- Fewer repairs
- Longer equipment life
- Better indoor air quality
- Peace of mind before every season change
- Warranty terms met
Need Professional HVAC Help in Bryan, OH?
If troubleshooting didn’t solve the issue—or something just doesn’t feel right—our licensed and insured HVAC technicians at Ascend Mechanical are here 24/7. Whether it’s emergency furnace repair, AC not cooling, weird noises, or anything in between, we’ll diagnose your system the right way and get your home comfortable again.
Call us anytime at (419) 633‑4567
or schedule service at ascendmechanical.com.
We’re proud to serve Bryan, OH and surrounding Northwest Ohio, Northeast Indiana, and Southern Michigan communities with dependable HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installation.
