AC Company Lents Portland Oregon

Why to fix routine heating and cooling complications



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


Its something if you just require to pull the covers up. Its a whole different concern if your heater is working poorly or not working at all.


With a little diy experience you can troubleshoot and fix your heater yourself. Your best option though is to have a maintenance check list for your heating system to avoid the problem.


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



Whether you have a standard gas heater or a high efficiency gas heating system understanding how your furnace/heating system works is very important. You need to comprehend the basic functions of the appliance so you understand what to look for when there is something wrong.




Examine your thermostat to ensure it is turned on.



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


Here are a couple of thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Check the battery on the thermostat. You might require to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat system runs on batteries be sure you are altering them a minimum of as soon as a year or as needed.


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


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


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


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




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


Here are any number of small factors why this could happen. First confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a few degrees to inspect if an obvious difference is felt.


If there is no outcome 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 manages the heater. Youre seeking to see whether its thrown to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


Manually test the breaker. Flip it backward and forward.


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


This will reset the breaker. If this does not do the trick you have a problem with either the wiring in the circuit or the breaker itself.



The heater is not producing enough heat. Examine and alter a stopped up filter.


A heating system that has a hard time 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 sufficiently very first make sure that the air filter is tidy and in excellent condition if not brand-new.


This is a basic however vital part of heating system maintenance. Among the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a blocked filter. It likewise takes place to be the most convenient upkeep chore.


Changing your heater filter frequently is a fast and simple task and goes a long way in securing HVAC elements and enhancing your inside air quality.


Locate your filter - Some heating systems have their filter in the consumption. This probably looks like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the heating system itself.



Check your filter - You can inform if the time has actually come to alter it by holding it up to the light. If no light shines through the filter requires altering. A dirty filthy odor from the vents when the blower switches on is another excellent indication you ought to alter your furnace filter.


Replace your filter - Make sure your furnace is switched off. No air ought to be coming out. Examine the instructions your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one direction. Installing your filter upside-down can lower its effectiveness.


Cleaning the particles that develops on your filters will assist with the circulation of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler should work harder to compensate for the blockage of air circulation. In addition to driving up your utility bill the lowered air flow through your cooling and heating system can trigger your heat exchanger to overheat and shut off too quickly.


Filters clean the air headed into the heater and the heated air sent back into the house. A dirty clogged filter limits the airflow eventually triggering heat and pressure to build up in the furnace.


Newer more effective heating systems are delicate to the issue and will frequently shut down before an unclean filter causes more trouble. For other systems the heating system will continue to run but with less heat output and decreased effectiveness.




Security turn on a heater door


If your heater is not operating among the very first things you must do is inspect the security switch on the furnace door. A heater door security switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the access panel is gotten rid of.


Heaters have a security switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door needs to be in location for the switch to be triggered and for the furnace to run.


If you find you need to set up a brand-new security switch follow the action by action guidelines on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.


Shut the power off. Prep the blower door. Wire the security switch. Check and check the installation.





Keep the location around your heating system clean and unobstructed


This might appear like an obvious pointer however in some cases property owners with hectic lives forget to focus on areas of their home like the basement.


A basement can become chaotic which in turn can lead to the area around the heater being filled with various belongings and particles. Not just does a tidy heating system function better it looks much better.


Avoid saving combustible substances or products near your heater. Crowding your heating system can result in unexpected fires substantial damage to your home and threat to your household and pets.


Nevertheless convenient it may appear to simply "keep it there" for the summertime think about the opportunity that you may well forget any products youve left on or near your heating system. Dont take chances provide your heating system the room it needs to operate safely.


In addition vacuum and tidy frequently around your heating system. While you may have gotten rid of any and all combustible 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 become stopped up quicker than usual needing more regular replacement.