AC Company Clackamas Oregon

How to solve typical furnace complications



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


Its something if you simply need to pull the covers up. Its a whole different issue if your heating system is working badly or not operating at all.


With a little do-it-yourself experience you can troubleshoot and repair your furnace yourself. Your best bet though is to have an upkeep check list for your heating unit to prevent the problem.


Today I have something that will make you seem like you have the knowledge to deal with some heating system repair work.



Whether you have a standard gas heater or a high efficiency gas furnace comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You need to comprehend the standard workings of the home appliance so you understand what to search for when there is something incorrect.




Examine your thermostat to make certain it is switched on.



It might sound ridiculous but check the thermostat to guarantee it is set on "heat" which it is set at least five degrees above room temperature. You may be stunned how numerous service calls are made without inspecting this!


Here are a couple of thermostat checks to conduct yourself:


Check the battery on the thermostat. You may need to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat unit runs on batteries be sure you are changing them at least once a year or as required.


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 symbol when they require a replacement.


Open the thermostat and carefully blow any dust or debris that might have clogged it.


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


Inspect the breaker. If on shut off the breaker and check the fuse for the heating system.




Heater is not producing heat - attempt to reset the Circuit Breaker


Here are any variety of minor reasons that this could happen. Initially validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to inspect if a visible difference is felt.


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



Go to your houses breaker panel and search for the circuit that controls the heater. Youre aiming 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.


Make sure 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 electrical wiring in the circuit or the breaker itself.



The furnace is not producing sufficient heat. Check and alter a stopped up filter.


A heater that struggles to produce heat is a various matter from one that has in some way quit working.


When it comes to a poor-performing heating system that doesnt warm the home adequately very first ensure that the air filter is tidy and in excellent condition if not brand-new.


This is a basic however crucial part of furnace upkeep. One of the most typical factors to have a heating system not working is a clogged filter. It also occurs to be the easiest upkeep chore.


Replacing your heating system filter frequently is a fast and easy job and goes a long method in securing HVAC parts and improving your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some furnaces have their filter in the consumption. This most likely looks like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heating system itself.



Inspect 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 smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another excellent indication you ought to alter your heater filter.


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


Cleaning up the particles that develops up on your filters will assist with the flow of air. When your air filter is clogged your air handler should work harder to make up for the obstruction of air circulation. In addition to increasing your energy bill the minimized air circulation through your heating and cooling system can cause your heat exchanger to overheat and shut off too quickly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heater and the heated air sent back into your home. A filthy stopped up filter limits the airflow eventually causing heat and pressure to build up in the furnace.


Newer more efficient heaters are sensitive to the problem and will often close down before an unclean filter causes more difficulty. For other units the heating system will continue to run but with less heat output and reduced efficiency.




Security turn on a heater door


If your heating system is not operating among the very first things you must do is check the security switch on the heating system door. A heater door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the gain access to panel is eliminated.


Heating systems have a security switch that pops out when the door is eliminated. The door should be in place for the switch to be triggered and for the furnace to run.


If you discover you require to set up a new security switch follow the step by step guidelines on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.


Shut the power off. Preparation the blower door. Wire the security switch. Inspect and test the installation.





Keep the area around your furnace tidy and unblocked


This might appear like an apparent pointer but sometimes house owners with busy lives forget to take note of areas of their home like the basement.


A basement can end up being chaotic which in turn can cause the area around the furnace being filled with miscellaneous ownerships and debris. Not only does a clean furnace function much better it looks much better.


Prevent saving flammable compounds or materials near your heating system. Crowding your heating system can cause unexpected fires significant damage to your house and risk to your family and pets.


However hassle-free it may appear to simply "save it there" for the summertime consider the opportunity that you might well forget any products youve left on or near your heating system. Do not take chances provide your heating system the space it requires to operate safely.


Furthermore vacuum and tidy frequently around your furnace. While you may have removed 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 likewise cause your filter to become clogged up sooner than typical needing more regular replacement.