Diagnose This
Furnace turns on but shuts off after a few minutes.
What is short cycling due to airflow or sensor issues.
Used to measure temperature difference across the coil.
What is a thermometer or temp probe .
Why is a cracked heat exchanger dangerous?
What is carbon monoxide leak.
What’s the first step of every service call?
What is building rapport.
Why do furnaces work harder in winter?
What is colder outdoor temperatures .
Customer reports uneven temperatures between rooms.
What is airflow imbalance, duct issues, or insulation problems
Measures airflow in duct systems.
What is a anemometer.
What PPE should be worn during furnace service?
What are gloves, eye protection, respirator as needed .
Customer says, "That's more than I expected."
What is empathy + value explanation + choices (financing, rebates, monthly specials)
What causes frozen coils?
What is restricted airflow or refrigerant issues.
System runs constantly but never reaches set temperature.
What is undersized system, refrigerant issue, or dirty filter .
Measures system pressures.
What is a manifold gauge set.
Why must gas pressure be verified?
What is preventing improper combustion.
Customer wants the cheapest option only.
What is explaining long-term cost versus short-term fix.
Why is a tune-up critical before winter?
What is reliability, efficiency, safety.
Furnace won’t ignite but blower runs.
What is ignition system or gas supply issue .
Detects carbon monoxide levels.
What is CO analyzer.
When should a furnace be shut down immediately?
What is CO presence or unsafe operation.
Customer says, "I'll think about it."
What is ask and clarify concerns.
Why do heat pumps struggle in extreme cold?
What is reduced efficiency.
Outdoor heat pump freezes up in winter.
What is defrost cycle failure or airflow issue .
Used to identify refrigerant leaks.
What is a leak detector.
Why is proper ventilation critical?
What is prevents CO buildup.
A 15-year-old furnace shows signs of a cracked heat exchanger. How do you handle this using Next Star principles?
What is educate, show evidence, explain risks, present options, guide decision.
Why should filters be changed more often in winter?
What is increased system runtime.