AC Company Gladstone Oregon

Why to repair common heating & cooling issues



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


Its something if you just require to pull the covers up. Its an entire different issue if your heater is working inadequately or not operating at all.


With a little diy experience you can troubleshoot and repair your heating system yourself. Your best option though is to have an upkeep check list for your heater to prevent the issue.


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



Whether you have a standard gas heater or a high effectiveness gas heating system understanding how your furnace/heating system works is very important. You need to understand the fundamental operations of the device so you understand what to try to find when there is something wrong.




Inspect your thermostat to make sure it is switched on.



It might sound silly 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 the number of service calls are made without inspecting this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Check the battery on the thermostat. You may require to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat unit runs on batteries make certain you are altering them a minimum of as soon as a year or as required.


Some thermostats are wired to the houses electrical system while others use batteries. How is yours powered? In some cases those that use batteries will flash a low-battery symbol when they require a replacement.


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


Make certain the date and time is correct on electronic or programmable models - the system may be on a timer.


Check the breaker. If on switch off the breaker and check 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 validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a few degrees to inspect if an obvious distinction is felt.


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



Go to your homes breaker panel and try to find the circuit that manages the heating system. Youre aiming to see whether its thrown to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


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


Ensure it is staying in the "On" position.


This will reset the breaker. If this does refrain from doing the technique you have a problem with either the electrical wiring in the circuit or the breaker itself.



The furnace is not producing enough heat. Check and alter a clogged filter.


A furnace that struggles to produce heat is a different matter from one that has actually in some way quit working.


When it comes to a poor-performing heating system that doesnt warm the house adequately first make sure that the air filter is tidy and in good condition if not brand-new.


This is a simple however necessary part of heater maintenance. Among the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a blocked filter. It likewise happens to be the easiest maintenance task.


Changing your heater filter regularly is a quick and basic job and goes a long method in protecting HVAC elements and improving your inside air quality.


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



Inspect your filter - You can inform if the time has concerned 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 switches on is another excellent indication you should change your furnace filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heater is switched off. No air ought to be coming out. Inspect the instructions your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one direction. Installing your filter upside-down can decrease its efficiency.


Cleaning up the debris that develops on your filters will help with the circulation of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler must work more difficult to make up for the obstruction of air flow. In addition to driving up your energy expense the minimized air flow through your cooling and heating system can cause your heat exchanger to overheat and turn off too rapidly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heating system and the heated air sent back into your home. An unclean clogged up filter restricts the air flow eventually causing heat and pressure to construct up in the furnace.


Newer more efficient heaters are delicate to the problem and will typically close down before an unclean filter triggers more difficulty. For other systems the heating system will continue to run however with less heat output and reduced efficiency.




Safety turn on a heating system door


If your furnace is not operating among the first things you must do is examine the safety switch on the heater door. A furnace door security switch prevents the fan and burner from beginning while the access panel is eliminated.


Heating systems have a security switch that pops out when the door is gotten rid of. The door should be in location for the switch to be triggered and for the heater to run.


If you find you need to install a 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 check the installation.





Keep the area around your furnace tidy and unobstructed


This may seem like an apparent suggestion however often homeowners with busy lives forget to pay attention to locations of their house like the basement.


A basement can end up being messy which in turn can result in the location around the furnace being filled with various possessions and debris. Not just does a clean heater function much better it looks much better.


Avoid storing flammable compounds or products near your heater. Crowding your heating system can cause unexpected fires considerable damage to your home and risk to your household and pets.


Nevertheless practical it may seem to merely "save it there" for the summer season think about the possibility that you may well forget any items youve left on or near your heater. Dont take chances give your heating system the room it requires to operate safely.


Furthermore vacuum and tidy routinely around your heating system. While you may have removed any and all flammable products from the area keep in mind that dust and lint can build up and produce a fire danger. An excess quantity of dust and lint can likewise cause your filter to end up being clogged up earlier than typical needing more regular replacement.