Family avoids HVAC repairs for years, then asks how to restore heat and AC

"I know we’re going to have to hire someone, but who should we call and what should we ask for?"

A parent raising two young children turned to Reddit’s r/HVACAdvice forum for guidance on getting the heating and cooling working again in a 10-year-old condo.

The family had put off repairs for years because of the cost, even though the HVAC system kept tripping the circuit breaker.

What to know

The poster said they could not face another winter without heat or another summer without air conditioning while caring for a baby and a toddler. They explained that they had gone without heat or AC for several years to avoid repair expenses on a tight budget, but now believed the system had to be fixed.

They also asked for advice on what kind of professional to hire and what warning signs to watch for.

According to the parent, the fan-only setting still worked at one of the condo’s two thermostats. But any attempt to turn on heating or cooling caused a breaker to trip within seconds. Fan-only mode also worked at both thermostats, but adjusting the temperature by just two or three degrees above or below room temperature would also trip the breaker.

Commenters quickly weighed in with possible explanations. One user wrote that something in the system was drawing more amps than it should, adding that faulty capacitors can blow a disconnect fuse or trip a breaker. The commenter said the compressor could be the worst-case scenario and recommended hiring a smaller local contractor experienced in troubleshooting.

Several other users said the compressor was not just a worst-case possibility, but the most likely issue.

The top comment listed five possible causes for the breaker trips: a capacitor, the outdoor fan, a bad breaker, wiring, or the compressor, which the user described as the most common cause of tripping breakers in heat pumps based on their experience.

For homeowners considering a full HVAC replacement, Palmetto says it can help them compare options and lower utility bills with newer, more efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps. Its Comfort Plan network also connects homeowners with vetted installers who can diagnose problems and recommend solutions.

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Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners have had similar questions about HVAC repair costs and whether it is time to replace a system.

• A first-time homeowner’s 15-month-old HVAC failed, leaving a $2,300 repair bill despite warranty coverage.

• A homeowner facing a $10,000 replacement quote for a dead compressor looked for cheaper alternatives.

• A homeowner’s AC failed in 105-degree heat, leading to a $22,000 replacement quote.