Question 1

Why is there ice on my heat pump?

Accepted Answer

Ice on your heat pump is actually normal in certain conditions, but it can also signal a problem depending on how much ice there is and how long it's been there.

When ice is normal: During heating mode in cold weather, it's completely normal for a thin layer of frost or light ice to form on the outdoor unit's coil. Your heat pump is designed for this — it has an automatic defrost cycle that periodically reverses operation to melt the ice, usually every 30-90 minutes. You might notice steam risi

Question 2

Why is my thermostat not reaching the set temperature?

Accepted Answer

When your thermostat isn't reaching the set temperature, it usually means either the heating or cooling system can't keep up with demand, or there's an underlying issue with the equipment, airflow, or the thermostat itself.

Start with the basics. Check your furnace filter first — a clogged filter is one of the most common culprits. A dirty filter restricts airflow so severely that your furnace runs constantly but can't move enough warm air through the home. Filters should be changed every 1-3 m

Question 3

Why is my AC running constantly but not cooling?

Accepted Answer

Your AC running constantly without cooling is one of the most common summer complaints we hear in Ottawa — and it almost always points to one of a handful of fixable issues.

Start with the basics before calling for service. Check your air filter first — a clogged filter restricts airflow so severely that the system can't transfer heat properly, causing it to run endlessly without results. If the filter is grey and matted, replace it immediately (1-inch filters should be changed every 1-3 months

Question 4

Why does my furnace smell like burning?

Accepted Answer

A burning smell from your furnace is one of the most common concerns we hear from Ottawa homeowners, and the cause depends a lot on when the smell occurs and what it smells like.

The most common and harmless cause is dust burning off at the start of heating season. When your furnace sits unused all summer, dust settles on the heat exchanger and burners. When you fire it up for the first time in fall, that dust burns off and creates a brief, mild burning smell. This is completely normal and shou

Question 5

Why is there condensation on my AC vents?

Accepted Answer

Condensation on AC vents is very common in Ottawa summers and usually comes down to one of two causes: warm, humid air meeting the cold surface of your vents, or an issue with your system that's allowing too much moisture to build up.

The most common cause is simply humidity. When your home's indoor humidity is high — especially during Ottawa's hot, humid July and August — the cold metal of your supply vents acts like a cold glass of water on a summer day. Moisture in the air condenses on the s

Question 6

Why does my AC smell musty?

Accepted Answer

A musty smell from your AC is typically caused by mold or mildew growth somewhere in your system, most commonly in the evaporator coil, ductwork, or drain pan. This happens when moisture gets trapped in dark, cool areas of your HVAC system and creates the perfect breeding ground for these microorganisms.

The most frequent culprit is dirty evaporator coils inside your indoor unit. When these coils get coated with dust and debris, they retain moisture longer after cooling cycles, allowing mold sp

Question 7

Why is my air conditioner freezing up?

Accepted Answer

Your air conditioner is likely freezing up due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels, both of which cause the evaporator coil to get too cold and ice over.

Restricted airflow is the most common culprit. When your AC can't pull enough warm air across the evaporator coil, the coil temperature drops below freezing and ice forms. This typically happens when your air filter is severely clogged, blocking airflow to the system. Other airflow issues include closed or blocked vents, dirty evap

Question 8

Why does my ductwork make popping sounds?

Accepted Answer

Ductwork popping sounds are typically caused by thermal expansion and contraction as your HVAC system cycles on and off. When heated or cooled air flows through metal ducts, the temperature changes cause the metal to expand and contract, creating those distinctive popping or ticking noises.

The most common cause is undersized or improperly supported ductwork. When ducts are too small for the airflow volume, they can flex and "oil can" - bowing in and out like the bottom of an oil can when press

Question 9

Why won't my furnace ignite?

Accepted Answer

A furnace that won't ignite is typically caused by issues with the gas supply, ignition system, or safety controls that prevent the unit from starting safely. This is a situation that requires immediate professional attention since it involves gas appliances and potential safety hazards.

The most common causes include a faulty igniter or pilot light, gas supply problems, or blocked venting. Modern furnaces use either a hot surface igniter or electronic ignition system that can fail over time. I

Question 10

Why is my heat pump not heating in winter?

Accepted Answer

Heat pumps can struggle or stop heating in winter due to several common issues, with outdoor temperature limits and defrost cycle problems being the most frequent culprits.

The most likely cause is that your heat pump has reached its heating capacity limit in cold weather. Standard air source heat pumps typically lose efficiency below -5°C and may struggle to provide adequate heat below -10°C. In Ottawa's harsh winters, this is a common issue with older or standard-efficiency heat pumps. When o

Question 11

Why is my furnace running but no air coming out?

Accepted Answer

Your furnace running without air coming out typically indicates a blower motor problem or a severely clogged air filter blocking airflow. This is a common issue that can usually be diagnosed and resolved quickly by checking a few key components.

Start by checking your air filter immediately. A completely clogged filter can restrict airflow so severely that little to no air reaches your vents, even though the furnace is firing normally. If you can't remember the last time you changed it, or if i

Question 12

Why is one room in my house always cold?

Accepted Answer

One room being consistently cold is usually caused by airflow issues, insulation problems, or ductwork imbalances - all fixable problems once you identify the root cause.

