AC Company Tigard Oregon

How to repair normal HVAC issues



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


Its one thing if you simply require to pull the cover. Its a whole different issue if your heater is working improperly or not operating at all.


With a little do-it-yourself experience you can repair and fix your heating system yourself. Your best choice though is to have a maintenance check list for your heating unit to avoid the issue.


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



Whether you have a standard gas heating system or a high efficiency gas furnace understanding how your furnace/heating system works is very important. You require to comprehend the fundamental functions of the home appliance so you understand what to try to find when there is something wrong.




Examine your thermostat to make sure it is turned on.



It might sound silly but check the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least five degrees above room temperature level. You may be surprised how many service calls are made without checking 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 houses thermostat unit operates on batteries make sure you are changing them at least when a year or as needed.


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


Open the thermostat and carefully blow any dust or particles that may have clogged it.


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


Inspect the breaker. If on shut off the breaker and inspect the fuse for the furnace.




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


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


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



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


Manually evaluate 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 an issue with either the circuitry in the circuit or the circuit breaker itself.



The heating system is not producing enough heat. Examine and change a clogged filter.


A heating system that struggles to produce heat is a different matter from one that has actually somehow stopped working.


When it comes to a poor-performing furnace that doesnt warm the house sufficiently first ensure that the air filter is clean and in great condition if not brand-new.


This is an easy however important part of heating system upkeep. Among the most typical reasons to have a heater not working is a clogged filter. It likewise happens to be the most convenient upkeep task.


Replacing your heating system filter regularly is a fast and easy job and goes a long way in securing HVAC components and enhancing your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some furnaces have their filter in the consumption. This probably appear like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the heater itself.



Examine your filter - You can inform if the time has actually pertained to change it by holding it up to the light. If no light shines through the filter needs changing. A dusty filthy smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another excellent indication you should change your heating system filter.


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


Cleaning up the particles that constructs up on your filters will help with the flow of air. When your air filter is clogged your air handler need to work more difficult to compensate for the obstruction of air circulation. In addition to driving up your utility expense the minimized air circulation through your cooling and heating system can trigger your heat exchanger to overheat and shut down too quickly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the furnace and the heated air returned into your house. An unclean clogged filter limits the airflow eventually causing heat and pressure to construct up in the furnace.


Newer more efficient heaters are delicate to the issue and will often close down prior to a filthy filter triggers more problem. For other systems the heating system will continue to run but with less heat output and reduced efficiency.




Security turn on a furnace door


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


Heating systems have a safety switch that pops out when the door is eliminated. The door needs to be in location for the switch to be activated and for the heater to run.


If you discover you require to install a new security switch follow the action by action guidelines on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.


Shut the power off. Preparation the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Inspect and check the installation.





Keep the location around your heater clean and unobstructed


This may appear like an apparent idea but often homeowners with hectic lives forget to take notice of locations of their house like the basement.


A basement can become cluttered which in turn can lead to the area around the furnace being filled with miscellaneous possessions and debris. Not just does a clean heater function better it looks better.


Prevent keeping flammable compounds or materials near your heater. Crowding your heating system can lead to unexpected fires substantial damage to your home and danger to your family and family pets.


Nevertheless convenient it may appear to merely "store it there" for the summer season consider the chance that you may well forget any items youve left on or near your furnace. Dont take opportunities give your furnace the space it needs to operate safely.


Furthermore vacuum and tidy frequently around your heating system. While you might have removed any and all flammable products from the location bear in mind that dust and lint can develop up and produce a fire danger. An excess amount of dust and lint can likewise cause your filter to end up being blocked quicker than typical needing more regular replacement.