Has your furnace quit working? These top 5 heater issues and their basic options may help to get it working.
Having problem with your heating system? You're not alone. Fortunately, numerous issues have simple Do It Yourself repairs. The initial step: Examine whether your HVAC system has power. You do not want to have a service tech concerned your home simply to turn a switch at the breaker box. If power isn't the issue, check other possible problems before requiring service.
# 1 PROBLEM: Thermostat isn't working.
LIKELY PERPETRATOR: If your heat isn't coming on at all, try altering the batteries in the thermostat, if it has batteries. While you're at it, offer the thermostat an excellent dusting inside with a small paintbrush.
You can also try to reboot it. With the thermostat set to Heat, turn the temperature level down to about 60º. Then, turn the breaker switch off for 30 seconds and turn it back on Still absolutely nothing? Call in a professional.
# 2 PROBLEM: System not switching on.
MOST LIKELY OFFENDER: Check the emergency shutoff switch for the furnace. It may be at the entrance to the furnace closet, at the top of the basement stairs, or on the heating system. It may have a red switch plate. if somebody changed it off, the heating system won't work.
# 3 PROBLEM: Dirty filter
MOST LIKELY CULPRIT: Not switching out an old filter can trigger a host of issues, not to mention driving up your energy costs. To ensure your heating system does not work overtime, change your filter every one to 2 months. Here's how: Switch off your heater, discover the filter, remove the old one (and keep in mind of the size), change it and turn the heating system back on.
# 4 ISSUE: Furnace isn't igniting
MOST LIKELY OFFENDER: Does your heater click as though it will switch on, but then go silent and never ever begin? If you have actually inspected the power, inspected the thermostat and changed the filter, the pilot light or the ignition sensor is most likely the problem. To fix it, start by shutting off the gas to your heating system. Then get rid of the front panel and find the igniter or ignition sensing unit, which is generally high efficiency furnace near the burners. Snap an image of the sensor to advise you of how it's attached and then eliminate the ignition sensing unit. Rub it with steel wool to remove residue, being mindful to not damage it. Then put it back exactly as you discovered it and replace the panel prior to turning the gas back on. If you have any hesitation about this project, play it safe and contact the pros.
# 5 PROBLEM: Furnace keeps tripping the breaker
LIKELY OFFENDER: If your heating system keeps tripping the breaker or blowing the fuse when the heat starts, it's probably an electrical concern. To keep you and your family safe, hire the pros to identify the cause.
While numerous typical furnace concerns can be repaired without employing the professionals, it is very important to have your heating system professionally serviced when a year, specifically if you're not comfortable performing a few of the needed upkeep tasks yourself.