How to Troubleshoot Common Issues with Your Goodman 3 Ton R-32 + Furnace System
Introduction: Don’t Panic—You Can Fix This
HVAC systems are generally reliable, but like any machine, they can run into issues. Whether you're hearing strange noises, noticing uneven temperatures, or seeing higher-than-usual energy bills, not all problems require an expensive service call.
This article will walk you through common issues with the Goodman 3 Ton 15.2 SEER2 R-32 air conditioner and 96% AFUE furnace system, offering DIY fixes, tips for diagnosing system failures, and advice on when to call a pro.
Common AC Issues (Cooling Season)
1. AC Isn’t Cooling Properly
Symptoms:
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Air feels warm or isn’t cooling enough.
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The system runs, but the temperature doesn’t drop.
Possible Causes:
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Dirty air filter: Blocks airflow, reducing efficiency.
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Low refrigerant: Causes the system to blow warm air.
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Frozen coils: Restricted airflow can cause freezing.
DIY Fixes:
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Replace the filter: A clogged filter is the simplest fix.
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Check thermostat settings: Make sure it’s set to “cool.”
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Turn off the unit to thaw frozen coils.
When to Call a Pro:
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Low refrigerant: Only a technician can recharge the system.
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Frozen coils: If they keep freezing, it’s usually a refrigerant or airflow issue.
👉 Source: Energy Star – AC Troubleshooting Guide
Jake’s tip: Frozen coils? Turn off the system and let it thaw before running it again. Don’t ignore it or you’ll end up with a more expensive compressor issue down the road.
2. Strange Noises (Buzzing, Clicking, Humming)
Symptoms:
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Buzzing, clicking, or humming noises coming from the unit.
Possible Causes:
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Loose parts: Vibrating components inside the unit.
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Debris in the fan: Leaves or dirt stuck in the fan.
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Electrical issues: Humming or buzzing from electrical faults.
DIY Fixes:
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Turn off the unit: Power off the system before inspecting.
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Inspect the fan: Clear any debris from the fan blades.
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Tighten loose parts: Tighten any bolts or screws inside.
When to Call a Pro:
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Electrical issues: If you hear buzzing related to electrical components, call a professional.
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Compressor issues: A buzzing compressor indicates a serious problem.
👉 Source: DOE – Troubleshooting HVAC Systems
Jake’s take: If you hear buzzing and can’t locate the source, power off the unit and call a professional. Electrical issues aren’t something you want to guess at.
3. Water Leaks from the AC Unit
Symptoms:
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Water pooling around the indoor unit or dripping from the air handler.
Possible Causes:
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Clogged condensate drain: The most common cause of leaks.
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Dirty air filter: Restricted airflow leads to ice buildup and leaks.
DIY Fixes:
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Clear the condensate drain: Use a wet-dry vac to remove blockages.
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Replace the filter: A clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause excess moisture buildup.
When to Call a Pro:
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Clogged pump: If the condensate pump is faulty, it needs to be replaced.
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Persistent leakage: If the problem doesn’t resolve after cleaning, it’s time for a professional inspection.
👉 Source: Energy Star – AC Maintenance Tips
Jake’s tip: Water leaks can cause mold growth and water damage. Deal with it ASAP before it becomes a bigger issue.
Common Furnace Issues (Heating Season)
1. No Heat
Symptoms:
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Furnace blower runs, but no warm air is coming out.
Possible Causes:
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Pilot light or ignition issues: The pilot may have gone out, or the ignition system may be faulty.
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Thermostat malfunction: The thermostat could be set incorrectly or have a dead battery.
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Tripped circuit breaker: If the furnace isn’t receiving power, it won’t heat.
DIY Fixes:
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Check thermostat settings: Ensure it's set to “heat” and the temperature is high enough.
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Inspect the circuit breaker: Reset any tripped breakers.
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Relight the pilot: For older models with a standing pilot, relight it.
When to Call a Pro:
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Gas issues: If the gas valve is faulty, it needs professional attention.
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Ignition problems: If the ignition system is malfunctioning, it requires professional repair.
👉 Source: DOE – Furnace Maintenance
Jake’s tip: If you smell gas, don’t try to relight the pilot. Turn off the gas and call a pro immediately.
2. Blower Runs But Doesn’t Blow Heat
Symptoms:
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The blower runs, but the air feels cool or room temperature.
Possible Causes:
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Dirty air filter: A clogged filter can block airflow, preventing the furnace from heating efficiently.
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Clogged ducts: Blocked ducts restrict airflow.
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Faulty limit switch: A defective limit switch may cause the blower to run without heat.
DIY Fixes:
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Replace the filter: A clogged filter is the most common cause of this issue.
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Check ducts: Look for any visible blockages and clear them.
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Reset the furnace: Try turning the furnace off and back on to see if it begins to blow warm air.
When to Call a Pro:
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Limit switch issues: If resetting the system doesn’t work, you’ll need a pro to inspect and replace the switch.
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Blower motor failure: If the motor is running but no heat is produced, the motor might need replacement.
👉 Source: Energy Star – Furnace Troubleshooting
Jake’s tip: Start with the filter—it’s the easiest thing to fix. If that doesn’t help, check the ducts and reset the furnace.
3. Strange Noises from Furnace (Rattling, Scraping, Squealing)
Symptoms:
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Rattling, squealing, or scraping noises when the furnace runs.
Possible Causes:
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Loose parts: Loose screws or parts inside the furnace can cause rattling.
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Worn blower motor: Squealing noises may come from a worn-out blower motor.
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Debris in the blower: Dirt or leaves can get caught in the fan, causing scraping sounds.
DIY Fixes:
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Turn off the furnace: Always power off the system before inspecting.
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Tighten loose parts: Check for loose bolts and tighten them.
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Clean the blower: Remove debris from the blower motor.
When to Call a Pro:
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Worn-out blower motor: If you hear scraping or squealing, it’s a sign that the motor may need to be replaced.
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Electrical issues: Squealing can sometimes be caused by electrical problems, which require a pro.
👉 Source: ASHRAE – Furnace Maintenance
Jake’s tip: If you hear scraping or squealing, it’s time for a new motor. Don’t put it off—delaying it can lead to a more expensive repair.
Preventative Maintenance: Keep It Running Smooth
Regular maintenance prevents small issues from turning into costly repairs. Here’s your checklist:
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Change filters every 1–3 months.
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Clean condenser coils in the spring to improve cooling efficiency.
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Inspect the thermostat before the heating season.
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Check ductwork for leaks and seal them with mastic.
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Schedule annual pro maintenance for cleaning and a full inspection.
👉 Energy Star – HVAC Maintenance Tips
Jake’s tip: Spending a little time on maintenance now can save you hundreds in repairs later.
When to Call a Pro
Some issues require professional expertise. Call a pro if:
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The system isn’t heating or cooling properly despite troubleshooting.
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You smell gas or suspect a gas leak.
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The refrigerant needs recharging (only a licensed pro can handle R-32).
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The furnace is short cycling or continuously running.
Jake’s Final Word
Your Goodman 3 Ton 15.2 SEER2 R-32 + 96% AFUE furnace system is a reliable, efficient unit. Regular troubleshooting, DIY fixes, and professional maintenance will keep it running smoothly for 15–20 years.
Jake’s bottom line: Don’t ignore small problems—take care of them before they turn into big expenses. Regular maintenance keeps your system running smoothly for years.
In the next blog we will learn more about " Is a 3-Ton System the Right Size for Your Home?"
