Furnace Repair that You Can Do

The cooler weather that companies the coming fall season makes many homeowners begin the pre-winter inspections of the HVAC systems. As energy prices rise, everyone is looking for ways to save money, lower fuel costs, and improve home comfort. If you are confident in your abilities, you may be able to perform a few furnace service tasks yourself. There are a few simple things that you can do that could prevent a more expensive problem in the future. Doing these tasks will give you a better perspective of your equipment. You will be able to have a better rapport with your contractor when you need to consult with them. It will also give you a chance to inspect your entire HVAC system to check for any problems. 

The Furnace Will Not Run

Before you do anything, you should make sure that you have taken every safety precaution. Make sure that you are wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes. You should also protect yourself by keeping an open flame away from your working area, having a mask on-hand for any possible gas leakage. If your furnace is not running, you should locate the pilot light, reset button and thermocoupler. Most manufacturers situate them in close proximity. Find the panel door and open it. Check to make sure that the pilot light is lit and that all fuses are intact. Check the circuit breakers and make sure that the blower switch is in the on position. Also check to make sure that the gas valve is open and that the gas is on. 

Need More Heat, Please

If you are not getting enough heat, filter may need to be cleaned or replaced. Dirty filters can restrict air flow from the blower though the ductwork. It will also cause the furnace to constantly turn itself on and off.  Make sure the registers and blower are clean and the blower belts are secure and lubricated. A dirty filter or a clogged blower or register can drastically reduce air flow. The reduced air flow may prompt you to raise the thermostat and raising the thermostat will result in raising your energy usage. With rising energy prices, your energy bills will be even more elevated.

The Light Will Not Light and The Furnace is Loud   

If you have tried to light the pilot light and it will not stay lit, make sure that the gas valve is open and the pilot opening is clean. You may need to adjust the level of the pilot flame or clean or replace the thermocouple. If you notice an excessive amount of noise from the furnace, check to see if the access panels need tightening or if the blower and motor needs to be lubricated. Be sure to replace the belts if they appear to be worn and if they are broken.  If you think that the problem may be more complex or if you question your own ability to handle the situation, you should call a professional for any furnace service you need. A professional contractor will ensure that your furnace will receive the manufacturer required maintenance that it needs and it will be properly repaired if necessary. The contractor can also conduct a complete fall furnace tune up for you so that you will be able to enjoy energy savings now and in the future.