Furnace Repair Tigard OR

How to repair the most common heating system problems



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


Its something if you simply need to pull the covers up. Its a whole various problem if your heater is working improperly or not operating at all.


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


Today I have something that will make you feel like you have the understanding to tackle some heater repair work.



Whether you have a traditional gas furnace or a high efficiency gas furnace comprehending how your furnace/heating system works is necessary. You need to comprehend the fundamental operations of the device so you understand what to try to find when there is something incorrect.




Examine your thermostat to ensure it is turned on.



It may sound ridiculous however inspect 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 surprised how many service calls are made without inspecting this!


Here are a few thermostat checks to conduct yourself:


Inspect the battery on the thermostat. You may require to alter the batteries on your thermostat. If your homes thermostat unit works on batteries be sure you are changing them at least once a year or as needed.


Some thermostats are wired to the homes electrical system while others use batteries. How is yours powered? Often those that utilize batteries will flash a low-battery symbol when they require a replacement.


Open the thermostat and gently blow any dust or debris that might have clogged it.


Make certain the date and time is proper on electronic or programmable designs - the system may be on a timer.


Check the breaker. If on turn 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 minor reasons why this might occur. Initially verify that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a few degrees to examine if an obvious distinction is felt.


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



Go to your homes breaker panel and search for the circuit that manages the heating system. Youre looking to see whether its thrown to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


By hand test the breaker. Turn it backward and forward.


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 circuitry in the circuit or the breaker itself.



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


A furnace that has a hard time to produce heat is a various matter from one that has in some way stopped working.


In the case of a poor-performing furnace that doesnt heat up the house adequately very first guarantee that the air filter is tidy and in great condition if not new.


This is an easy however vital part of furnace upkeep. Among the most common factors to have a heater not working is a clogged filter. It likewise happens to be the most convenient upkeep task.


Changing your heater filter frequently is a quick and basic task and goes a long method in safeguarding HVAC elements and improving your inside air quality.


Find your filter - Some furnaces have their filter in the consumption. This more than likely appearances like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the heating system itself.



Examine your filter - You can inform if the time has actually come to change it by holding it approximately the light. If no light shines through the filter needs altering. A dirty unclean smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another excellent indication you should change your heating system filter.


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


Cleaning the debris that constructs up on your filters will aid with the circulation of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler must work more difficult to compensate for the blockage of air circulation. In addition to increasing your utility expense the decreased air flow through your cooling and heating system can cause your heat exchanger to overheat and shut off too quickly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the heating system and the heated air sent back into the house. A dirty clogged up filter restricts the airflow eventually causing heat and pressure to develop up in the furnace.


Newer more efficient heaters are delicate to the problem and will frequently shut down prior to a dirty filter triggers more difficulty. For other systems the heater will continue to run but with less heat output and reduced performance.




Safety turn on a heater door


If your furnace is not running one of the first things you need to do is check the security switch on the heater door. A heating system door security switch avoids the fan and burner from coming on while the access panel is removed.


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


If you discover you require to set up a 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. Inspect and evaluate the setup.





Keep the area around your furnace tidy and unobstructed


This may look like an obvious pointer but in some cases house owners with hectic lives forget to take note of areas of their home like the basement.


A basement can end up being cluttered which in turn can cause the area around the heater being filled with various possessions and debris. Not just does a clean furnace function much better it looks better.


Prevent keeping combustible compounds or materials near your furnace. Crowding your heating system can result in unforeseen fires significant damage to your house and danger to your household and animals.


However convenient it may seem to simply "keep it there" for the summertime consider the chance that you may well forget any items youve left on or near your furnace. Dont take opportunities give your heating system the space it needs to run safely.


Additionally vacuum and tidy frequently around your heater. While you might have removed any and all combustible products from the area keep in mind that dust and lint can develop and produce a fire threat. An excess amount of dust and lint can also cause your filter to end up being blocked faster than typical requiring more frequent replacement.