Furnace Repair Tualatin OR

How to fix the most common furnace problems



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


Its one thing if you simply need to pull the cover. Its a whole different problem if your heater is working inadequately or not working at all.


With a little do-it-yourself experience you can repair and repair your heater yourself. Your best bet though is to have a maintenance check list for your heater to avoid the problem.


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



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




Examine your thermostat to make sure it is turned on.



It may sound silly however check the thermostat to guarantee it is set on "heat" and that it is set at least five degrees above space temperature level. You might be stunned how many service calls are made without inspecting this!


Here are a couple of thermostat checks to perform yourself:


Check the battery on the thermostat. You might need to change the batteries on your thermostat. If your houses thermostat system runs on batteries make sure you are altering them at least 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 require 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 models - the system may be on a timer.


Inspect the breaker. If on shut off the breaker and examine the fuse for the heating system.




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


Here are any number of small reasons that this might take place. Initially validate that the thermostat is set to "Heat." Then attempt moving the dial up or down a few degrees to inspect if a visible 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 try to find the circuit that manages the heating system. Youre wanting to see whether its tossed to the "Off" position or whether its in the middle.


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


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


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



The heater is not producing enough heat. Examine and change a stopped up filter.


A heater that struggles to produce heat is a different matter from one that has in some way quit working.


When it comes to a poor-performing heating system that does not heat up the home adequately first make sure that the air filter is clean and in great condition if not brand-new.


This is a simple but crucial part of heating system maintenance. One of the most typical reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It also takes place to be the simplest upkeep task.


Replacing your furnace filter regularly is a quick and simple job and goes a long method in safeguarding HVAC elements and improving your inside air quality.


Locate your filter - Some heating systems have their filter in the intake. This more than likely looks like a grate in a floor ceiling or wall. Other filters reside in the furnace itself.



Examine your filter - You can tell if the time has actually come to alter it by holding it up to the light. If no light shines through the filter requires changing. A dirty filthy smell from the vents when the blower switches on is another excellent indication you ought to alter your heater filter.


Change your filter - Make sure your heating system is shut off. No air should be coming out. Inspect 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 debris that develops on your filters will aid with the flow of air. When your air filter is obstructed your air handler should work more difficult to compensate for the obstruction of air circulation. In addition to driving up your energy costs the decreased air flow through your heating & cooling system can cause your heat exchanger to get too hot and shut off too rapidly.


Filters clean up the air headed into the furnace and the heated air sent out back into your home. An unclean blocked filter limits the airflow eventually triggering heat and pressure to build up in the heater.


Newer more effective furnaces are sensitive to the problem and will frequently close down prior to a dirty filter triggers more difficulty. For other systems the heater will continue to run however with less heat output and decreased performance.




Safety turn on a heater door


If your heater is not operating among the first things you must do is inspect the safety switch on the heating system door. A furnace door security switch avoids the fan and burner from coming on while the gain access to panel is eliminated.


Heating systems have a safety switch that pops out when the door is eliminated. The door must be in location for the switch to be activated and for the furnace to run.


If you find 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 security switch. Inspect and check the installation.





Keep the location around your heating system tidy and unblocked


This may appear like an apparent pointer but often homeowners with busy lives forget to take note of areas of their home like the basement.


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


Avoid keeping flammable compounds or materials near your heating system. Crowding your furnace can result in unforeseen fires considerable damage to your home and risk to your family and pets.


Nevertheless convenient it may appear to just "keep it there" for the summer consider the opportunity that you might well forget any items youve left on or near your heater. Do not take opportunities give your furnace the space it needs to operate securely.


Furthermore vacuum and tidy frequently around your heating system. While you may have gotten rid of any and all flammable products from the location keep in mind that dust and lint can construct up and create a fire hazard. An excess amount of dust and lint can also trigger your filter to become blocked faster than usual needing more regular replacement.