Air Conditioner Maintenance Woodland Park Portland Oregon

When to fix routine HVAC problems



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


Its something if you just require to pull the cover. Its a whole various problem if your heater is working improperly 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 heater to avoid the problem.


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



Whether you have a conventional gas heating system or a high effectiveness gas heater comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You require to understand the standard functions of the home appliance so you understand what to look for when there is something incorrect.




Check your thermostat to make certain it is turned on.



It may sound ridiculous but inspect the thermostat to guarantee it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least 5 degrees above space temperature. You might be shocked the number of service calls are made without examining this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to conduct yourself:


Inspect the battery on the thermostat. You may need to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat unit runs on batteries make certain you are changing them a minimum of as soon as a year or as needed.


Some thermostats are wired to your houses 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 carefully blow any dust or debris that might have blocked it.


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


Check 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 variety of small factors why this might happen. Initially validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a few degrees to examine if a visible distinction is felt.


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



Go to your homes breaker panel and try to find the circuit that controls the heater. Youre seeking to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


By hand 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 not do the technique you have an issue with either the wiring in the circuit or the breaker itself.



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


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


In the case of a poor-performing heating system that does not heat the home adequately very first make sure that the air filter is tidy and in excellent condition if not brand-new.


This is a simple but crucial part of heating system maintenance. Among 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.


Replacing your heating system filter routinely is a quick and simple job and goes a long method in safeguarding HVAC elements and improving your inside air quality.


Locate your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the consumption. This more than likely appear like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heater itself.



Inspect your filter - You can inform if the time has come to change it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter requires changing. A dirty unclean odor from the vents when the blower turns on is another great indication you should change your heating system filter.


Replace your filter - Make sure your heating system is switched off. No air should 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 decrease its effectiveness.


Cleaning the debris that develops up on your filters will help with the circulation of air. When your air filter is blocked your air handler need to work more difficult to make up for the clog of air flow. In addition to driving up your utility expense the lowered air flow through your cooling and heating system can trigger your heat exchanger to overheat and turn off too rapidly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heating system and the heated air returned into your house. A filthy clogged up filter restricts the airflow ultimately causing heat and pressure to develop up in the heater.


Newer more efficient heating systems are sensitive to the issue and will typically close down before a filthy filter causes more difficulty. For other units the furnace will continue to run but with less heat output and reduced effectiveness.




Security switch on a heating system door


If your furnace is not running among the very first things you need to do is check the security switch on the heater door. A furnace door security switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the gain access to panel is removed.


Furnaces have a safety switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door needs to be in location for the switch to be triggered and for the furnace to operate.


If you discover you need to install a new safety switch follow the action by action directions 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 setup.





Keep the area around your heating system tidy and unobstructed


This may appear like an apparent pointer but in some cases homeowners with busy lives forget to pay attention to locations of their house like the basement.


A basement can end up being chaotic which in turn can lead to the location around the heater being filled with various ownerships and debris. Not only does a clean furnace function better it looks better.


Prevent saving flammable substances or materials near your heater. Crowding your heating system can cause unforeseen fires considerable damage to your home and threat to your family and pets.


Nevertheless practical it may appear to just "keep it there" for the summer season think about the opportunity that you might well forget any products youve left on or near your heater. Do not take opportunities provide your heater the room it requires to operate safely.


Additionally vacuum and tidy regularly around your furnace. While you might have eliminated any and all flammable products from the location remember that dust and lint can construct up and develop a fire hazard. An excess quantity of dust and lint can likewise cause your filter to end up being clogged up faster than usual needing more regular replacement.