AC Company Oak Grove Oregon

How to solve common HVAC problems



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


Its one thing if you simply need to pull the covers up. Its a whole different issue if your furnace is working poorly or not working at all.


With a little diy experience you can repair and repair your furnace yourself. Your best choice though is to have a maintenance check list for your heating system to prevent the issue.


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



Whether you have a standard gas heating system or a high performance gas heating system comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is very important. You require to understand the fundamental operations of the home appliance so you know what to try to find when there is something incorrect.




Inspect your thermostat to make certain it is turned on.



It might sound ridiculous however examine the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least 5 degrees above room temperature level. You might be shocked 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 might need to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat system operates on batteries make certain you are changing them a minimum of as soon as a year or as needed.


Some thermostats are wired to your homes electrical system while others use batteries. How is yours powered? Sometimes those that utilize 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 clogged it.


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


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




Heating system is not producing heat - try to reset the Circuit Breaker


Here are any variety of minor factors why this could take place. First confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to inspect if a visible difference is felt.


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



Go to your houses breaker panel and look for the circuit that controls the furnace. 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 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 wiring in the circuit or the breaker itself.



The heating system is not producing sufficient heat. Check and alter a clogged filter.


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


When it comes to a poor-performing heating system that doesnt heat the home sufficiently first guarantee that the air filter is clean and in great condition if not brand-new.


This is an easy but important part of heating system upkeep. One of the most typical reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It likewise takes place to be the most convenient upkeep task.


Changing your heating system filter routinely is a fast and simple job and goes a long way in securing HVAC parts and enhancing your inside air quality.


Locate your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the intake. This most likely appearances like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the furnace itself.



Check your filter - You can inform if the time has come to alter it by holding it up to the light. If no light shines through the filter requires altering. A dusty unclean smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another good sign you ought to alter your furnace filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heating system is shut off. No air must 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 minimize its effectiveness.


Cleaning the debris that builds up on your filters will aid with the flow of air. When your air filter is clogged your air handler need to work more difficult to compensate for the clog of air flow. In addition to increasing your energy expense the lowered air circulation through your heating and cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to overheat and shut down too rapidly.


Filters clean the air headed into the heating system and the heated air sent out back into your house. A filthy clogged up filter limits the air flow ultimately causing heat and pressure to develop in the heater.


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




Safety turn on a heating system door


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


Heaters have a security switch that pops out when the door is eliminated. The door must remain in location for the switch to be activated and for the heater to run.


If you find you need to install a brand-new security 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 security switch. Inspect and evaluate the installation.





Keep the area around your heater clean and unobstructed


This might appear like an apparent idea but often property owners with hectic lives forget to focus on areas of their home like the basement.


A basement can end up being chaotic which in turn can cause the area around the heating system being filled with miscellaneous belongings and debris. Not just does a tidy heating system function better it looks better.


Avoid saving flammable substances or materials near your heating system. Crowding your heating system can cause unforeseen fires considerable damage to your home and threat to your family and pets.


However practical it may appear to merely "save it there" for the summertime consider the opportunity that you might well forget any items youve left on or near your heater. Dont take possibilities offer your heater the room it needs to operate securely.


Additionally vacuum and tidy routinely around your heating system. While you may have removed any and all flammable items from the area bear in mind that dust and lint can develop up and create a fire hazard. An excess quantity of dust and lint can also trigger your filter to become clogged up earlier than usual needing more frequent replacement.