Air Conditioner Maintenance Laurelhurst Portland Oregon

When to fix normal heating system problems



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


Its one thing if you simply need to pull the covers up. Its an entire different concern if your furnace is working inadequately or not operating at all.


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


Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the understanding to take on some furnace repairs.



Whether you have a traditional gas furnace or a high efficiency gas heating system comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is necessary. You need to understand the basic functions of the home appliance so you understand what to try to find when there is something wrong.




Inspect your thermostat to ensure it is turned on.



It might sound ridiculous however 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 surprised the number of service calls are made without examining this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Inspect the battery on the thermostat. You might require to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat system works on batteries be sure you are changing them at least once a year or as needed.


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


Open the thermostat and gently blow any dust or particles that might have obstructed it.


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


Check the breaker. If on switch 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 minor reasons that this might occur. Initially confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to examine if a noticeable distinction is felt.


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



Go to your homes breaker panel and try to find the circuit that controls the heating system. Youre aiming to see whether its thrown to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


By hand check the breaker. Turn it back and forth.


Make sure 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 wiring in the circuit or the breaker itself.



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


A furnace that has a hard time to produce heat is a different matter from one that has somehow stopped working.


When it comes to a poor-performing heating system that does not heat up the house adequately first make sure that the air filter is clean and in great condition if not brand-new.


This is a basic however important part of furnace upkeep. One of the most typical reasons to have a heater not working is a clogged up filter. It also happens to be the simplest upkeep chore.


Replacing your furnace filter frequently is a quick and basic task and goes a long method in safeguarding HVAC parts and improving your inside air quality.


Locate your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the consumption. This probably appear like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heating system itself.



Check your filter - You can inform if the time has pertained to alter it by holding it approximately 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 sign you should change your heating system filter.


Replace your filter - Make sure your furnace is switched off. No air ought 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 lower its efficiency.


Cleaning up the debris that develops on your filters will aid with the circulation of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler must work harder to compensate for the clog of air flow. In addition to driving up your utility expense the lowered air circulation through your heating & cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to overheat and turn off too quickly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heating system and the heated air sent out back into your home. A dirty stopped up filter limits the air flow eventually causing heat and pressure to build up in the heating system.


Newer more effective heating systems are delicate to the problem and will typically shut down prior to a dirty filter causes more trouble. For other systems the heating system will continue to run but with less heat output and reduced effectiveness.




Security turn on a heater door


If your furnace is not running among the first things you must do is check the safety turn on the heating system door. A heater door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the access panel is removed.


Furnaces have a security 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 operate.


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


Shut the power off. Preparation the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Examine and check the setup.





Keep the location around your heater tidy and unblocked


This might appear like an obvious tip but sometimes property owners with busy lives forget to pay attention to areas of their house like the basement.


A basement can become cluttered which in turn can lead to the location around the heating system being filled with various belongings and debris. Not only does a clean heater function better it looks better.


Prevent saving flammable substances or materials near your furnace. Crowding your heater can lead to unforeseen fires significant damage to your house and threat to your family and pets.


However practical it might seem to just "save it there" for the summer consider the chance that you might well forget any products youve left on or near your heating system. Do not take possibilities provide your furnace the space it requires to run safely.


Furthermore vacuum and clean frequently around your furnace. While you might have gotten rid of any and all flammable products from the location remember that dust and lint can build up and produce a fire risk. An excess quantity of dust and lint can likewise trigger your filter to end up being clogged earlier than typical needing more frequent replacement.