Furnace Company Eliot Portland Oregon

When to fix common heater complications



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


Its one thing if you simply need to pull the conceal. Its a whole different issue if your furnace is working inadequately or not working at all.


With a little diy experience you can troubleshoot and repair your furnace 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 take on some heater repairs.



Whether you have a conventional gas heating system or a high efficiency gas heater understanding how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You require to understand the standard workings of the appliance so you understand what to look for when there is something wrong.




Examine your thermostat to ensure it is turned on.



It might sound ridiculous but check the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" which it is set at least five degrees above room temperature. You may be shocked how many service calls are made without examining this!


Here are a couple of thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Check the battery on the thermostat. You might require to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat system operates on batteries make sure you are altering them at least once a year or as required.


Some thermostats are wired to your homes electrical system while others utilize batteries. How is yours powered? Often those that use batteries will flash a low-battery sign 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 proper on electronic or programmable models - the system may be on a timer.


Inspect the breaker. If on switch off the breaker and check the fuse for the heater.




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


Here are any number of small factors why this could take place. Initially confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a few degrees to check if a noticeable difference 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 controls the heating system. Youre wanting to see whether its thrown to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


Manually 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 circuitry in the circuit or the breaker itself.



The heating system is not producing sufficient heat. Check and alter a clogged filter.


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


When it comes to a poor-performing heater that does not heat up the home sufficiently first ensure that the air filter is tidy and in excellent condition if not brand-new.


This is a basic however crucial part of heater upkeep. One of the most typical factors to have a heater not working is a blocked filter. It likewise happens to be the most convenient upkeep chore.


Changing your heater filter regularly is a quick and simple job and goes a long way in safeguarding HVAC parts and improving your inside air quality.


Locate your filter - Some heating systems have their filter in the intake. This most likely appear like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heater itself.



Check your filter - You can tell if the time has pertained to change it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter needs altering. A dirty dirty smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another great indication you should alter your heating system filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heating system is switched off. No air should 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 debris that develops on your filters will assist with the flow of air. When your air filter is blocked your air handler must work more difficult to make up for the blockage of air circulation. In addition to increasing your energy costs the lowered air flow through your heating and cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut down too rapidly.


Filters clean the air headed into the heating system and the heated air sent out back into your house. An unclean blocked filter restricts the airflow eventually triggering heat and pressure to construct up in the furnace.


Newer more efficient heating systems are sensitive to the problem and will frequently close down before an unclean filter triggers more problem. For other systems the heater will continue to run but with less heat output and minimized effectiveness.




Safety turn on a heater door


If your heater is not operating one of the first things you must do is examine the security switch on the furnace door. A furnace door security switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the gain access to panel is gotten rid of.


Heating systems have a security switch that pops out when the door is gotten rid of. The door should remain in place for the switch to be activated and for the heater to run.


If you find you need to install a brand-new security switch follow the action by action guidelines on How to Install a Furnace Door Safety Switch.


Shut the power off. Prep the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Examine and check the installation.





Keep the area around your heater clean and unobstructed


This may appear like an apparent suggestion however sometimes house owners with hectic lives forget to pay attention to locations of their house like the basement.


A basement can become cluttered which in turn can cause the area around the heating system being filled with miscellaneous possessions and particles. Not just does a tidy heating system function better it looks much better.


Prevent storing combustible substances or products near your heating system. Crowding your furnace can result in unexpected fires considerable damage to your home and risk to your household and pets.


Nevertheless hassle-free it might seem to merely "store it there" for the summer season consider the opportunity that you may well forget any items youve left on or near your heating system. Dont take opportunities provide your furnace the room it needs to operate safely.


Furthermore vacuum and tidy routinely around your heater. While you might have gotten rid of any and all combustible products from the area keep in mind that dust and lint can develop and create a fire hazard. An excess quantity of dust and lint can likewise trigger your filter to end up being clogged earlier than normal requiring more regular replacement.

Eliot is a neighborhood in the North and Northeast sections of Portland, Oregon. It is approximately bounded by the Willamette River on the west, NE Fremont Street on the north, NE 7th Avenue on the east, and NE/N Broadway on the south.


Area: 538 acres