HVAC Contractor Pleasant Valley Portland Oregon

Why to fix common furnace breakdowns



There is absolutely nothing worse than awakening cold in the middle of the night.


Its one thing if you simply require to pull the conceal. Its an entire various problem if your furnace is working improperly or not operating at all.


With a little do-it-yourself experience you can fix and fix your heating system yourself. Your best bet though is to have an upkeep check list for your heating system to avoid the problem.


Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the knowledge to deal with some furnace repairs.



Whether you have a traditional gas furnace or a high effectiveness gas furnace understanding how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You require to understand the standard operations of the device so you know what to search for when there is something wrong.




Check your thermostat to ensure it is turned on.



It may sound silly however inspect the thermostat to guarantee it is set on "heat" which it is set at least 5 degrees above room temperature level. You might be shocked how numerous service calls are made without checking this!


Here are a couple of thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Examine the battery on the thermostat. You might need to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat system runs on batteries be sure you are altering them a minimum of when a year or as needed.


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


Open the thermostat and gently blow any dust or debris that may have blocked it.


Make certain the date and time is correct on electronic or programmable designs - the system may be on a timer.


Check the breaker. If on switch off the breaker and examine the fuse for the heating system.




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


Here are any variety of minor reasons that this might take place. First confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to check if a visible distinction is felt.


If there is no result check to see if perhaps a circuit breaker or fuse was tripped or blown.



Go to your homes breaker panel and try to find the circuit that controls the heater. Youre seeking to see whether its thrown to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


By hand test the breaker. Flip 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 an issue with either the circuitry in the circuit or the circuit breaker itself.



The heating system is not producing sufficient heat. Check and change a clogged filter.


A heater that has a hard time to produce heat is a various matter from one that has somehow stopped working.


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


This is an easy however vital part of heating system upkeep. One of the most typical reasons to have a furnace not working is a stopped up filter. It likewise occurs to be the simplest upkeep chore.


Changing your heating system filter regularly is a fast and simple task and goes a long method in securing HVAC components and enhancing your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the consumption. This probably appear like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heater itself.



Examine your filter - You can inform if the time has concerned change it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter requires changing. A dirty unclean odor from the vents when the blower turns on is another great sign you ought to change your heating system filter.


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


Cleaning the debris that develops on your filters will assist with the flow of air. When your air filter is blocked your air handler need to work harder to compensate for the obstruction of air flow. In addition to increasing your energy expense the lowered air circulation through your heating and cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to get too hot and turn off too rapidly.


Filters clean the air headed into the furnace and the heated air returned into your house. A filthy clogged filter restricts the airflow ultimately causing heat and pressure to develop in the furnace.


Newer more efficient heaters are sensitive to the issue and will frequently shut down prior to an unclean filter triggers more trouble. For other units the heater will continue to run but with less heat output and minimized performance.




Security turn on a heating system door


If your heater is not running one of the first things you should do is examine the security switch on the heater door. A heater door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from beginning while the access panel is eliminated.


Heaters have a security switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door should be in location for the switch to be activated and for the heating system to operate.


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


Shut the power off. Preparation the blower door. Wire the security switch. Examine and test the setup.





Keep the location around your heater tidy and unobstructed


This may seem like an apparent suggestion but in some cases homeowners with busy lives forget to pay attention to areas of their house like the basement.


A basement can end up being chaotic which in turn can result in the area around the heating system being filled with various possessions and debris. Not just does a clean furnace function much better it looks much better.


Avoid storing combustible compounds or products near your heating system. Crowding your heating system can cause unexpected fires considerable damage to your house and danger to your household and pets.


Nevertheless hassle-free it might appear to just "save it there" for the summer season consider the opportunity that you may well forget any products youve left on or near your heating system. Dont take possibilities provide your heating system the room it needs to run securely.


Additionally vacuum and tidy regularly around your heater. While you might have eliminated any and all combustible products from the location keep in mind that dust and lint can develop and produce a fire danger. An excess amount of dust and lint can likewise cause your filter to end up being clogged up earlier than normal requiring more frequent replacement.


Address: 17120 SE Powell Blvd # A, Portland, OR 97236

Address: 11128 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97266

Address: 17102 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236