AC Repairs Hollywood Portland Oregon

How to fix routine furnace issues



There is nothing even worse than waking up cold in the middle of the night.


Its one thing if you just need to pull the conceal. Its a whole various concern if your heating system is working poorly or not operating at all.


With a little do-it-yourself experience you can repair and fix your heating system yourself. Your best option though is to have a maintenance check list for your heater to prevent the issue.


Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the knowledge to take on some heater repairs.



Whether you have a traditional gas heating system or a high efficiency gas heater comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is important. You require to comprehend the standard functions of the appliance so you understand what to try to find when there is something wrong.




Examine your thermostat to make certain it is switched on.



It may sound silly however examine the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" which it is set at least five degrees above room temperature level. You might be shocked how numerous service calls are made without inspecting this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Examine the battery on the thermostat. You may require to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat system works on batteries be sure you are changing them at least once a year or as needed.


Some thermostats are wired to your houses electrical system while others utilize batteries. How is yours powered? Often those that utilize batteries will flash a low-battery symbol when they require a replacement.


Open the thermostat and carefully blow any dust or particles that might have clogged it.


Ensure the date and time is right on electronic or programmable designs - the system may be on a timer.


Examine the breaker. If on switch off the breaker and check the fuse for the heater.




Furnace is not producing heat - attempt to reset the Circuit Breaker


Here are any variety of minor reasons why this could occur. First verify that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to examine if a noticeable distinction is felt.


If there is no outcome check to see if maybe a breaker or fuse was tripped or blown.



Go to your houses breaker panel and try to find the circuit that manages the heating system. Youre aiming to see whether its thrown to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


By hand check the breaker. Flip it back and forth.


Make certain it is staying in the "On" position.


This will reset the breaker. If this does not do the trick you have an issue with either the wiring in the circuit or the circuit breaker itself.



The heating system is not producing adequate heat. Check and alter a stopped up filter.


A heating system that has a hard time to produce heat is a different matter from one that has somehow stopped working.


In the case of a poor-performing heating system that does not warm the home sufficiently first ensure that the air filter is tidy and in good condition if not brand-new.


This is a simple but essential part of furnace upkeep. One of the most common factors to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It likewise takes place to be the most convenient upkeep chore.


Replacing your heating system filter frequently is a fast and basic job and goes a long way in securing HVAC elements and enhancing your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the consumption. This more than likely appear like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the heating system itself.



Examine your filter - You can inform if the time has actually come to alter it by holding it as much as the light. If no light shines through the filter needs altering. A dusty dirty smell from the vents when the blower turns on is another excellent indication you should alter your heating system filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your furnace is turned off. No air must be coming out. Check the direction your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one instructions. Installing your filter upside-down can decrease its effectiveness.


Cleaning the debris that constructs up on your filters will help with the flow of air. When your air filter is clogged your air handler must work more difficult to make up for the clog of air flow. In addition to increasing your utility costs the lowered air flow through your cooling and heating system can cause your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut down too quickly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the furnace and the heated air returned into your house. An unclean clogged up filter limits the air flow ultimately triggering heat and pressure to develop in the heater.


Newer more effective heaters are delicate to the issue and will frequently close down prior to an unclean filter causes more trouble. For other units the heating system will continue to run however with less heat output and lowered efficiency.




Safety switch on a heating system door


If your heater is not operating among the first things you must do is check the safety switch on the heater door. A heating system door security switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the gain access to panel is gotten rid of.


Heaters have a safety switch that pops out when the door is eliminated. The door should remain in place for the switch to be triggered and for the furnace to operate.


If you find you require to set up a new safety switch follow the step by action guidelines on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.


Shut the power off. Preparation the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Check and evaluate the installation.





Keep the location around your furnace tidy and unblocked


This may seem like an obvious tip however sometimes property owners with hectic lives forget to focus on locations of their house like the basement.


A basement can become cluttered which in turn can lead to the area around the furnace being filled with various ownerships and debris. Not just does a clean heater function much better it looks better.


Prevent keeping combustible substances or products near your heating system. Crowding your furnace can lead to unforeseen fires substantial damage to your house and danger to your family and animals.


Nevertheless practical it might seem to just "store it there" for the summer consider the chance that you might well forget any items youve left on or near your furnace. Dont take possibilities give your heater the room it needs to operate securely.


Additionally vacuum and clean frequently around your furnace. While you may have gotten rid of any and all combustible items from the location bear in mind that dust and lint can construct up and develop a fire hazard. An excess quantity of dust and lint can also trigger your filter to become blocked earlier than normal requiring more regular replacement.