AC Company Sumner Portland Oregon

Why 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 covers up. Its a whole various problem if your heating system is working badly or not operating at all.


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


Today I have something that will make you seem like you have the knowledge to deal with some furnace repairs.



Whether you have a traditional gas heating system or a high performance gas heater comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is very important. You need to understand the basic functions of the device so you understand what to look for when there is something incorrect.




Examine your thermostat to make sure it is switched on.



It might sound ridiculous but inspect the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" which it is set at least 5 degrees above space temperature level. You may be shocked how numerous service calls are made without inspecting this!


Here are a couple of thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Inspect the battery on the thermostat. You may require to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat unit works on batteries make sure you are altering them a minimum of as soon as a year or as needed.


Some thermostats are wired to the 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 carefully blow any dust or particles that may have clogged it.


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


Check the breaker. If on turn off the breaker and examine the fuse for the furnace.




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


Here are any variety of small reasons that this could take place. Initially validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to inspect if an obvious distinction is felt.


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



Go to your homes breaker panel and look for the circuit that controls the furnace. Youre aiming 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 remaining in the "On" position.


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



The heating system is not producing adequate heat. Inspect and alter a blocked filter.


A heater that has a hard time to produce heat is a various matter from one that has actually somehow quit working.


When it comes to a poor-performing furnace that doesnt warm the home adequately very first make sure that the air filter is tidy and in great condition if not new.


This is an easy but vital part of furnace upkeep. One of the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It likewise takes place to be the most convenient maintenance chore.


Changing your heating system filter regularly is a fast and easy job and goes a long method in safeguarding HVAC parts and improving your inside air quality.


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



Check your filter - You can tell if the time has concerned change it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter needs changing. A dusty unclean smell from the vents when the blower turns on is another good indication you ought to change your furnace filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heating system is switched off. No air needs to be coming out. Inspect 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 develops on your filters will aid with the flow of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler need to work harder to compensate for the clog of air flow. In addition to increasing your utility costs the decreased air flow through your heating & cooling system can cause your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut down too quickly.


Filters clean the air headed into the heater and the heated air sent back into your home. A dirty stopped up filter restricts the air flow eventually triggering heat and pressure to develop in the heater.


Newer more effective heating systems are sensitive to the issue and will frequently close down before a dirty filter triggers more problem. For other units the heater will continue to run however with less heat output and reduced effectiveness.




Security turn on a heater door


If your furnace is not running among the first things you need to do is examine the safety switch on the heating system door. A heater door security switch avoids the fan and burner from coming on while the gain access to panel is eliminated.


Heating systems have a security switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door must be in place for the switch to be triggered and for the furnace to operate.


If you find you need to set up a new security switch follow the action by step guidelines 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 location around your heater tidy and unobstructed


This might look like an obvious tip however in some cases property owners with busy lives forget to take note of 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 belongings and debris. Not just does a tidy heater function much better it looks much better.


Avoid saving combustible substances or materials near your furnace. Crowding your furnace can result in unexpected fires significant damage to your home and risk to your family and animals.


Nevertheless convenient it might seem to simply "keep it there" for the summer think about the opportunity that you may well forget any items youve left on or near your heater. Do not take possibilities provide your furnace the room it requires to run safely.


Furthermore vacuum and tidy frequently around your furnace. While you might have removed any and all flammable items from the area remember that dust and lint can build up and create a fire danger. An excess quantity of dust and lint can also cause your filter to become clogged earlier than typical needing more regular replacement.