How do you choose the right HVAC system for your home? What's the difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump, and how do I know which system I need? If you're shopping for a new HVAC system, air conditioner, or furnace, then chances are you've probably asked yourself (or Google) those questions. But here at Ruud you're talking to the experts, their HVAC system selection guides below offer a great starting point for choosing the best HVAC system for your home, and once you're ready to find a trustworthy and licensed installer, they have got you covered with Ruud's nation wide network of vetted Ruud HVAC contractors.

Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

Symptom: Unit will not run 

Possible Cause: 
Power off or loose electrical connection 
Thermostat out of calibration-set too high 
Defective contactor 
Blown fuses 
Transformer defective 
High pressure control open (if provided) 
Interconnecting low voltage wiring damaged 

Remedy: 
Check for correct voltage at compressor contactor in control box 
Reset 
Check for 24 volts at contactor coil – replace if contacts are open 
Replace fuses 
Check wiring-replace transformer 
Reset-also see high head pressure remedy-The high pressure control opens at 610 PSIG 
Replace thermostat wiring 
Symptom: Condenser fan runs, compressor doesn’t 

Possible Cause: 
Run or start capacitor defective (single phase only) 
Start relay defective (single phase only) 
Loose connection 
Compressor stuck, grounded or open motor winding. open internal overload 
Low voltage condition 
Low voltage condition 

Remedy: 
Replace 
Replace 
Check for correct voltage at compressor – check & tighten all connections 
Wait at least 2 hours for overload to reset. If still open, replace the compressor. 
At compressor terminals, voltage must be within 10% of rating plate volts when unit is operating. 
Add start kit components. 
Symptom: Insufficient cooling 

Possible Cause: 
Improperly sized unit 
Improper airflow 
Incorrect refrigerant charge 
Air, non-condensibles or moisture in system 
Incorrect voltage 

Remedy: 
Recalculate load 
Check – should be approximately 400 CFM per ton. 
Charge per procedure attached to unit service panel 
Recover refrigerant, evacuate & recharge, add filter drier 
At compressor terminals, voltage must be within 10% of rating plate volts when unit is operating. 
Symptom: Compressor short cycles 

Possible Cause: 
Incorrect voltage 
Defective overload protector 
Refrigerant undercharge 

Remedy: 
At compressor terminals, voltage must be ± 10% of nameplate marking when unit is operating. 
Replace – check for correct voltage 
Add refrigerant 
Symptom: Registers sweat 

Possible Cause: Low evaporator airflow 
Remedy: Increase speed of blower or reduce restriction – replace air filter 

Symptom: High head-low vapor pressures 

Possible Cause: 
Restriction in liquid line, expansion device or filter drier 
Flow check piston size too small 
Incorrect capillary tubes 
TXV does not open 

Remedy: 
Remove or replace defective component 
Change to correct size piston 
Change coil assembly 
Replace TXV 
Symptom: High head-high or normal vapor pressure – Cooling mode 

Possible Cause: 
Dirty condenser coil 
Refrigerant overcharge 
Condenser fan not running 
Air or non-condensibles in system 

Remedy: 
Clean coil 
Correct system charge 
Repair or replace 
Recover refrigerant, evacuate & recharge 
Symptom: Low head-high vapor pressures 

Possible Cause: 
Flow check piston size too large 
Defective Compressor valves 
Incorrect capillary tubes 

Remedy: 
Change to correct size piston 
Replace compressor 
Replace coil assembly 
Symptom: Low vapor – cool compressor – iced evaporator coil 

Possible Cause: 
Low evaporator airflow 
Operating below 65°F outdoors 
Moisture in system 
TXV limiting refrigerant flow 

Remedy: 
Increase speed of blower or reduce restriction – replace air filter 
Add Low Ambient Kit 
Recover refrigerant – evacuate & recharge – add filter drier 
Replace TXV 

Symptom: High vapor pressure 

Possible Cause: 
Excessive load 
Defective compressor 

Remedy: 
Recheck load calculation 
Replace 

Symptom: Fluctuating head & vapor pressures 

Possible Cause: 
TXV hunting 
Air or non-condensibles in system 

Remedy: 
Check TXV bulb clamp – check air distribution on coil – replace TXV 
Recover refrigerant, evacuate & recharge 

Symptom: Gurgle or pulsing noise at expansion device or liquid line 

Possible Cause: Air or non-condensibles in system 
Remedy: Recover refrigerant, evacuate & recharge

Furnace Troubleshooting

Not heating?  
The electrical system that powers your furnace has likely shorted. Reset the circuit breaker that’s associated with your furnace. 
The igniter might either be cracked or defective. Check to see if the igniter is cracked and needs replacing. Otherwise, test it with a multimeter for continuity. 

