AC Repairs West Slope Oregon

Why to fix common heating and cooling problems



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


Its one thing if you just need to pull the covers up. Its a whole different concern if your furnace is working poorly or not working at all.


With a little diy experience you can fix and repair your heater yourself. Your best choice though is to have a maintenance check list for your heating unit to prevent the problem.


Today I have something that will make you seem like you have the understanding to take on some furnace repair work.



Whether you have a conventional gas furnace or a high efficiency gas heater comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You need to understand the fundamental workings of the appliance so you understand what to search for when there is something wrong.




Examine your thermostat to make sure it is turned 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. You might be surprised how numerous service calls are made without inspecting this!


Here are a couple of thermostat checks to conduct yourself:


Examine the battery on the thermostat. You may need to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat system runs on batteries be sure you are changing them at least once a year or as required.


Some thermostats are wired to the houses electrical system while others use batteries. How is yours powered? In some cases those that utilize batteries will flash a low-battery sign 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 proper on electronic or programmable designs - the system may be on a timer.


Check the breaker. If on turn off the breaker and inspect the fuse for the furnace.




Heater is not producing heat - try to reset the Circuit Breaker


Here are any number of minor reasons this might occur. First verify that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a few degrees to examine if a visible difference is felt.


If there is no outcome check to see if perhaps 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 looking to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


Manually check the breaker. Turn it backward and forward.


Ensure it is remaining in the "On" position.


This will reset the breaker. If this does not do the technique you have a problem with either the wiring in the circuit or the circuit breaker itself.



The furnace is not producing adequate heat. Check and alter a clogged 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 furnace that does not warm the house sufficiently very first make sure that the air filter is clean and in great condition if not brand-new.


This is a basic but important part of heater maintenance. Among the most typical factors to have a heater not working is a clogged filter. It also takes place to be the easiest upkeep chore.


Replacing your furnace filter frequently is a fast and easy task and goes a long method in securing HVAC components and enhancing your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some furnaces have their filter in the intake. This most likely appear like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heater itself.



Examine your filter - You can tell if the time has actually concerned change it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter requires changing. A dusty unclean smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another excellent indication you should change your heating system filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heater is shut off. No air must be coming out. Inspect the instructions your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one direction. Installing your filter upside-down can lower its efficiency.


Cleaning the particles that develops up on your filters will aid with the flow of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler must work harder to make up for the obstruction of air circulation. In addition to driving up your energy costs the lowered air flow through your heating & cooling system can cause your heat exchanger to overheat and shut off too rapidly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heating system and the heated air sent out back into your house. A dirty clogged filter restricts the airflow ultimately triggering heat and pressure to develop in the heater.


Newer more efficient heating systems are delicate to the issue and will frequently close down before an unclean filter triggers more difficulty. For other systems the heating system will continue to run however with less heat output and reduced performance.




Security turn on a heating system door


If your heater is not running among the very first things you should do is check the safety turn on the heater door. A furnace door safety switch avoids the fan and burner from coming on while the access panel is gotten rid of.


Heaters have a safety switch that pops out when the door is eliminated. The door must remain in location for the switch to be triggered and for the heating system to run.


If you find you require to install a new safety switch follow the action by action directions on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.


Shut the power off. Prep the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Inspect and evaluate the installation.





Keep the location around your heating system tidy and unblocked


This might appear like an apparent pointer but in some cases property owners with hectic lives forget to take notice of locations of their house like the basement.


A basement can become cluttered which in turn can cause the location around the furnace being filled with various possessions and particles. Not just does a tidy furnace function better it looks much better.


Prevent saving combustible compounds or products near your heater. Crowding your heater can result in unanticipated fires substantial damage to your home and risk to your household and pets.


Nevertheless hassle-free it might seem to merely "store it there" for the summer season consider the possibility that you might well forget any products youve left on or near your heater. Dont take chances give your furnace the space it requires to run safely.


Additionally vacuum and clean routinely around your furnace. While you may have removed any and all combustible items from the area bear in mind that dust and lint can develop up and produce a fire danger. An excess quantity of dust and lint can likewise cause your filter to become blocked earlier than typical requiring more frequent replacement.