AC Company East Columbia Portland Oregon

Why to repair typical heating and cooling issues



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


Its something if you simply need to pull the conceal. Its a whole different concern if your heater is working improperly or not working at all.


With a little diy experience you can fix and repair your heater yourself. Your finest bet though is to have an upkeep check list for your heating unit to avoid the problem.


Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the knowledge to tackle some heating system repair work.



Whether you have a standard gas furnace or a high efficiency gas heater comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You need to comprehend the standard workings of the appliance so you know what to try to find when there is something wrong.




Inspect your thermostat to make sure it is switched on.



It may sound silly but inspect the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" which it is set at least five degrees above room temperature level. You may be stunned the number of service calls are made without inspecting this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to conduct yourself:


Inspect the battery on the thermostat. You may require to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat system runs on batteries make sure you are changing them a minimum of when a year or as required.


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 sign when they require a replacement.


Open the thermostat and gently blow any dust or debris that may have blocked it.


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


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




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


Here are any number of minor reasons this might happen. First validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a few degrees to inspect if a noticeable difference is felt.


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



Go to your houses breaker panel and search for the circuit that controls the heating system. Youre looking to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


Manually evaluate the breaker. Flip it back and forth.


Ensure it is remaining 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 circuit breaker itself.



The heating system is not producing enough heat. Inspect and change a blocked filter.


A heater that has a hard time to produce heat is a different matter from one that has in some way stopped working.


In the case of a poor-performing furnace that doesnt heat up the house sufficiently first make sure that the air filter is clean and in great condition if not new.


This is a simple however important part of furnace maintenance. Among the most common factors to have a heating system not working is a stopped up filter. It also takes place to be the most convenient upkeep task.


Replacing your heating system filter regularly is a fast and simple task and goes a long method in protecting HVAC components and improving your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some furnaces have their filter in the consumption. This more than likely appear like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the furnace itself.



Check your filter - You can inform if the time has pertained to change it by holding it as much as the light. If no light shines through the filter needs changing. A dusty filthy odor from the vents when the blower turns on is another excellent sign you must alter your furnace filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heater is turned off. No air needs to 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 lower its efficiency.


Cleaning up the particles that constructs up on your filters will assist with the flow of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler should work more difficult to make up for the blockage of air circulation. In addition to increasing your utility costs the reduced air flow through your heating & cooling system can cause your heat exchanger to overheat 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 filter restricts the air flow ultimately triggering heat and pressure to develop in the heating system.


Newer more effective heating systems are delicate to the problem and will often shut down prior to an unclean filter triggers more trouble. For other systems the furnace will continue to run however with less heat output and minimized efficiency.




Security turn on a furnace door


If your furnace is not running one of the very first things you should do is check the safety switch on the heating system door. A heater door safety switch avoids the fan and burner from coming on while the gain access to panel is removed.


Heating systems have a safety switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door should remain in place for the switch to be activated and for the heater to run.


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


Shut the power off. Preparation the blower door. Wire the security switch. Inspect and check the setup.





Keep the area around your heating system clean and unobstructed


This might appear like an apparent idea however often house owners with busy lives forget to take note of areas of their home like the basement.


A basement can become messy which in turn can cause the area around the furnace being filled with miscellaneous belongings and particles. Not only does a tidy furnace function better it looks better.


Avoid saving flammable substances or products near your heater. Crowding your heating system can lead to unforeseen fires considerable damage to your home and threat to your family and animals.


However hassle-free it might seem to simply "store it there" for the summer season think about the chance that you might well forget any products youve left on or near your heating system. Dont take chances provide your heater the space it requires to run securely.


Furthermore vacuum and tidy regularly around your heating system. While you may have eliminated any and all combustible products from the location keep in mind that dust and lint can develop and produce a fire risk. An excess amount of dust and lint can likewise trigger your filter to become clogged quicker than usual needing more regular replacement.