Air Conditioner Maintenance Bridlemile Portland Oregon

When to solve normal HVAC problems



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


Its one thing if you simply require to pull the covers up. Its a whole different concern if your heating system is working inadequately or not operating at all.


With a little do-it-yourself experience you can troubleshoot and fix your furnace yourself. Your best option though is to have an upkeep check list for your heating system to prevent the problem.


Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the understanding to tackle some heating system repairs.



Whether you have a conventional gas heating system or a high efficiency gas heater comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is very important. You require to comprehend the standard workings of the appliance so you understand what to try to find when there is something incorrect.




Inspect your thermostat to ensure it is switched on.



It might sound ridiculous but inspect the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least five degrees above space temperature level. You may be shocked 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 might need to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat unit operates on batteries be sure you are altering them at least once 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 symbol when they need a replacement.


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


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


Examine the breaker. If on turn off the breaker and check the fuse for the furnace.




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


Here are any variety of small factors why this could happen. Initially confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to inspect if a noticeable distinction is felt.


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



Go to your houses breaker panel and try to find the circuit that manages the furnace. Youre looking to see whether its thrown to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


Manually evaluate the breaker. Turn it backward and forward.


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


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



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


A heating system that struggles to produce heat is a various matter from one that has in some way quit working.


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


This is an easy but vital part of heating system maintenance. One of the most common reasons to have a heating system not working is a clogged up filter. It likewise occurs to be the easiest upkeep chore.


Replacing your furnace filter frequently is a quick and basic task and goes a long method in securing HVAC components and enhancing your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some furnaces have their filter in the consumption. This most likely appear like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the furnace itself.



Check your filter - You can tell if the time has actually come to change it by holding it as much as the light. If no light shines through the filter needs altering. A dusty filthy smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another excellent indication you need to change your heating system filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your furnace is switched off. No air needs 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 minimize its efficiency.


Cleaning the debris that develops on your filters will aid with the flow of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler must work more difficult to compensate for the obstruction of air flow. In addition to increasing your utility expense the lowered air flow through your heating and cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to overheat and shut down too quickly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heater and the heated air returned into your home. A dirty stopped up filter limits the airflow ultimately triggering heat and pressure to develop in the heating system.


Newer more efficient furnaces are delicate to the problem and will typically shut down prior to an unclean filter triggers more difficulty. For other systems the heating system will continue to run but with less heat output and reduced effectiveness.




Safety turn on a heater door


If your furnace is not running one of the first things you must do is check the safety turn on the furnace door. A heater door safety 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 must be in place for the switch to be activated and for the heater to run.


If you discover you need to set up a brand-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. Check and test the installation.





Keep the area around your heater clean and unblocked


This might appear like an apparent tip but in some cases homeowners with hectic lives forget to pay attention to areas of their home like the basement.


A basement can end up being messy which in turn can lead to the location around the heating system being filled with various belongings and particles. Not only does a tidy heater function much better it looks better.


Avoid saving combustible substances or materials near your heating system. Crowding your furnace can cause unexpected fires considerable damage to your home and danger to your family and pets.


Nevertheless convenient it might seem to simply "keep it there" for the summertime consider the possibility that you may well forget any items youve left on or near your heater. Do not take chances provide your furnace the space it needs to operate safely.


In addition vacuum and clean routinely around your heater. While you may have gotten rid of any and all flammable products from the area bear in mind that dust and lint can develop and develop a fire danger. An excess quantity of dust and lint can also trigger your filter to become clogged earlier than normal needing more regular replacement.