[gerard1806]

Help me please, I get power to all lines, wires, breaker boxes etc... but when I turn on both heat or air conditioner I get nothing at all. I tried replacing the thermostat and that did not fix the problem. I went outside to the condenser unit and took off the panel and pressed the contactor and it started up outside but nothing inside. What could be my problem??

[labman]

Are you sure you have power to the thermostat? Frequently a completely dead unit is due to a blown fuse or dead control transformer.

[gerard1806]

Can you tell me how to check if I have power to the thermostat.

[labman]

The easiest way is to touch it with a voltage detector. If you have a volt meter, open up the furnace, and check for 24 volts between the R and C terminals. Some test lights will work with 24 volts. You may need to hold in the cover switch while making the test.

The easiest way is to touch it with a voltage detector. If you have a volt meter, open up the furnace, and check for 24 volts between the R and C terminals. Some test lights will work with 24 volts. You may need to hold in the cover switch while making the test.

To do simple checks like this you do need some tools. A test light, a meter, or a voltage detector might be the best place to start with. I came across the niftiest gadget for trouble shooting, a voltage detector. They work through the insulation of wires. There are several brands. I have a GB Instruments GVD-505A, less than $15 at Home Depot. Touch it to a hot wire, and the end glows red. Find the doodad that lights it on one side, and not the other, and you have the culprit. You do not have to open up housings and expose electrical contacts. You are looking at where your hand is, not where the meter is. Most people are capable of doing repairs and will get it going and not get hurt if they use a little sense. The voltage detector makes it even easier.

[gerard1806]

OK, will try that tomorrow, thanks