Furnace Company Goose Hollow Portland Oregon

How to repair routine heating system breakdowns



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


Its one thing if you just require to pull the cover. Its an entire different issue if your heater is working improperly or not working at all.


With a little diy experience you can troubleshoot and fix your furnace yourself. Your best bet though is to have a maintenance check list for your heating system to avoid the issue.


Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the knowledge to tackle some heater repairs.



Whether you have a traditional gas heater or a high effectiveness gas heating system comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You need to comprehend the basic workings of the home appliance so you know what to look for when there is something incorrect.




Check your thermostat to ensure it is turned on.



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


Here are a few thermostat checks to conduct yourself:


Inspect the battery on the thermostat. You might require to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat system runs on batteries make certain you are changing them a minimum of once a year or as required.


Some thermostats are wired to the houses electrical system while others utilize 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 debris that may have clogged it.


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


Check the breaker. If on shut off the breaker and check the fuse for the furnace.




Furnace is not producing heat - attempt to reset the Circuit Breaker


Here are any variety of small reasons this might occur. Initially confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a few degrees to inspect if an obvious 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 homes breaker panel and search for the circuit that manages the heating system. Youre aiming to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


By hand evaluate the breaker. Flip it backward and forward.


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


This will reset the breaker. If this does not do the technique you have an issue with either the circuitry in the circuit or the circuit breaker itself.



The heating system is not producing enough heat. Examine and change a clogged filter.


A furnace that has a hard time to produce heat is a various matter from one that has actually somehow quit working.


In the case of a poor-performing furnace that doesnt 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 basic however important part of furnace upkeep. One of the most common reasons to have a heater not working is a clogged filter. It likewise takes place to be the simplest maintenance task.


Replacing your heating system filter frequently is a fast and simple job and goes a long method in securing HVAC elements and improving your inside air quality.


Locate your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the consumption. This most likely appearances like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the furnace itself.



Check your filter - You can tell if the time has actually pertained to change it by holding it as much as the light. If no light shines through the filter needs changing. A dirty filthy smell from the vents when the blower turns on is another great indication you need to change your furnace filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heater is turned off. No air should be coming out. Examine the direction your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one instructions. Installing your filter upside-down can lower its effectiveness.


Cleaning the particles that develops on your filters will assist with the circulation of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler must work harder to compensate for the obstruction of air circulation. In addition to increasing your utility costs the minimized air circulation through your cooling and heating system can cause your heat exchanger to overheat and turn off too quickly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the furnace and the heated air returned into your house. A dirty blocked filter limits the airflow eventually triggering heat and pressure to develop in the furnace.


Newer more efficient heaters are delicate to the problem and will often close down prior to an unclean filter triggers more trouble. For other systems the heating system will continue to run however with less heat output and reduced performance.




Safety turn on a heater door


If your furnace is not running among the first things you should do is check the safety switch on the heating system door. A furnace door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from beginning while the gain access to panel is removed.


Furnaces have a security switch that pops out when the door is eliminated. The door needs to remain in place for the switch to be triggered and for the heating system to operate.


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


Shut the power off. Prep the blower door. Wire the safety switch. Check and test the installation.





Keep the area around your heater tidy and unblocked


This may look like an apparent tip but in some cases homeowners with busy lives forget to take note of areas of their house like the basement.


A basement can end up being messy which in turn can result in the area around the heating system being filled with various ownerships and debris. Not just does a tidy furnace function much better it looks better.


Avoid keeping combustible compounds or products near your heater. Crowding your heater can lead to unanticipated fires significant damage to your house and threat to your household and pets.


Nevertheless practical it may seem to simply "keep it there" for the summer think about the opportunity that you may well forget any items youve left on or near your heater. Dont take opportunities provide your furnace the space it requires to run safely.


Additionally vacuum and clean routinely around your furnace. While you may have eliminated any and all flammable items from the location remember that dust and lint can build up and produce a fire threat. An excess quantity of dust and lint can likewise cause your filter to become clogged sooner than typical needing more frequent replacement.

Goose Hollow is a neighborhood in southwest Portland, Oregon, United States. It acquired its distinctive name through early residents' practice of letting their geese run free in Tanner Creek Gulch and near the wooded ravine in the Tualatin Mountains known as the Tanner Creek Canyon.


Area: 288 acres