Furnace Company South Portland Portland Oregon

Why to solve typical heater breakdowns



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


Its something if you simply need to pull the covers up. Its a whole various concern if your furnace is working badly or not operating at all.


With a little diy experience you can troubleshoot and repair your furnace yourself. Your best option though is to have a maintenance check list for your heating unit to avoid the problem.


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



Whether you have a traditional gas heater or a high performance gas heater comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You require to comprehend the fundamental functions of the home appliance so you know what to search for when there is something wrong.




Examine your thermostat to make sure it is switched on.



It may sound silly but inspect the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least 5 degrees above room temperature. You may be stunned the number of service calls are made without examining this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Examine the battery on the thermostat. You may need to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat unit operates on batteries make sure 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 utilize batteries. How is yours powered? Sometimes 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 might have blocked it.


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


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




Heater is not producing heat - try to reset the Circuit Breaker


Here are any number of small reasons that this could take place. First validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a few degrees to inspect if a visible difference is felt.


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



Go to your houses 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 check the breaker. Turn it backward and forward.


Make certain it is remaining in the "On" position.


This will reset the breaker. If this does not do the trick you have an issue with either the wiring 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 struggles to produce heat is a various matter from one that has in some way stopped working.


When it comes to a poor-performing heater that doesnt heat the house adequately very first ensure that the air filter is clean and in great condition if not brand-new.


This is a basic but essential part of furnace maintenance. One of the most typical reasons to have a heater not working is a stopped up filter. It also takes place to be the easiest maintenance chore.


Replacing your furnace filter regularly is a quick and easy task and goes a long method in securing HVAC components and enhancing your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some furnaces have their filter in the intake. This probably appear like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the heating system itself.



Inspect your filter - You can tell if the time has come to alter it by holding it as much as the light. If no light shines through the filter needs altering. A dusty dirty smell from the vents when the blower turns on is another excellent sign you ought to change your furnace filter.


Replace your filter - Make sure your furnace is shut off. No air must be coming out. Examine the direction 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 up on your filters will aid with the flow of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler need to work more difficult to compensate for the blockage of air flow. In addition to increasing your energy costs the decreased air flow through your heating & cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to overheat and shut down too rapidly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the furnace and the heated air sent back into your home. An unclean stopped up filter restricts the air flow eventually triggering heat and pressure to develop up in the furnace.


Newer more efficient heaters are sensitive to the problem and will often close down before a dirty filter triggers more difficulty. For other units the heating system will continue to run but with less heat output and minimized efficiency.




Safety switch on a heater door


If your furnace is not operating one of the very first things you must do is examine the security turn on the furnace door. A heating system door safety switch avoids the fan and burner from beginning while the access panel is gotten rid of.


Furnaces have a security switch that pops out when the door is gotten rid of. The door should remain in location for the switch to be activated and for the heater to operate.


If you discover you require to install a brand-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 safety switch. Inspect and check the installation.





Keep the area around your heating system clean and unblocked


This may look like an apparent suggestion however sometimes property owners with hectic lives forget to take notice of areas of their house like the basement.


A basement can become cluttered which in turn can cause the location around the heater being filled with miscellaneous ownerships and debris. Not just does a tidy furnace function much better it looks much better.


Avoid keeping combustible substances or materials near your heating system. Crowding your heating system can lead to unexpected fires significant damage to your house and danger to your family and pets.


However convenient it may seem to simply "store it there" for the summertime think about the opportunity that you might well forget any items youve left on or near your furnace. Do not take opportunities offer your furnace the space it needs to run safely.


In addition vacuum and clean routinely around your heating system. While you might have removed any and all combustible products from the area keep in mind that dust and lint can develop and create a fire danger. An excess amount of dust and lint can also cause your filter to become clogged up quicker than typical needing more regular replacement.

Set by the Willamette River, laid-back South Portland is home to Willamette Park, with boating and waterside walks. The South Waterfront neighborhood is marked by high-rise buildings and car-free Tilikum Crossing Bridge, which is lit up at night. Connecting the riverfront to Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Aerial Tram offers city views. Dining options span modern global eateries and American diners. ― Google


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