HVAC Contractor Sumner Portland Oregon

How to solve typical furnace problems



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


Its something if you just require to pull the cover. Its an entire various problem if your heater is working improperly or not working at all.


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


Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the understanding to take on some heating system repairs.



Whether you have a traditional gas heater or a high efficiency gas heater understanding how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You require to understand the fundamental operations of the home appliance so you understand what to try to find when there is something incorrect.




Inspect your thermostat to make certain it is turned on.



It might sound ridiculous however examine the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least 5 degrees above space temperature level. You may be surprised the number of service calls are made without checking this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to conduct yourself:


Check the battery on the thermostat. You might need to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat system runs on batteries make certain you are altering them at least when a year or as needed.


Some thermostats are wired to your houses electrical system while others utilize 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 carefully blow any dust or particles that might have blocked it.


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


Inspect the breaker. If on shut off the breaker and inspect the fuse for the heater.




Heating system is not producing heat - attempt to reset the Circuit Breaker


Here are any variety of small factors why this might take place. First validate 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 maybe a circuit breaker or fuse was tripped or blown.



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


Manually test the breaker. Turn it backward and forward.


Make certain 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 enough heat. Examine and change a clogged filter.


A heater that struggles to produce heat is a various matter from one that has actually in some way quit working.


In the case of a poor-performing heating system that does not heat the home adequately very first make sure that the air filter is clean and in good condition if not new.


This is a simple but crucial part of furnace maintenance. One of the most common reasons to have a heating system not working is a stopped up filter. It also occurs to be the simplest maintenance task.


Changing your furnace filter regularly is a quick and basic job and goes a long method in protecting HVAC components and enhancing your inside air quality.


Locate your filter - Some heating systems have their filter in the consumption. This most likely appear like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heater itself.



Inspect your filter - You can inform if the time has pertained to alter it by holding it as much as the light. If no light shines through the filter needs changing. A dusty unclean smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another excellent sign you need to alter your heating system filter.


Replace your filter - Make sure your heater is shut off. No air must be coming out. Inspect 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 up the particles that develops on your filters will aid with the flow of air. When your air filter is clogged your air handler should work harder to make up for the clog of air flow. In addition to increasing your energy expense the decreased air circulation through your cooling and heating system can trigger your heat exchanger to overheat and turn off too quickly.


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


Newer more efficient heaters are sensitive to the problem and will frequently close down prior to an unclean filter causes more problem. For other units the heater will continue to run but with less heat output and lowered effectiveness.




Security turn on a heating system door


If your heating system is not running one of the very first things you need to do is examine the safety turn on the heating system door. A furnace door safety switch avoids the fan and burner from beginning while the access panel is gotten rid of.


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


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


Shut the power off. Prep the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Check and check the installation.





Keep the location around your heater clean and unobstructed


This may look like an apparent tip however sometimes homeowners with hectic lives forget to focus on locations of their home like the basement.


A basement can become cluttered which in turn can lead to the location around the heater being filled with various belongings and particles. Not only does a tidy heating system function better it looks much better.


Prevent saving combustible substances or products near your heating system. Crowding your heater can lead to unforeseen fires substantial damage to your home and risk to your household and family pets.


However hassle-free it might appear to simply "store it there" for the summertime consider the opportunity that you might well forget any products youve left on or near your furnace. Dont take possibilities provide your furnace the space it requires to operate securely.


In addition vacuum and clean regularly around your heater. While you might have eliminated any and all combustible products from the location bear in mind that dust and lint can build up and develop a fire hazard. An excess quantity of dust and lint can also cause your filter to become clogged sooner than usual needing more frequent replacement.

Sumner is a neighborhood in the Northeast section of Portland, Oregon, including the portion of the city of Maywood Park west of Interstate 205. The area includes Portland International Airport at its northern extreme but there are no residences surrounding it.


Area: 237 acres








Address: 5530 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230

Address: 10001 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220

Address: 11550 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97220