Embedded Files
How to repair normal heating system problems
There is nothing worse than waking up cold in the middle of the night.
Its something if you just need to pull the cover. Its an entire different issue if your heating system is working poorly or not working at all.
With a little do-it-yourself experience you can troubleshoot and fix your heater 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 standard gas heating system or a high efficiency gas furnace comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is necessary. You need to understand the fundamental workings of the appliance so you understand what to search for when there is something wrong.
Check your thermostat to make certain it is turned on.
It might sound silly but examine the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least five degrees above space temperature level. You may be stunned the number of service calls are made without inspecting this!
Here are a couple of thermostat checks to conduct yourself:
Check the battery on the thermostat. You might need to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat unit operates on batteries make certain 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? In some cases those that utilize batteries will flash a low-battery sign when they need a replacement.
Open the thermostat and gently blow any dust or particles that might have clogged it.
Make certain the date and time is right on electronic or programmable models - the system may be on a timer.
Examine the breaker. If on turn 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 number of small factors why this could take place. First validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to examine if an obvious difference is felt.
If there is no result check to see if perhaps a breaker or fuse was tripped or blown.
Go to your houses breaker panel and look for the circuit that manages the heating system. Youre wanting to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.
Manually evaluate the breaker. Flip it backward and forward.
Make sure it is remaining in the "On" position.
This will reset the breaker. If this does refrain from doing the technique you have an issue with either the circuitry in the circuit or the breaker itself.
The furnace is not producing enough heat. Inspect 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 house sufficiently first make sure that the air filter is clean and in good condition if not new.
This is an easy but vital part of heater upkeep. One of the most typical factors to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It likewise happens to be the most convenient upkeep chore.
Replacing your furnace filter routinely is a fast and easy job and goes a long way in protecting HVAC elements and improving your inside air quality.
Find your filter - Some heating systems have their filter in the intake. This probably appearances like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the heater itself.
Check your filter - You can tell if the time has actually come to change it by holding it as much as the light. If no light shines through the filter needs altering. A dusty unclean odor from the vents when the blower switches on is another good sign you need to change your heater filter.
Change your filter - Make sure your heating system is switched off. No air needs to be coming out. Check the instructions your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one direction. Installing your filter upside-down can minimize its efficiency.
Cleaning up the particles that builds up on your filters will assist with the flow of air. When your air filter is blocked your air handler must work harder to compensate for the obstruction of air circulation. In addition to increasing your utility expense the lowered air circulation through your heating and cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to overheat and shut down too quickly.
Filters clean up the air headed into the heating system and the heated air returned into your house. An unclean clogged filter restricts the airflow ultimately causing heat and pressure to develop in the heater.
Newer more effective furnaces are sensitive to the problem and will typically shut down prior to a filthy filter triggers more trouble. For other systems the heating system will continue to run however with less heat output and decreased effectiveness.
Security switch on a furnace door
If your heater is not running among the first things you need to do is inspect the security switch on the furnace door. A heating system door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the access panel is gotten rid of.
Furnaces have a security switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door must be in location for the switch to be triggered and for the heater to run.
If you discover you require to install a new security switch follow the action by step guidelines on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.
Shut the power off. Prep the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Examine and check the installation.
Keep the area around your heating system tidy and unobstructed
This might look like an obvious suggestion however sometimes property owners with hectic lives forget to take note of areas of their home like the basement.
A basement can end up being cluttered which in turn can cause the location around the heater being filled with miscellaneous ownerships and debris. Not just does a clean furnace function better it looks better.
Avoid saving flammable substances or products near your heater. Crowding your heater can result in unexpected fires significant damage to your house and risk to your household and family pets.
However convenient it might seem to just "keep it there" for the summertime think about the chance 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 requires to run securely.
Additionally vacuum and tidy routinely around your heating system. While you might have eliminated any and all combustible products from the location bear in mind that dust and lint can develop up and produce a fire threat. An excess amount of dust and lint can likewise cause your filter to end up being clogged up earlier than typical needing more frequent replacement.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse