AC Company Beaverton Oregon

How to solve typical HVAC complications



There is nothing even worse than waking up 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 operating at all.


With a little diy experience you can repair and fix your heating system yourself. Your best choice though is to have a maintenance check list for your heating unit to prevent the issue.


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



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




Examine your thermostat to ensure it is turned on.



It might sound ridiculous but check the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" which it is set at least five degrees above space temperature level. You might be surprised the number of service calls are made without checking this!


Here are a couple of thermostat checks to conduct yourself:


Examine the battery on the thermostat. You might need to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat system operates on batteries make certain you are altering them at least when a year or as needed.


Some thermostats are wired to your houses electrical system while others utilize batteries. How is yours powered? Often 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.


Ensure the date and time is proper on electronic or programmable models - the system might be on a timer.


Check the breaker. If on switch off the breaker and inspect the fuse for the heating system.




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


Here are any number of small reasons that this could occur. Initially confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to check if a noticeable 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 try to find the circuit that controls the furnace. Youre looking to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


By hand check the breaker. Turn it back and forth.


Ensure it is remaining in the "On" position.


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



The heater is not producing enough heat. Check and change a blocked filter.


A furnace that has a hard time to produce heat is a various matter from one that has actually in some way quit working.


In the case of a poor-performing heating system that does not warm the home adequately very first guarantee that the air filter is clean and in excellent condition if not new.


This is a simple but important part of heating system upkeep. Among the most common reasons to have a heating system not working is a clogged filter. It likewise takes place to be the most convenient maintenance chore.


Changing your heater filter routinely is a quick and basic job and goes a long way in protecting HVAC elements and enhancing your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the intake. This probably appear like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the heater itself.



Examine your filter - You can inform if the time has pertained to alter it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter needs changing. A dusty dirty odor from the vents when the blower turns on is another good indication you ought to alter your heating system filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heating system is turned off. No air ought to be coming out. Check the instructions your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one instructions. Installing your filter upside-down can minimize its efficiency.


Cleaning up the debris that constructs up on your filters will help with the flow of air. When your air filter is clogged your air handler need to work more difficult to compensate for the obstruction of air flow. In addition to increasing your utility expense the decreased air flow through your heating and cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut down too quickly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heating system and the heated air returned into the house. A filthy stopped up filter restricts the airflow eventually triggering heat and pressure to construct up in the heating system.


Newer more effective heating systems are sensitive to the issue and will often shut down prior to a dirty filter causes more trouble. For other units the heater will continue to run but with less heat output and reduced performance.




Security turn on a heater door


If your heater is not operating one of the first things you need to do is check the security switch on the heater door. A heater door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from beginning while the gain access to panel is eliminated.


Furnaces have a safety switch that pops out when the door is gotten rid of. The door should remain in location for the switch to be triggered and for the heater to operate.


If you find you require to install a brand-new safety switch follow the action by step directions on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.


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





Keep the location around your heating system clean and unobstructed


This might seem like an obvious pointer but in some cases homeowners with busy lives forget to take notice of locations of their home like the basement.


A basement can end up being messy which in turn can lead to the area around the furnace being filled with various possessions and debris. Not only does a tidy furnace function much better it looks much better.


Prevent saving combustible substances or products near your heating system. Crowding your heating system can lead to unanticipated fires substantial damage to your home and threat to your family and family pets.


However practical it may seem to just "store it there" for the summer consider the possibility that you might well forget any products youve left on or near your heater. Do not take chances offer your heater the space it needs to run safely.


In addition vacuum and clean routinely around your furnace. While you may have eliminated any and all flammable products from the area bear in mind that dust and lint can develop and develop a fire threat. An excess quantity of dust and lint can also trigger your filter to end up being blocked quicker than normal requiring more regular replacement.