Best Ways To Troubleshoot Your Furnace
Problems will always arise when least expected, and problems with your heater during the winter are no exception. While forced-air furnaces are typically very reliable, it pays to know how to troubleshoot and repair a variety of furnace problems all on your own. This will get you on the right path towards understanding what you are dealing with.
Getting Started
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First, make sure the thermostat is set to heat. While this may seem obvious, a lot of people do not have their thermostat at the correct setting and can think there is a bigger problem than there really is.
Still not working? Well, the next thing people usually tend to forget about are filters. Filters clean the air headed into the furnace and the heated air sent back into the house, so a clogged filter limits airflow, eventually causing heat and pressure to build up in the furnace. Changing your filter also increases your system’s energy efficiency.
Maintenance Issues
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your heater’s performance up to speed. Once a year, vacuum the area outside the furnace’s blower to keep away that could clog it up or create a fire hazard. Make sure to clean off the fan blades and check for oil ports on the motor, normally located near the motor shaft. If the motor has these, apply some non-detergent motor oil into each port. However, this should be done by a professional. Be sure to schedule an annual furnace tune-up. This ensures that your system is running properly and safely.
Smelling something funky and worried about a gas leak? If you smell natural gas in your home, evacuate immediately, leaving the door open and turning off the gas supply valve, and call your utility or fire department. Be sure not to use any electrical devices including your cell phone. Do not start the car. Get out immediately. Go outside to use your phone or go to your neighbor’s house to use their phone.
Furnaces with a Pilot Light
For older furnaces that use a pilot light, these can sometimes have problems staying lit. Either the pilot orifice is set too low, the thermocouple may be loose, or the flame is set too low. Before trying to fix anything, make sure the circuit breaker that controls the furnace is turned off. A clogged orifice is easily fixed with a piece of wire to knock out debris. Some pilot lights also feature a flame adjustment, which can be turned until a steady 1.5-2 inch flame with no yellow in it.
Furnaces with Electronic Ignitions
If your furnace has an electronic ignition, turn down the thermostat or switch the power off and reset the control module. Listen for the sound of the spark or watch for the hot surface igniter to glow. If your furnace has a pilot light, look for the flame. Check your owner’s manual or the instructions posted inside the furnace cabinet for step-by-step instructions, which usually involves turning off the gas valve for a couple of minutes, then switching it to pilot. Then, press and hold down while lighting the flame and turn the furnace back on.
Mechanical Issues
If your furnace is not blowing any air when the motor is running, this likely means you need to change the belt. Shut the power off before opening the panel, where you can then slip the belt on the motor’s smaller pulley. You may need to also oil fans and bearings according to your manufacturer’s directions. Other issues may include grinding and/or rattling sounds or a faulty thermostat, in which case it’s best to call a technician to handle the repairs.
Furnace Repair Services Allentown PA
Remember that any furnace, no matter how old, can create a safety hazard, so if attempts at resolving your issues have failed, it’s time to call a repair company. It is not advisable to conduct a furnace repair on your own unless you are a certified HVAC specialist. It generally leads to bigger issues and is dangerous. Leading industry professionals R.F. Ohl, are available for furnace repair as well as heating system maintenance or installations. We also offer heating oil and propane delivery. Call today to discuss your home’s comfort needs with a certified technician today.
We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Limeport PA 18060, Northampton PA 18067, and Whitehall PA 18052. We also service all of Carbon County, Monroe County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Schuylkill County.
R.F. Ohl services all makes and models of heating and air conditioning equipment. However, R.F. Ohl is an authorized dealer for Bryant and Mitsubishi HVAC systems. In order to become an authorized dealer, a contractor must demonstrate a high standard of professional and skilled service to its customers. This designation is not one that many HVAC contractors possess. Therefore, when you hire R.F. Ohl, you know that you are getting high-quality heating and air conditioning services in the industry. Both Bryant and Mitsubishi are recognized as being some of the best manufacturers in the heaters and air conditioners. To learn more about Bryant systems, click here. Click here to explore our Mitsubishi products.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.