Even in Northern California, winters can be very chilly. This is why your heater needs the be in top working condition, particularly in the coldest months of the year. What if your heater gives out on you, leaving your home feeling like the inside of a freezer? Your first instinct is probably to call a HVAC repair company to inspect your system.
While that is a safe and reasonable choice, it is possible that the malfunction in your heating system is relatively minor and can be corrected quickly and simply.
Here are a few tips to try before calling the professionals at Clarke and Rush for heater repair in the Sacramento area.
Perform an Electrical Check
The first thing you need to determine is if there is a power supply to the system. Make sure there is no power interruption in your neighborhood before calling your local heater repair company.
If the breaker for your furnace has tripped, reset it and see if your unit starts working again. If the circuit keeps on tripping, then there may be a more serious electrical problem that requires professional attention.
If the fan does not run, check the fuse and make sure the furnace switch is in the “ON” position. Also, watch out for loose electrical connections. Check the panel board and look for any burn spots. If you feel uncomfortable performing these electrical checks,you can always have a professional do it for you instead.
Check the Filter
The filter’s job is to clean the air that goes into the furnace and the heated air that circulates throughout the house. If there are clogs or blockages in the filter, airflow is probably compromised, which will make furnace overheat.
There are newer furnace models that automatically shut down before too much dirt is accumulated, telling you to clean the filters. However, older units will keep on working – but with considerably less heat production and capped efficiency.
Professionals recommend changing furnace filters every 30 to 60 days, depending on how dirty the air is. Properly maintaining your filter can greatly impact the overall performance of your furnace.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for telling the furnace to function. That is why a malfunctioning thermostat can effectively disable your entire heating system. If your furnace stops working, you should always inspect the thermostat before performing any other troubleshooting steps.
You need to make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT. Also, keep in mind to set the thermostat to a thermal reading that is above the room’s temperature.
If your furnace has a thermostat that is battery-operated, check the low-battery indicator that typically flashes if they need changing. You’ll be surprised to know that a lot of furnace repair service calls are actually solved by simply replacing the batteries.
Check the Vents
Your furnace is vented to the outside to get rid of the after-effects of gas combustion. During winter storms, these vents can be clogged by snow and cause issues to your heating system.
If you have a new, high-efficiency furnace model, you do not need to worry since these units are designed to stop working when the vents are clogged. This is one of the safety features of some of the latest models.
However, if you have an older furnace that doesn’t have this safety feature, your system will continue to run, accumulating significant amounts of carbon monoxide, a very hazardous gas. You will need to manually check your vent pipe to make sure it is not clogged.
A common mistake homeowners commit is that they close all the vents in unused rooms. This could actually lead to damage to your system as closed vents generate higher pressure, causing high resistance and heat build-up within your heating system.
How Clarke & Rush Can Help
If you have attempted these simple troubleshooting tips but your furnace still gives you a headache, call a trusted heating company in Sacramento, CA like Clarke & Rush.
We are a premier HVAC company serving the Sacramento metropolitan area. We have been the preferred heating and cooling contractor of our clients for over 50 years. Our certified technicians have years of training and experience, and they can help you with your heater repair needs.
We offer after hours service should your furnace let you down after normal business hours. Our technicians won’t keep you freezing while you wait for someone to repair your furnace.
