AC Company Creston-Kenilworth Portland Oregon

How to repair normal HVAC problems



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


Its one thing if you just require to pull the cover. Its a whole different problem if your heater is working badly 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 an upkeep check list for your heating unit to avoid the issue.


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



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




Check your thermostat to make sure it is switched on.



It might sound ridiculous however inspect the thermostat to guarantee it is set on "heat" which it is set at least five degrees above space temperature level. You may be stunned the number of service calls are made without inspecting this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Inspect the battery on the thermostat. You may need to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat system operates on batteries make sure you are changing them a minimum of as soon as a year or as required.


Some thermostats are wired to your houses electrical system while others use batteries. How is yours powered? Sometimes those that use batteries will flash a low-battery sign 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 correct on electronic or programmable designs - the system may be on a timer.


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




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


Here are any number of minor factors why this might take place. First confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a few degrees to examine if an obvious distinction is felt.


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



Go to your homes breaker panel and look for the circuit that controls the furnace. Youre wanting to see whether its thrown to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


Manually test the breaker. Flip it back and forth.


Make certain it is staying in the "On" position.


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



The heater is not producing sufficient heat. Inspect and change a blocked filter.


A heating system that struggles to produce heat is a different matter from one that has somehow quit working.


When it comes to a poor-performing heating system that doesnt heat up the house adequately first ensure that the air filter is tidy and in great condition if not brand-new.


This is a simple however vital part of heater upkeep. Among the most typical reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It likewise takes place to be the easiest upkeep chore.


Changing your heater filter regularly is a fast and simple job and goes a long way in safeguarding HVAC elements and enhancing your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some heating systems have their filter in the intake. This probably appear like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heating system itself.



Check your filter - You can tell if the time has actually concerned alter it by holding it as much as the light. If no light shines through the filter requires altering. A dirty unclean odor from the vents when the blower turns on is another good indication you must alter your heating system filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heating system is shut off. No air ought to 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 reduce its efficiency.


Cleaning the debris that constructs up on your filters will aid with the circulation of air. When your air filter is blocked your air handler need to work more difficult to make up for the clog of air flow. In addition to increasing your utility expense the reduced air flow through your heating & cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut down too rapidly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heater and the heated air returned into your house. A dirty clogged up filter limits the air flow ultimately triggering heat and pressure to build up in the heater.


Newer more efficient heating systems are delicate to the issue and will often shut down prior to an unclean filter causes more difficulty. For other units the heater will continue to run but with less heat output and lowered effectiveness.




Safety switch on a heater door


If your heater is not running one of the first things you ought to do is inspect the security turn on the furnace door. A furnace door safety switch avoids the fan and burner from beginning while the access panel is eliminated.


Furnaces have a security switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door must be in location for the switch to be triggered and for the heating system to run.


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


Shut the power off. Prep the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Inspect and test the setup.





Keep the area around your furnace clean and unblocked


This may appear like an apparent idea however often property owners with hectic lives forget to take notice of areas of their home like the basement.


A basement can become chaotic which in turn can lead to the area around the furnace being filled with miscellaneous ownerships and debris. Not only does a tidy furnace function better it looks better.


Prevent keeping combustible substances or materials near your heating system. Crowding your heater can cause unexpected fires considerable damage to your house and threat to your household and pets.


Nevertheless convenient it may seem to simply "save it there" for the summertime think about the chance that you may well forget any items youve left on or near your heating system. Dont take chances offer your heating system the space it requires to run safely.


Additionally vacuum and clean regularly around your heating system. While you may have removed any and all flammable items from the area keep in mind that dust and lint can develop up and develop a fire risk. An excess amount of dust and lint can also cause your filter to become blocked sooner than normal requiring more frequent replacement.