HVAC Contractor Sylvan-Highlands Portland Oregon

Why to solve routine heating & cooling issues



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


Its something if you simply require to pull the conceal. Its an entire different concern if your heating system is working improperly or not operating at all.


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


Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the knowledge to tackle some heating system repairs.



Whether you have a traditional gas heating system or a high effectiveness gas furnace comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is very important. You require to understand the fundamental functions of the device so you understand what to try to find when there is something wrong.




Inspect your thermostat to ensure it is switched on.



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


Here are a few thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Check the battery on the thermostat. You may need to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat unit operates on batteries be sure you are altering them a minimum of once a year or as needed.


Some thermostats are wired to your homes electrical system while others utilize 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 gently blow any dust or debris that might have obstructed it.


Make sure the date and time is appropriate 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 heating system.




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


Here are any variety of small factors why this could occur. First validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a few degrees to inspect if a noticeable distinction is felt.


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



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


Manually evaluate the breaker. Flip it backward and forward.


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


This will reset the breaker. If this does refrain from doing the technique you have a problem with either the circuitry in the circuit or the breaker itself.



The furnace is not producing adequate heat. Check and change a blocked filter.


A heating system that struggles to produce heat is a various matter from one that has actually in some way stopped working.


When it comes to a poor-performing heater that doesnt heat the home sufficiently very first make sure that the air filter is clean and in good condition if not new.


This is a basic but important part of furnace maintenance. One of the most typical reasons to have a furnace not working is a blocked filter. It likewise happens to be the simplest upkeep task.


Replacing your furnace filter regularly is a fast and easy job and goes a long way in protecting HVAC components and enhancing your inside air quality.


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



Examine your filter - You can tell if the time has come to change it by holding it up to the light. If no light shines through the filter needs changing. A dusty unclean odor from the vents when the blower turns on is another excellent indication you ought to alter your heating system filter.


Replace your filter - Make sure your heating system is turned off. No air should be coming out. Examine the direction your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one direction. Installing your filter upside-down can minimize its effectiveness.


Cleaning the particles that develops on your filters will assist with the flow of air. When your air filter is blocked your air handler should work more difficult to make up for the blockage of air flow. In addition to increasing your utility costs the decreased air flow through your cooling and heating system can cause your heat exchanger to overheat and shut off too quickly.


Filters clean the air headed into the heating system and the heated air sent out back into your home. An unclean clogged filter restricts the air flow ultimately causing heat and pressure to build up in the heater.


Newer more efficient heaters are delicate to the issue and will often shut down prior to a filthy filter causes more difficulty. For other units the furnace will continue to run however with less heat output and minimized performance.




Security switch on a heater door


If your heater is not running among the first things you ought to do is check the security turn on the heating system door. A heater door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from beginning while the access panel is eliminated.


Heating systems have a security switch that pops out when the door is eliminated. The door should be in place for the switch to be triggered and for the heating system to run.


If you discover you need to install a new safety switch follow the step by step guidelines on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.


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





Keep the area around your heating system tidy and unobstructed


This might appear like an obvious tip however often property owners with busy lives forget to take notice of areas of their home like the basement.


A basement can end up being chaotic which in turn can cause the location around the heater being filled with various belongings and particles. Not only does a clean furnace function much better it looks better.


Prevent keeping flammable compounds or materials near your heater. Crowding your furnace can cause unexpected fires considerable damage to your home and threat to your household and animals.


However convenient it might seem to just "save it there" for the summertime think about the chance that you may well forget any products youve left on or near your furnace. Dont take chances offer your heater the room it requires to operate securely.


Additionally vacuum and clean frequently around your heater. While you might have gotten rid of any and all flammable products from the location bear in mind that dust and lint can build up and create a fire hazard. An excess quantity of dust and lint can also trigger your filter to become stopped up earlier than usual requiring more regular replacement.

Sylvan-Highlands is a neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, United States located on the west side of the West Hills.










Address: 1239 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205

Address: 1128 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205

Address: 2440 SW Vista Ave, Portland, OR 97201