When to solve typical HVAC issues
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 various issue if your heater is working poorly or not operating at all.
With a little diy experience you can fix and repair your furnace yourself. Your best choice though is to have a maintenance check list for your heater to prevent the problem.
Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the knowledge to tackle some heater repair work.
Whether you have a traditional gas heater or a high efficiency gas furnace comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is important. You require to understand the basic operations of the appliance so you know what to search for when there is something incorrect.
Check your thermostat to ensure it is turned on.
It might sound ridiculous however inspect the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least 5 degrees above room temperature. You may be surprised the number of service calls are made without checking this!
Here are a few thermostat checks to perform yourself:
Check the battery on the thermostat. You might require to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat system works on batteries make certain you are altering them at least as soon as a year or as required.
Some thermostats are wired to the houses electrical system while others utilize batteries. How is yours powered? Often those that utilize batteries will flash a low-battery sign when they require a replacement.
Open the thermostat and gently blow any dust or particles that may have blocked it.
Make certain the date and time is right on electronic or programmable models - the system might be on a timer.
Inspect the breaker. If on shut off the breaker and inspect the fuse for the furnace.
Heater is not producing heat - attempt to reset the Circuit Breaker
Here are any number of minor factors why this might happen. Initially validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to check if a visible difference is felt.
If there is no outcome check to see if perhaps a breaker or fuse was tripped or blown.
Go to your homes 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.
By hand evaluate the breaker. Flip it back and forth.
Make sure it is staying in the "On" position.
This will reset the breaker. If this does not do the trick you have an issue with either the circuitry in the circuit or the breaker itself.
The furnace is not producing adequate heat. Examine and alter a clogged filter.
A furnace that has a hard time to produce heat is a different matter from one that has actually in some way stopped working.
In the case of a poor-performing heating system that doesnt heat up the house sufficiently first guarantee that the air filter is clean and in great condition if not new.
This is an easy however crucial part of heating system maintenance. One of the most typical reasons to have a furnace not working is a stopped up filter. It also takes place to be the simplest upkeep task.
Replacing your heating system filter frequently is a quick and basic task and goes a long way in securing HVAC elements and enhancing your inside air quality.
Find your filter - Some heating systems have their filter in the consumption. This more than likely appear like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the furnace itself.
Check your filter - You can tell if the time has pertained to change it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter needs changing. A dusty unclean smell from the vents when the blower turns on is another excellent sign you must change your heater filter.
Replace your filter - Make sure your heating system is shut off. No air should be coming out. Inspect the direction your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one direction. Installing your filter upside-down can decrease its efficiency.
Cleaning up the debris that develops on your filters will help with the circulation of air. When your air filter is blocked your air handler must work harder to compensate for the clog of air circulation. In addition to driving up your utility costs the decreased air circulation through your heating and cooling system can cause your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut down too rapidly.
Filters clean the air headed into the heating system and the heated air returned into your house. An unclean clogged up filter limits the air flow eventually triggering heat and pressure to develop in the heater.
Newer more efficient furnaces are sensitive to the issue and will frequently close down before a filthy filter causes more trouble. For other units the heater will continue to run however with less heat output and minimized efficiency.
Safety turn on a heater door
If your furnace is not running among the first things you should do is check the security switch on the heater door. A furnace door security switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the access panel is gotten rid of.
Heating systems have a security switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door needs to remain in place for the switch to be activated and for the heater to operate.
If you find you require to set up a new safety switch follow the step by action guidelines on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.
Shut the power off. Preparation the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Examine and check the setup.
Keep the area around your furnace clean and unobstructed
This may appear like an apparent idea however often house owners with busy lives forget to pay attention to areas of their home like the basement.
A basement can end up being messy which in turn can lead to the area around the heating system being filled with various belongings and debris. Not only does a clean heating system function better it looks better.
Prevent storing combustible compounds or products near your heating system. Crowding your furnace can result in unforeseen fires substantial damage to your home and risk to your household and family pets.
Nevertheless convenient it may appear to simply "save it there" for the summertime think about the possibility that you may well forget any products youve left on or near your furnace. Do not take possibilities give your heater the room it needs to run securely.
In addition vacuum and clean regularly around your heater. While you might have eliminated any and all flammable products from the area keep in mind that dust and lint can develop up and produce a fire danger. An excess amount of dust and lint can likewise trigger your filter to become stopped up quicker than normal needing more frequent replacement.