The most common culprit is poor airflow to that room. Check if the supply vent is blocked by furniture, curtains, or debris, and ensure the return air vent (if present) isn't obstructed. Sometimes the damper in the ductwork serving that room may be partially closed or the duct itself could be disconnected, crushed, or leaking

Question 13

Why is my furnace making a loud banging noise?

Accepted Answer

A loud banging noise from your furnace typically indicates either delayed ignition (gas buildup causing a small explosion when lit) or expanding/contracting ductwork, both of which need attention.

The most concerning cause is delayed ignition, where gas builds up in the combustion chamber before igniting, creating a loud bang or boom when it finally lights. This happens when the burners are dirty or the gas valve isn't opening properly, causing gas to accumulate before ignition. This is a safet

Question 14

Why does my AC make a clicking noise?

Accepted Answer

AC clicking noises are usually related to electrical components cycling on and off, though the specific cause depends on when and where you hear the clicking.

The most common source is your thermostat and electrical contactors - these make brief clicking sounds when your AC starts up or shuts down, which is completely normal. You'll typically hear a click when the thermostat calls for cooling, followed by the outdoor unit starting up a few seconds later.

However, rapid or continuous clicking c

Question 15

Why is my furnace blower running continuously?

Accepted Answer

A continuously running furnace blower is usually caused by incorrect thermostat settings, a faulty limit switch, or a stuck relay. The most common culprit is the thermostat fan setting being switched to "ON" instead of "AUTO."

Check your thermostat first - if the fan setting is on "ON," it will run continuously regardless of heating cycles. Switch it to "AUTO" so the blower only runs when heating or cooling is needed. If the thermostat is already set correctly, you likely have a mechanical or e

Question 16

Why does my furnace keep tripping the breaker?

Accepted Answer

A furnace that repeatedly trips the breaker typically indicates an electrical overload, often caused by a failing blower motor, dirty air filter, or electrical component malfunction. This is a safety issue that requires immediate attention from a licensed HVAC technician.

The most common culprit is a struggling blower motor that's drawing too much current. When your furnace's air filter becomes severely clogged, the blower motor has to work much harder to push air through the system, causing it

Question 17

Why is water dripping from my AC unit?

Accepted Answer

Water dripping from your AC unit is usually caused by a clogged condensate drain, dirty air filter, or frozen evaporator coil. This is a common issue that can often be resolved, but it's important to address it quickly to prevent water damage.

The most common culprit is a blocked condensate drain line. Your air conditioning system naturally produces condensation as it cools the air, and this water should drain away through a small pipe or tube. When this drain gets clogged with algae, dirt, or

Question 18

Why is my house so humid even with AC running?

Accepted Answer

High humidity with AC running usually indicates your air conditioning system isn't properly removing moisture from the air, which can happen for several reasons including an oversized unit, dirty components, or ductwork issues.

The most common cause is an oversized air conditioning system. When your AC is too powerful for your home, it cools the air quickly but shuts off before running long enough to remove humidity. Air conditioners dehumidify by running the warm, humid air over cold evaporato

Question 19

Why is my furnace pilot light going out?

Accepted Answer

A pilot light that keeps going out is typically caused by a dirty or faulty thermocouple, draft issues, or a clogged pilot orifice. This is a common issue that requires professional attention since it involves gas components.

The thermocouple is the most frequent culprit - this safety device senses the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. When it gets dirty or starts failing, it may not detect the pilot flame properly, causing the gas valve to shut off as a safety measure. Over t

Question 20

Why does my AC turn on and off every few minutes?

Accepted Answer

Your AC turning on and off every few minutes is called "short cycling," and it's a sign that something is preventing your system from running properly. This wastes energy, increases wear on components, and reduces cooling effectiveness.

The most common cause is a dirty air filter. When your filter is clogged, it restricts airflow over the evaporator coil, causing the system to overheat and shut down for protection. Check your filter first - if it's dirty or hasn't been changed in over 3 months,

Question 21

Why is my furnace leaking water?

Accepted Answer

Furnace water leaks are typically caused by condensation issues, a clogged drain, or problems with the heat exchanger. Most water leaks are related to normal condensation that isn't draining properly, but some causes require immediate professional attention.

High-efficiency furnaces (90%+ AFUE) produce condensation as part of their normal operation. This water should drain away through a condensate drain line and floor drain. If you see water pooling around your furnace, the most common culprit

Question 22

Why does my furnace have a yellow flame instead of blue?

Accepted Answer

A yellow flame in your furnace indicates incomplete combustion and requires immediate professional attention. This is a serious safety concern that should never be ignored.

Normal furnace operation produces a steady blue flame, which indicates complete combustion of natural gas or propane. When you see yellow, orange, or flickering flames, it means the gas isn't burning efficiently. This incomplete combustion creates carbon monoxide - a deadly, odorless gas that can poison your family.

Common

Question 23

Why is my AC not cooling my house?

Accepted Answer

Your AC may not be cooling due to several common issues, ranging from simple fixes like a dirty filter to more complex problems requiring professional repair. The most frequent culprits are restricted airflow, refrigerant issues, or thermostat problems.

Start with the basics first. Check your air filter - a clogged filter is the 1 cause of cooling problems and can reduce efficiency by 15-20%. Replace it if it's dirty or hasn't been changed in over 3 months. Next, ensure your thermostat is set t

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