Cycling irregularly?  
The thermostat might be adjusting incorrectly. If your thermostat has an adjustable calibration scale, use it to adjust the heat anticipator. If this doesn’t work, replace the thermostat. 

Not blowing hot air?  
Either the blower motor is burnt out, or the motor’s connect belt has snapped. See if power is reaching the motor. If it is, but the motor isn’t running, replace the motor. If the motor runs but air doesn’t move, the connecting belt has snapped. Replace the belt. 

Blowing too much air?  
Your furnace’s blower motor is continually being sent voltage due to a failed relay on the control board. You will have to replace the control board. 
The contact that controls the blower motor on your thermostat may be sticking. Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If it appears the thermostat is the issue, replace the part. 

Starting and then stopping shortly after?  
The flame sensor detects if a flame is present. If it is either defective or dirty, it will not be able to detect a flame. If dirty, use a fine abrasive pad to clean the sensor. If faulty, replace the flame sensor.

Heat Pump Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting a Ruud heat pump involves a systematic approach to identify and potentially resolve common issues. Here are some general steps you can take. Keep in mind that specific troubleshooting procedures may vary depending on the model and type of your heat pump. Always refer to your heat pump's user manual for model-specific instructions:

Check the Thermostat:

Ensure that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature.

Verify that the thermostat has power and is functioning correctly.

Inspect Air Filters:

A dirty or clogged air filter can reduce the heat pump's efficiency. Check and replace the air filter if it's dirty.

Verify Power Supply:

Check that the heat pump is receiving power. Ensure that the circuit breakers for the heat pump are not tripped.

Reset the Heat Pump:

Some Ruud heat pumps have a reset button. If you suspect a minor issue, try resetting the system by turning it off and back on.

Check for Error Codes:

If your heat pump has an LED display or control panel, check for error codes. Refer to your heat pump's manual for a list of error codes and their meanings.

Inspect the Outdoor Unit:

Ensure that the outdoor unit (condenser) is free from debris, leaves, and other obstructions that could affect airflow.

Inspect the Indoor Unit:

Check the indoor unit (air handler) for any visible issues. Look for water leaks, unusual sounds, or ice buildup on the coils.

Verify Refrigerant Levels:

Low refrigerant levels can affect the heat pump's efficiency. If you suspect a refrigerant issue, contact a professional technician to inspect and recharge the system.

Inspect the Thermostat Wiring:

Check for loose or disconnected thermostat wiring. Ensure that all connections are secure.

Check the Defrost System:

If your heat pump is not defrosting properly, it may lead to ice buildup. Inspect the defrost system and related components.

If you're unable to identify or resolve the issue with these steps, or if you are not comfortable with heat pump troubleshooting, it's recommended to contact a licensed HVAC professional. Heat pumps involve complex systems, and professional technicians have the expertise to diagnose and repair issues safely.

Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and consult your heat pump's user manual for specific information related to your model. If your heat pump is still under warranty, consider contacting Ruud or an authorized dealer for assistance.

Water Heater Troubleshooting

Condensation 
• This usually happens when a new water heater is filled for the first time. This is normal. After the water in the tank warms up, the condensation will disappear. If, however, the condition persists, examine the piping and fittings for possible leaks. 
• Moisture from the products of combustion condensing on the tank surface. This is normal and will disappear in time. Excessive condensation can cause pilot burner outage. 
• An undersized water heater will cause condensation. Use a water heater size that meets the requirements of your needs. 

Pilot burner not lighting  
• Air in gas line. Contact a qualified service technician to purge the air from the gas line. 
• Pilot burner orifice clogged. The pilot burner should be cleaned or replaced by a qualified service technician. 
• Pilot burner tube pinched or clogged. The pilot burner should be cleaned, repaired or replaced by a qualified service technician. 
• Temperature dial not correctly positioned.   

Not enough or no hot water 
• Water usage may have exceeded the capacity of the water heater. Wait for the water heater to recover after an abnormal demand. 
• Low gas pressure. Check gas supply pressure and manifold pressure. 
• The pilot burner will not light. Check the pilot burner.  
• The gas control (thermostat) may be set too low.  
• Leaking or open hot water faucets. Make sure all faucets are closed. 

Yellow flame or soot  
• Scale on top of the burner. Contact a qualified service technician to remove scale. 
• Flue or Combustion air inlet openings are restricted. Remove obstruction or debris from flue or combustion air inlet openings on water heater jacket. 
• Not enough combustion or ventilation air supplied to the water heater location. Proper operation of the water heater requires air for combustion and ventilation.  

Relief valve producing popping noise or draining  
• Pressure build up caused by thermal expansion to a closed system. This is an unacceptable condition and must be corrected. Contact the water supplier or plumbing contractor on how to correct this. Do not plug the relief valve outlet. 

Rumbling noise  
• Scale and sediment in tank. Clean tank.