Cutting the furnace - Three things to check before calling an expert
Before you start losing it and screaming at your furnace in the extreme cold or heat of summer, stop and take a deep breath. Your furnace may not work because of some simple problems that can be solved quickly. Sometimes the simplest thing is right in front of your eyes, and when you are restless, you can miss them. Take a few moments to read three things that can go wrong and, more importantly, what you can do to make your furnace work.
Here are 3 tips to use before calling your repairer.
Check your setting. People actually called a service technician and they discovered that the only problem was that their temperature control on their thermostat control was not set to the proper setting to heat or cool their home. It's not only embarrassing, but it's a very expensive call for something so simple. Make sure and check.
Check circuit breakers and service switch. If your service switch is not lit or none of the other switches are on, the furnace will not work. The service switch is located near or on the furnace. Also look at the main circuit breaker in your home. If this has been triggered, it will not come either. Sometimes, just replace the service switch if it goes wrong.
Outdoor disconnect switch. Get out and look around the unit. You will find a switch that you can operate to activate the outdoor fan. Check your main circuit breaker inside the house again to see if this control has been changed to the off position. Replace the outdoor service switch if necessary as a service technician can replace it easily.
If everything is in working order, it's time to call your local after-sales service for a complete inspection of your furnace. Do not try to diagnose serious problems. Not only could you hurt yourself or others, but you could also void the warranty on your heater. You will be fully responsible for the cost at this stage. Be wise and call.
Before a major problem develops, there are ways to extend the life of your furnace.
Filters. Change your filters regularly on your furnace. Professional HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians are advised to change them every month. If your oven type can be equipped with a washable filter, you will save money by using it. You can also save money by buying your standard bulk filters. Most hardware stores or DIY stores will either have them in bulk, or they can order them specifically for you. When planning to change your filters, be sure to include the high volume of pedestrian traffic at all times. The holidays and the opening hours of the doors, as in summer, may require you to change the filter further. Animal dander will cause more obstruction to your furnace.
Vacuum and wipe. Another way to extend the life of your heater is to clean it. Take a store vacuum that works well and clean the oven. Make sure your vacuum cleaner is in good working order. The last thing you will need is to let more debris in the oven.
Replace the insulation. If your furnace has insulation around or inside the door, be sure to examine it for brittleness or huge pieces. It can also clog your furnace by being pulled in when the fan starts. It will not be long to burn an engine.
Inspect the wiring. Go outside and look at the wiring that connects your outdoor heating and cooling fan to see if there are frayed wires or wires coming loose from the house. Remove debris around the fan and if possible, clean the unit with a mild detergent. Take leaves or garbage out of the blower grill to operate at maximum efficiency.
Clean the vents inside and out. Go take the time to clean your air vents. Also look outside and check your ductwork to make sure it has not fallen or tangled. Naturally, you run harder because you do not stay cool or warm in the winter, if something clogs or obstructs the airflow. This will shorten the life of your furnace.
