Embedded Files
Why to solve normal HVAC problems
There is absolutely 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 concern if your heater is working inadequately or not operating at all.
With a little diy experience you can repair and fix your heating system yourself. Your finest bet though is to have a maintenance check list for your heating system to avoid the problem.
Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the knowledge to deal with some heating system repair work.
Whether you have a conventional gas heater or a high efficiency gas heating system comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is very important. You need to understand the fundamental functions of the device so you understand what to look for when there is something wrong.
Check your thermostat to make certain it is switched on.
It might sound silly however check the thermostat to guarantee it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least 5 degrees above space temperature level. You may be shocked how many service calls are made without examining this!
Here are a couple of thermostat checks to perform yourself:
Examine the battery on the thermostat. You might require to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat system runs on batteries make sure you are changing them a minimum of when a year or as required.
Some thermostats are wired to your houses electrical system while others use 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 gently blow any dust or particles that may have obstructed it.
Make sure 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 check the fuse for the heating system.
Heating system is not producing heat - try to reset the Circuit Breaker
Here are any number of minor reasons this could happen. First confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a couple of degrees to check if an obvious difference is felt.
If there is no result check to see if maybe a breaker or fuse was tripped or blown.
Go to your homes breaker panel and search for the circuit that manages the furnace. Youre wanting to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.
By hand check the breaker. Flip it backward and forward.
Ensure it is remaining in the "On" position.
This will reset the breaker. If this does not do the trick you have a problem with either the circuitry in the circuit or the breaker itself.
The heater is not producing adequate heat. Inspect and change a blocked filter.
A furnace that struggles to produce heat is a different matter from one that has somehow quit working.
In the case of a poor-performing heater that does not heat the house sufficiently first make sure that the air filter is clean and in great condition if not brand-new.
This is an easy however crucial part of furnace upkeep. Among the most typical reasons to have a heating system not working is a stopped up filter. It also occurs to be the easiest maintenance task.
Replacing your heating system filter frequently is a quick and simple job and goes a long way in protecting HVAC parts and enhancing your inside air quality.
Locate your filter - Some heating systems have their filter in the intake. This more than likely appear like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heating system itself.
Examine your filter - You can tell if the time has actually 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 turns on is another good sign you should change your heating system filter.
Replace your filter - Make sure your furnace is turned 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 reduce its effectiveness.
Cleaning the debris that develops up on your filters will assist with the circulation of air. When your air filter is clogged your air handler need to work harder to make up for the clog of air flow. In addition to increasing your utility costs the lowered air circulation through your cooling and heating system can cause your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut off too quickly.
Filters clean the air headed into the heater and the heated air returned into the home. A filthy clogged filter limits the airflow ultimately triggering heat and pressure to construct up in the heating system.
Newer more efficient heaters are delicate to the problem and will often shut down prior to a filthy filter causes more trouble. For other units the heating system will continue to run however with less heat output and lowered performance.
Security switch on a furnace door
If your furnace is not operating among the first things you ought to do is examine the security switch on the furnace door. A heating system door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the access panel is eliminated.
Heating systems have a security switch that pops out when the door is eliminated. The door should remain in location for the switch to be activated and for the heating system to operate.
If you find you need to set up a brand-new security switch follow the step by step directions on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.
Shut the power off. Preparation the blower door. Wire the security switch. Examine and test the setup.
Keep the location around your heating system clean and unobstructed
This may appear like an obvious idea but often homeowners with hectic lives forget to take notice of areas of their home like the basement.
A basement can become cluttered which in turn can lead to the area around the heating system being filled with miscellaneous possessions and debris. Not only does a tidy heater function much better it looks much better.
Prevent keeping combustible substances or products near your furnace. Crowding your furnace can result in unanticipated fires substantial damage to your home and risk to your family and pets.
However hassle-free it may seem to just "store it there" for the summer consider the possibility that you might well forget any products youve left on or near your furnace. Dont take possibilities offer your heating system the room it needs to operate safely.
In addition vacuum and clean regularly around your heater. While you might have gotten rid of any and all flammable items from the location remember that dust and lint can develop and create a fire danger. An excess quantity of dust and lint can likewise trigger your filter to become clogged up earlier than normal requiring more frequent replacement.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse