When your furnace begins to show signs of trouble, it is important to call a professional to help you with the repair.
Identifying potential problems with a furnace
If you suspect a problem with your furnace, it’s worth contacting a service technician right away. Symptoms of furnace malfunctions can vary, and may include a clogged air filter, excessive noise, or a malfunctioning ignition system. Some of these problems are relatively easy to fix yourself, but others require professional repair.
If your furnace is running at a lower temperature than you’d like, check the thermostat to see if there’s a problem. You may need to replace the batteries, or turn the temperature up a few degrees. Another common problem could be a blown-out pilot light. Reigniting the pilot light may fix the problem.
A blown fuse or tripped breaker can prevent a furnace from running. Click here for more information. To replace a fuse, check your home’s fuse box. Also, make sure you’ve located a switch near the furnace.
It’s also important to pay attention to vents. If any of these are blocked, this could affect your comfort and lead to duct leaks. When ducts are not properly sealed, they can allow cold air to escape, causing more strain on your furnace and increasing your heating bills.
Other common issues with a heater can be related to its burner. When a burner malfunctions, the heater turns on and off too frequently, which increases energy bills. You can vacuum the burners to clear up any soot and condensation. However, if your heater does not have a working burner, it’s time to replace it.
You should also check the oil bearings of the heater. Some older furnaces are prone to oil leaks, so you should clean the areas around the oil caps. You can also apply a lightweight machine oil to the bearings. However, be careful not to apply too much oil.
Cleaning components
One way to keep your heater operating at its best is by regularly cleaning the parts that move air into and out of the unit. Dust and other contaminants can build up in these components, which can make the air in your home smell musty. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean the components. You can also use a feather duster to dust around the electrical connections, but be careful not to dislodge any wiring.
Dirty components are not only unsightly, but they can also cause other problems in your heater. For instance, dirty heater parts can cause malfunctioning sensors and cause your heater to overheat. These problems are not only annoying, but they can also be expensive. In the worst case scenario, you could end up replacing your heater, which is a major hassle.
If your heater is using a blower motor, you should dismantle it and clean it. Depending on the type of fan you have, you may have to unscrew the blower motor and control board. Make sure you label each screw and take pictures of the exposed wires. You may also need to clean the blower compartment. To do this, remove the metal access panel.
Before cleaning the components of your heater, you should shut off the gas and electrical power supplies. Using a damp washcloth, you can remove any dust and dirt that might have collected in the area. Make sure that you use a safe cleaner. Certain cleaners can be dangerous if you get them into your heater.
Signs of a problem
If you’ve noticed strange noises from your heater, you may need to replace it. It could be a crack in the heat exchanger, or you may have a leak. Whatever the reason, it’s a good idea to have a professional like the ones found here: https://www.bakerhvacdayton.com/furnace-repair-miamisburg-oh/ inspect your heater to rule out any issues before they become bigger. This can prevent more costly repairs down the line.
One common problem with an aging heater is a yellow flame. This indicates a dirty burner or gas that isn’t burning completely. When this happens, carbon monoxide is produced, and it can be deadly. You can easily solve the problem by replacing the affected parts of the heater. Make sure to test your carbon monoxide detector on a regular basis.
