What You Should Do When Your Heat Isn't Running Properly

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Up until a few years ago, I would get sick whenever the seasons would change. I couldn't figure it out, until one day when an HVAC contractor pointed out my filthy air filters. I am embarrassed to say it, but I didn't know that air filters had to be changed at all, and all of that filthy air was circulating through my home. After I changed the air filters and started to take care of my HVAC system, my allergies got a lot better and I didn't feel as sick. I want other people to understand the massive benefits of taking care of their HVAC systems, so I put up this website.

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What You Should Do When Your Heat Isn't Running Properly

28 February 2020
 Categories: , Blog

Your furnace is a major appliance in your home and one that you need to keep your home warm throughout winter. Sure, a fireplace can help keep your home warm as well, but it isn't going to keep your entire home warm, and your pipes could still freeze. If your furnace isn't running properly, it's a big deal, so you should have it looked at immediately. To help troubleshoot before someone arrives at your home to make the repair, read on for some helpful tips about your heating system.

1. Listen For The Heat To Turn On

Adjust the thermostat to see if the heat kicks on at all. It may be turning on and just not heating up your home properly.  If you don't hear the heat turn on at all, make sure the thermostat is set to the heat setting and wasn't turned off. Also adjust the temperature higher to see if this turns the system on. If that didn't do anything, turn the thermostat to the "off" setting and start over to see if this kick-starts the furnace to run again.

2. Check The Air Filter

Pull out the air filter and inspect it to see if it's full of dust and dander. If it is full, it needs to be changed. Even if it doesn't appear full, hold it up to the light to see if you see any light filtering through. If you don't, it needs to be changed. Replace the old filter with a new one. Once you have the air filter in place, hit the reset button on your furnace. If the furnace still doesn't turn on, try adjusting the thermostat again to see if this helps. If you still don't have any heat from your furnace, call the professionals for help.

3. Inspect The Flame Sensor

The flame sensor could be another cause of problems on your furnace. If the flame sensor is clogged with debris, it will automatically shut off your furnace. The flame sensor needs to be cleaned off with a piece of emory cloth or a piece of fine grit sandpaper. Once it's cleaned off, hit the reset button on your furnace again to see if this turns it on.

Your furnace is a major appliance that needs to be cared for properly to prevent premature breakdowns of your system. If you do end up with a breakdown and the tips above didn't help make the repair, call a professional HVAC technician for help.