Furnace Install Uptown Portland Oregon

When to solve typical heating system issues



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


Its one thing if you just require to pull the cover. Its a whole various concern if your heater is working improperly or not operating at all.


With a little diy experience you can troubleshoot and fix your heating system yourself. Your best option though is to have an upkeep check list for your heating unit to prevent the issue.


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



Whether you have a conventional gas furnace or a high efficiency gas furnace comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is crucial. You need to comprehend the standard functions of the appliance so you understand what to search for when there is something incorrect.




Inspect your thermostat to make certain it is switched on.



It might sound silly but check the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" which it is set at least 5 degrees above room temperature level. You might be surprised the number of service calls are made without examining this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Check the battery on the thermostat. You might require to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat unit works on batteries make certain you are changing them a minimum of as soon as a year or as required.


Some thermostats are wired to your houses electrical system while others use batteries. How is yours powered? Sometimes those that use batteries will flash a low-battery sign when they require a replacement.


Open the thermostat and carefully blow any dust or particles that may have clogged it.


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


Examine the breaker. If on turn off the breaker and inspect the fuse for the furnace.




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


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


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



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


By hand evaluate the breaker. Flip it back and forth.


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


This will reset the breaker. If this does refrain from doing the technique you have a problem with either the wiring in the circuit or the breaker itself.



The heater is not producing sufficient heat. Check and change a clogged filter.


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


In the case of a poor-performing heating system that does not heat the house sufficiently very first ensure that the air filter is clean and in good condition if not brand-new.


This is a basic but vital part of heater maintenance. Among the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a stopped up filter. It also happens to be the simplest upkeep task.


Changing your furnace filter frequently is a quick and basic task and goes a long way in securing HVAC parts and improving your inside air quality.


Locate your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the consumption. This most likely looks like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heating system itself.



Inspect your filter - You can inform if the time has actually pertained to alter it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter needs changing. A dirty filthy smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another great sign you must alter your furnace filter.


Replace your filter - Make sure your heater is switched off. No air ought to be coming out. Inspect the instructions your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one direction. Installing your filter upside-down can decrease its effectiveness.


Cleaning up the particles that develops on your filters will assist with the flow of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler need to work harder to make up for the clog of air flow. In addition to driving up your energy expense the reduced air flow through your heating and cooling system can trigger your heat exchanger to get too hot and turn off too rapidly.


Filters clean the air headed into the heating system and the heated air returned into your home. A dirty clogged filter limits the airflow eventually causing heat and pressure to develop in the heating system.


Newer more effective heaters are delicate to the issue and will frequently close down prior to a dirty filter triggers more trouble. For other units the heating system will continue to run but with less heat output and lowered effectiveness.




Security turn on a heater door


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


Heaters have a security switch that pops out when the door is removed. The door must be in place for the switch to be activated and for the heating system to operate.


If you discover you need to set up a new safety 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. Inspect and evaluate the setup.





Keep the area around your heater clean and unobstructed


This might seem like an apparent pointer however often house owners with busy lives forget to pay attention to areas of their house like the basement.


A basement can become chaotic which in turn can lead to the location around the furnace being filled with miscellaneous ownerships and particles. Not only does a tidy furnace function better it looks much better.


Avoid storing flammable substances or products near your heater. Crowding your heating system can cause unanticipated fires considerable damage to your house and risk to your family and animals.


Nevertheless hassle-free it may appear 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. Do not take chances give your heater the space it needs to run safely.


In addition vacuum and clean frequently around your heating system. While you may have eliminated any and all combustible products from the area remember that dust and lint can develop up and develop a fire threat. An excess quantity of dust and lint can also cause your filter to become clogged earlier than normal requiring more regular replacement.