Furnace Repair Clackamas OR

How to fix the most typical heater problems



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


Its something if you simply require to pull the covers up. Its a whole different concern if your heating system is working improperly or not operating at all.


With a little do-it-yourself experience you can repair and fix your furnace yourself. Your best option though is to have an upkeep check list for your heating system to avoid the problem.


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



Whether you have a conventional gas heater or a high performance gas heating system comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is essential. You need to understand the fundamental workings of the appliance so you understand what to search for when there is something incorrect.




Inspect your thermostat to make certain it is turned on.



It may sound silly but examine the thermostat to ensure it is set on "heat" which it is set at least five degrees above space temperature. You may be stunned how lots of service calls are made without examining this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Examine the battery on the thermostat. You might need to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat system runs on batteries make certain you are altering them at least when a year or as needed.


Some thermostats are wired to your 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 blocked it.


Make sure the date and time is appropriate on electronic or programmable designs - the system might be on a timer.


Inspect the breaker. If on shut off the breaker and inspect the fuse for the furnace.




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


Here are any number of small reasons why this might take place. First confirm that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then try moving the dial up or down a few degrees to examine if a noticeable distinction is felt.


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



Go to your houses breaker panel and look for the circuit that controls the heating system. Youre seeking to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


Manually test the breaker. Flip it backward and forward.


Ensure it is remaining in the "On" position.


This will reset the breaker. If this does not do the trick you have a problem with either the wiring in the circuit or the circuit breaker itself.



The furnace is not producing enough heat. Examine and alter a clogged up filter.


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


When it comes to a poor-performing heater that does not heat up the house adequately first make sure that the air filter is tidy and in great condition if not new.


This is a simple but crucial part of heating system maintenance. Among the most common factors to have a heating system not working is a clogged filter. It also takes place to be the easiest maintenance chore.


Replacing your furnace filter routinely is a quick and basic job and goes a long way in safeguarding HVAC components and improving your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some heaters have their filter in the intake. This most likely looks like a grate in a flooring ceiling or wall. Other filters live in the furnace itself.



Examine your filter - You can tell if the time has actually concerned alter it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter requires altering. A dusty filthy smell from the vents when the blower turns on is another good sign you ought to alter your heater filter.


Replace your filter - Make sure your furnace is switched off. No air should be coming out. Examine the instructions your filter points. Filters are made to trap matter blown from one instructions. Installing your filter upside-down can reduce its effectiveness.


Cleaning up the particles that develops up on your filters will help with the flow of air. When your air filter is clogged your air handler must work more difficult to make up for the obstruction of air circulation. In addition to increasing your utility bill the reduced air flow through your heating & cooling 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 sent out back into your house. An unclean clogged up filter limits the airflow eventually causing heat and pressure to develop in the furnace.


Newer more efficient furnaces are sensitive to the problem and will often close down before a dirty filter causes more problem. For other systems the heater will continue to run but with less heat output and minimized efficiency.




Safety switch on a heater door


If your furnace is not running one of the first things you must do is inspect the safety switch on the heating system door. A heating system door safety switch prevents the fan and burner from coming on while the access panel is removed.


Heaters have a safety switch that pops out when the door is gotten rid of. The door should be in place for the switch to be triggered and for the heating system to operate.


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


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





Keep the location around your heating system tidy and unblocked


This may appear like an apparent pointer but often property owners with busy lives forget to take note of locations of their house like the basement.


A basement can end up being messy which in turn can lead to the area around the heater being filled with various possessions and particles. Not only does a clean furnace function better it looks better.


Prevent storing flammable substances or products near your furnace. Crowding your furnace can cause unforeseen fires considerable damage to your house and risk to your household and family pets.


However hassle-free it might appear to simply "save it there" for the summer consider the opportunity that you might well forget any items youve left on or near your heating system. Dont take chances offer your heating system the space it requires to run safely.


In addition vacuum and clean frequently around your furnace. While you might have removed any and all flammable items from the location keep in mind that dust and lint can construct up and produce a fire hazard. An excess quantity of dust and lint can likewise trigger your filter to become stopped up sooner than typical requiring more frequent replacement.