Furnace Repair – How to Troubleshoot a Furnace
If your furnace is having trouble keeping you warm, it may be time to call a professional for furnace repair. The following are some tips to troubleshoot furnace problems. To make your furnace run smoothly, make sure that the thermostat is set to HEAT, AUTO, or the proper temperature for your needs. Clean the blower motor and reset the thermostat. If these steps fail to fix the problem, call a technician immediately. If you have been experiencing problems with your furnace for a long time, you can try some troubleshooting tips below to determine what might be the problem.
Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot a furnace, it’s important to know how heat works. HVAC systems and essential appliances run on electricity, making them vital components of a functioning home. A licensed HVAC company like Feather River Aire Inc. offers top-quality electrical solutions to solve your furnace problems. Here are some of the signs that your furnace may need repair. Read on to find out more. To troubleshoot your furnace, contact a licensed AC company in Las Vegas.
Some common warning signs that your furnace may need repair include making strange noises and smelling strangely. You might also notice that your air conditioner has signs of freezing or is causing a mold or mildew odor. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to call a repairman. If you’ve been using your furnace for several months, you may need a tune-up. However, before you call a professional, take the time to diagnose the problem.
Identifying a broken furnace
When it comes to your home’s heating system, winter can really put a strain on your furnace. Not only is the air inside your home often too cold, but you also can find yourself waiting for the repair person to arrive to fix the problem. Knowing how to identify a broken furnace can help you avoid wasting money on an expensive repair. However, if you don’t have time to spend a day trying to figure out why your furnace keeps breaking down, there are a few signs that your heater may be on the way out.
Obviously, a cracked heat exchanger is a problem. This is because it allows gaseous wastes from burning to leak into the home, causing health risks for you and your family. Additionally, a broken heat exchanger may be causing a foul smell that smells like formaldehyde. In addition to this, a cracked heat exchanger can cause soot and corrosion to build up. When you notice these signs, you need to take immediate action.
Checking the thermostat
If you suspect that your furnace is not running as it should, the first step is to check the thermostat. You can use a household thermometer to do this. Make sure it is calibrated. To check the temperature of your furnace, press the lower thermostat and place the meter probe on one of the terminal screws on the bottom left side. If the reading is lower than what you are getting with your thermometer, the thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.
The most common cause of furnace problems is the thermostat. Many thermostats have several settings, which means they can cause problems. To make sure the temperature is correct, set the thermostat about five degrees higher than the room temperature. Also, check that the program shows the right day, time and a.m. and p.m. settings. If these settings are correct, you can assume the thermostat is functioning properly.
Cleaning the blower motor
The fan and blower motor are part of a unit called a blower assembly. You can clean these parts by using a toothbrush or rag to remove dust and dirt. Be sure to clean the motor housing as well. Never use harsh chemicals to clean these parts. You should always unplug the power cord of the fan before cleaning it. Once you have completed cleaning the blower motor, you should lubricate it.
The blower motor is one of the most important parts of the system, as it pushes air through the entire system. If the blower motor is dirty, it will draw more energy from the motor and will ultimately damage the unit. It is best to call an expert who is familiar with HVAC systems to clean this part. HVAC experts can identify where the parts are lacking efficiency, and can remove the debris without causing damage. When cleaning these parts on your own, remember to turn off the power before you start, to prevent injury or electrocution.
Checking the hot surface igniter
Inspecting the HSI is a crucial step in performing furnace repair. This component receives an electrical current from the furnace’s ignition control and heats up the surface of the igniter until it becomes red hot. When the igniter receives a high enough voltage to light the burners, the gas inside the furnace burns. These igniters typically have a lifespan of three to five years, so replacing them is a regular furnace repair task.
Hot surface igniters can last five to ten years or even 20 years, though some are more durable than others. While some are more durable than others, there is a trend towards using silicon nitride igniters, which can last a lot longer. If you find that your HSI is not working properly, you may need to consider getting a new one. Luckily, the replacement part can easily be purchased.
Calling a professional
A professional HVAC service is highly recommended for all heating and cooling system repairs. Attempting to repair the system yourself can result in costly repairs and faulty parts. A professional HVAC service will have experience with your particular system and bring all the necessary tools and equipment to the job. They can complete the entire job within a couple of hours, saving you time and money. You should also contact a company that specializes in heating and cooling systems, such as AAA Home Services, to find out more about their services.
Depending on the problem, there are many things to check for before calling a professional for furnace repair. In particular, you should call an HVAC technician if your furnace isn’t producing heat. You may notice an unusual odor coming from the furnace or a sudden rise in your utility bill. In addition, if the flue vent is not working properly, emissions can reverse and go inwards. Carbon monoxide and methane are toxic gases and can lead to severe respiratory conditions.