
Frequently asked questions
Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy.
Quick Tip: Change your filter every 1-3 months to improve airflow, keep energy costs down, and reduce indoor dust.
Still Have Issues? If airflow is weak even with a clean filter, Otter Heating & Cooling can inspect for duct issues or other airflow restrictions.
Unusual smells can mean different things – dust, mold, or even a gas leak.
Quick Tip: Try replacing the filter for dusty or musty smells. If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur, turn off the system, leave the house, and call emergency services.
Need a Professional? If strange smells linger, Otter Heating & Cooling can help find and fix any serious issues.
This frequent cycling could be due to thermostat settings, a dirty filter, or even blocked vents.
Quick Tip: Replace the air filter, check thermostat settings, and ensure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or other objects.
Need Help? If it keeps cycling, we can assess and adjust your system to prevent wear and improve efficiency.
If your system won’t start, it could be a thermostat or power supply issue.
Quick Tip: Check that the thermostat has fresh batteries and is set to the correct temperature. Also, make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
Need Assistance? If it’s still not working, Otter Heating & Cooling can diagnose the issue and get your system back up and running.
Your heating system may blow cold air if there’s an issue with the thermostat, a dirty filter, or the ignition.
Quick Tip: Double-check the thermostat is set to “heat” and the fan to “auto.” Replacing a dirty filter may also help.
Still Cold? We’re here to restore warmth to your system if it’s still blowing cold.
Uneven temperatures can happen for a few reasons, like blocked vents, poor airflow, problems with the insulation, or even issues with the duct size.
Quick Tip: Make sure all vents are open and unobstructed, and check windows and doors for drafts.
Need Better Balance? Otter Heating & Cooling can inspect your system for possible balance changes to your airflow and even make suggestions for ductwork changes if needed.
Banging, gurgling, or whistling sounds might mean trapped air, buildup, or pressure issues.
Quick Tip: Sometimes, bleeding the radiators can release trapped air and quiet things down.
Still Noisy? We’ll inspect your system to address any serious issues and keep it running quietly.
If your blower fan isn’t blowing air, there may be an issue with the thermostat or the fan itself.
Quick Tip: Set the thermostat fan to “auto” and check the temperature settings.
Need a Repair? Otter Heating & Cooling can repair or replace the blower fan for efficient airflow.
A sudden spike in energy costs often means your HVAC system is working harder than it should.
Quick Tip: Replace filters, make sure vents are open, and check for drafty windows or doors.
Want a Checkup? We can perform a system tune-up to improve efficiency and save you money.
If your heating system isn’t igniting, there may be a problem with the pilot light or ignition switch.
Quick Tip: If your system has a pilot light, carefully try relighting it according to the manual.
Need Help? We can safely fix or replace the ignition system to keep your home warm.
If your thermostat isn’t reading the temperature accurately, it may be affecting your comfort.
Quick Tip: Make sure it isn’t near drafts or direct sunlight. Try replacing old batteries to improve accuracy.
Need a Reliable Fix? Otter Heating & Cooling can recalibrate or replace your thermostat for better control.
Water leaks may indicate a clogged drain line or condensation issue.
Quick Tip: Clear any visible clogs in the drain line to prevent further leaks.
Persistent Leaks? We can inspect and repair the unit to avoid any water damage.
If your radiant heating isn’t warming properly, it could be a thermostat setting or pressure issue.
Quick Tip: Ensure the thermostat is set correctly and check the water pressure on the boiler.
Need a Boost? We can check your radiant system to ensure it’s distributing heat as it should.
Frozen pipes stop water from reaching your system, potentially causing damage.
Quick Tip: Insulate pipes in colder areas and keep your thermostat steady during winter.
Need to Winterize? Otter Heating & Cooling can help protect your system from cold-weather damage.
Blocked vents can restrict airflow and lead to uneven heating and cooling.
Quick Tip: Make sure vents are open and free of any obstructions like furniture or rugs.
Need Help with Airflow? If airflow is still an issue, we can inspect your ducts for any underlying problems.
If the blower motor or fan sounds squeaky or grinding, it may need repairs.
Quick Tip: Listen for unusual sounds, which could signal the motor needs attention.
Need Repairs? Otter Heating & Cooling can help restore proper airflow by fixing or replacing the motor.
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling well, it could be low on refrigerant, which requires professional handling.
Solution: This isn’t a DIY fix. Contact us to recharge the refrigerant and inspect for leaks.
Get Cool Again: We’ll ensure your system cools efficiently to keep you comfortable.
An HVAC system that’s too big or too small may struggle to maintain a steady temperature.
Solution: Let us evaluate your system’s size and make recommendations to improve comfort.
Need Advice? If you’ve always had trouble keeping temperatures consistent, we can assess and recommend options.
A clogged drain line can cause water to collect around the HVAC unit.
Quick Tip: Use a wet/dry vacuum to gently clear the line if you see any blockages.
Persistent Clogs? We’ll handle a thorough drain line cleaning to prevent further issues.
Leaky ducts can waste air and make it hard to heat or cool your home evenly.
Solution: Duct leaks require professional sealing for best results.
Sealing It Right: We can insulate and seal ducts to improve efficiency and comfort.