Time to get fired up! Roughly half of the energy demand in residential buildings is for space heating. Many people go through most of the year without using too much energy, then they turn on their furnaces in the wintertime.
This can put a lot of strain on your furnace. If you don’t want to run into problems when it gets cold in Terrell, you should think about a few furnace repair tips.
What are the most common problems with furnaces? How can you fix them by yourself? When should you go to AC and heating tune-up professionals for support?
Answer these questions and you can stay warm throughout this winter in Texas. Here are five essential tips.
1. Inspect Your Thermostat
If your furnace is not working, the first thing you should check is the thermostat. The thermostat switches the furnace on at a designated temperature.
You may have the thermostat set to the wrong temperature. Keep the manual for it and follow the instructions so you can set it properly. Wait a few minutes for it to turn on.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to make a repair to your thermostat. Replace the battery and then adjust the temperature to see if the thermostat has enough power.
You should also trace the wires back to the furnace and see if they are broken. You can splice the wires together using electrical tape, though you should call an electrician for permanent repairs.
2. Replace Your Filters
Your furnace filters prevent dust and debris from circulating through your warm air, improving your indoor air quality. However, your filters can become so clogged that no air passes through them. If your furnace is on but you don’t feel anything, you may need to replace your filters.
Turn your furnace off, then look at the filters in your vents. If they have a little debris on them, you can remove the debris with a brush. But if the filters are clogged from top to bottom, you should replace them.
Get identical replicas of your old filters. Using filters that are too big or have a different shape can affect air circulation.
Most filters last a few months before you need to replace them. Write down when you last switched them out so you know when you need to replace them again. If you have pets or a lot of dust in your home, you should expect to replace your filters every two months or so.
3. Clean Your Vents
Dusty or moldy vents can cause problems. You may smell strong odors, or the covers to your vents may become clogged.
You should remove the covers to your vents and do a visual inspection before the winter. Clean ducts yourself by using a long vacuum and a broom.
Do not forget about your intake and exhaust vents. Leaves, sticks, and other objects can get trapped inside of them, resulting in damage to your unit. Clear a few feet of space around your vents so grass trimmings and leaves cannot get sucked inside.
If you notice mold, you should call a cleaning crew to remove it. Spores can spread through the air and grow inside your walls and floors. If you notice mold on your vent covers, you can use a mixture of bleach and water to kill it.
4. Be Attentive to Strange Noises
It is okay for your furnace to hum while it is running. But other noises indicate significant problems that require help from furnace repair companies. Read a guide on HVAC noises so you can respond to them immediately.
A scraping noise indicates your furnace’s blower motor is broken. Look at the blower motor and see if the wheel has worn down or fallen off. You may be able to reattach it, though you can get help from AC companies.
Screeching sounds also indicate problems with your blower motor. Your motor may use ball bearings to move around, and these bearings can snap or get scratched over time.
Popping sounds can mean a few different things. The metal in your air ducts may be contracting or expanding due to extreme heat or cold. It’s okay to hear a few pops, but you may need to repair vents if they become damaged.
If you use propane or natural gas, popping sounds can suggest you have combustion problems. Turn your furnace off and call for help right away.
5. Inspect Your Pilot Light
If you own a gas furnace, you must pay special attention to your pilot light. The light heats the gas in your main burner, warming up your air.
While your furnace is on, you should inspect your pilot light. The flame should be long and blue.
If it is red, it may not be receiving enough gas to warm your house. Increase the gas supply so you are at a comfortable temperature. If it is very large and loud, it may be receiving too much gas, so you should reduce the supply.
If the light goes out, you should move away from it. Your furnace may be spreading gas into the air, and attempting to relight your pilot light can cause a fire. Google “ac repair near me” and find a company in Terrell that can help you with your furnace.
Figure Out Furnace Repair Tips
You can do many furnace repair tips by yourself. You should inspect your thermostat and install new batteries when you notice a problem. Replace your filters and clean your vents whenever they get dusty.
Strange noises can mean many different problems, and you need professional help to fix most issues. A gas furnace can leak gas and lose its pilot light, so you should get help to avoid fires.
The longer you wait for help, the colder you’ll get. Infinity Texas Air serves the Terrell area. Contact us for a free furnace estimate today.
