You switch to heat mode. Nothing. Lukewarm air at best. House still freezing. Before you call a tech and cop a $200 callout fee — check this first.
The 30-Second Filter Check
Pull out your air conditioner filter right now. If it looks like a carpet — grey, clogged, full of dust and pet hair — that's your problem. A blocked filter strangles your airflow. The system can't push air through, so the heating element can't do its job.
I've seen this literally hundreds of times. Customer says their heating's broken. I pull the filter out, suddenly it's blowing like a whirlwind. Heat's back. System's working perfectly. The filter was just choked.
What Happens When You Run It Blocked
- Airflow drops by 40-60% — barely any heat reaches the room
- The system works harder, uses more power, and runs up your bill
- Moisture builds up because air can't circulate properly
- That moisture feeds mould growth inside the unit
- The compressor can overheat and fail — that's a $1,500+ repair
🛠️ Quick Fix
1. Turn the unit off at the wall
2. Open the front cover
3. Slide the filters out
4. Vacuum or wash them (let dry completely)
5. Put them back
6. Test — you should feel strong airflow immediately
If the filter's clean and you still have no heat — that's when you call us. Could be a blocked coil, gas leak, or electrical issue. But 8 times out of 10? It's the filter.
Need A Proper Clean?
Filters are just the start. The coil, barrel fan, and drain pan need deep cleaning too. From $250 — 90 minutes.