Embedded Files
When to fix common HVAC problems
There is nothing even worse than awakening cold in the middle of the night.
Its one thing if you just need to pull the cover. Its a whole different issue if your furnace is working inadequately or not working at all.
With a little diy experience you can troubleshoot and repair your heater yourself. Your finest bet 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 understanding to take on some furnace repairs.
Whether you have a standard gas heater or a high efficiency gas furnace understanding how your furnace/heating system works is crucial. You require to comprehend the fundamental workings of the appliance so you know what to try to find when there is something wrong.
Inspect your thermostat to ensure it is turned on.
It might sound ridiculous however check the thermostat to guarantee it is set on "heat" which it is set at least five degrees above room temperature. You may be shocked how numerous service calls are made without checking this!
Here are a few thermostat checks to conduct yourself:
Inspect the battery on the thermostat. You may need to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat unit operates on batteries make sure you are changing them at least when a year or as required.
Some thermostats are wired to the homes electrical system while others use 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 carefully blow any dust or particles that might have clogged it.
Ensure the date and time is correct on electronic or programmable models - the system might be on a timer.
Inspect 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 number of minor reasons this might take place. Initially confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to inspect if a noticeable difference is felt.
If there is no result check to see if maybe a circuit breaker or fuse was tripped or blown.
Go to your homes breaker panel and try to find the circuit that controls the heating system. Youre seeking to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.
By hand test the breaker. Turn it backward and forward.
Ensure 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 wiring in the circuit or the breaker itself.
The heater is not producing enough heat. Examine and change a clogged up filter.
A heater that struggles to produce heat is a different matter from one that has in some way quit working.
In the case of a poor-performing heater that does not heat the home adequately very first make sure that the air filter is tidy and in great condition if not brand-new.
This is an easy but vital part of heating system maintenance. One of the most common reasons to have a heater not working is a clogged up filter. It also occurs to be the simplest upkeep chore.
Changing your heating system filter regularly is a quick and simple job and goes a long way in protecting HVAC parts and enhancing your inside air quality.
Find your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the intake. This more than likely appear like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heater itself.
Check your filter - You can tell if the time has actually concerned change it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter needs altering. A dusty filthy odor from the vents when the blower turns on is another great indication you need to change your heating system filter.
Change your filter - Make sure your furnace is shut off. No air must be coming out. Check the direction your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one direction. Installing your filter upside-down can lower its efficiency.
Cleaning up the particles that develops on your filters will aid with the flow of air. When your air filter is blocked your air handler need to work harder to make up for the clog of air circulation. In addition to increasing your energy bill the reduced air flow through your heating & cooling system can cause your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut off too quickly.
Filters clean up the air headed into the heater and the heated air returned into your house. A dirty clogged filter limits the air flow ultimately triggering heat and pressure to build up in the furnace.
Newer more efficient furnaces are sensitive to the issue and will typically shut down before a dirty filter causes more problem. For other units the furnace will continue to run however with less heat output and lowered effectiveness.
Security switch on a heating system door
If your heating system is not operating among the first things you ought to do is examine the security turn on the heating system door. A heating system door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the gain access to panel is gotten rid of.
Heaters have a security switch that pops out when the door is gotten rid of. The door needs to remain in place for the switch to be triggered and for the furnace to run.
If you find you need to set up a brand-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. Inspect and test the installation.
Keep the location around your heater tidy and unobstructed
This may appear like an apparent suggestion however often property owners with hectic lives forget to pay attention to locations of their home like the basement.
A basement can become cluttered which in turn can result in the location around the furnace being filled with miscellaneous possessions and debris. Not just does a clean furnace function better it looks much better.
Avoid saving flammable substances or materials near your heater. Crowding your heater can lead to unanticipated fires significant damage to your home and risk to your household and animals.
However hassle-free it may appear to simply "save it there" for the summertime consider the chance that you might well forget any items youve left on or near your heating system. Dont take possibilities provide your furnace the space it requires to run safely.
In addition vacuum and tidy frequently around your furnace. While you may have removed any and all combustible products from the area keep in mind that dust and lint can build up and develop a fire threat. An excess amount of dust and lint can likewise cause your filter to become blocked sooner than usual needing more frequent replacement.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse