Air Conditioner Tune Up Hayden Island Portland Oregon

Why to solve common HVAC problems



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


Its something if you simply need to pull the cover. Its an entire various issue if your heating system is working improperly or not working at all.


With a little do-it-yourself experience you can troubleshoot and fix your heater yourself. Your best choice though is to have an upkeep check list for your heater to prevent the issue.


Today I have something that will make you seem like you have the knowledge to tackle some furnace repair work.



Whether you have a standard gas furnace or a high effectiveness gas heater comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is very important. You require to comprehend the fundamental workings of the appliance so you understand what to search for when there is something incorrect.




Inspect your thermostat to make sure it is switched 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. You might be surprised the number of service calls are made without examining 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 houses thermostat unit operates on batteries make sure you are changing them at least once a year or as required.


Some thermostats are wired to your homes electrical system while others use batteries. How is yours powered? In some cases those that utilize batteries will flash a low-battery symbol when they need a replacement.


Open the thermostat and carefully blow any dust or debris that may have obstructed it.


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


Examine the breaker. If on shut off the breaker and check the fuse for the furnace.




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


Here are any number of small reasons that 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 check if a noticeable distinction is felt.


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



Go to your houses breaker panel and try to find the circuit that controls the heating system. Youre looking to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


By hand evaluate the breaker. Flip it back and forth.


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


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



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


A heating system that has a hard time to produce heat is a different matter from one that has in some way quit working.


In the case of a poor-performing heating system that does not warm the house adequately first make sure that the air filter is tidy and in good condition if not new.


This is a simple but vital part of heating system upkeep. One of the most common reasons to have a heater not working is a clogged filter. It likewise happens to be the easiest upkeep chore.


Changing your heater filter routinely is a quick and easy job and goes a long method in protecting HVAC components and improving your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the intake. This more than likely looks like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heating system itself.



Inspect your filter - You can inform if the time has actually pertained to change it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter needs altering. A dirty unclean odor from the vents when the blower switches on is another excellent sign you ought to alter your heater filter.


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


Cleaning the particles that develops on your filters will aid with the circulation of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler need to work harder to make up for the clog of air circulation. In addition to driving up your utility bill the reduced air circulation through your heating and cooling system can cause your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut down too rapidly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heating system and the heated air returned into the home. A dirty clogged up filter limits the air flow ultimately causing heat and pressure to construct up in the heating system.


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




Security turn on a furnace door


If your furnace is not operating among the first things you ought to do is examine the safety turn on the heating system door. A heating system door security switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the access panel is removed.


Heating systems have a security switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door must remain in location for the switch to be activated and for the heater to run.


If you discover you need to set up a brand-new safety switch follow the step by step instructions on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.


Shut the power off. Prep the blower door. Wire the security switch. Examine and check the installation.





Keep the area around your heating system clean and unobstructed


This may look like an apparent pointer but often house owners with busy lives forget to pay attention to areas of their house like the basement.


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


Avoid storing flammable substances or products near your furnace. Crowding your heater can cause unforeseen fires considerable damage to your house and danger to your household and animals.


Nevertheless hassle-free it might appear to merely "store it there" for the summertime consider the opportunity that you might well forget any items youve left on or near your furnace. Do not take chances provide your heating system the space it needs to operate safely.


In addition vacuum and clean routinely around your heating system. While you might have gotten rid of any and all flammable products from the area keep in mind that dust and lint can develop and create a fire danger. An excess quantity of dust and lint can also cause your filter to become clogged up quicker than normal needing more frequent replacement.