It can be very problematic for any home if the heating suddenly stops functioning, especially in the dead of winter. Calling a servicing company is often overly expensive as well as incredibly time-consuming. Luckily there are many simple and affordable solutions that almost anyone can use. Listed in our article below are three heating repair solutions that the average handyman should try before calling a professional for help.
Make Sure Your Gas is Running
If your furnace isn’t working, then the problem might actually originate with gas issues. Check to see if the pilot light is on for your furnace, and first be sure that the gas valve is turned on. If you smell gas, then this is an indication of a gas leak and is considered an emergency situation. Leave the location, turn off your gas at the meter, and call the gas company immediately. There are a ton of health issues that can be caused by leaking gas, and you do not want you or your family to be exposed to it. It can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which has the potential of leading to fatal circumstances.
Clean the System
There are many places within a heating system that often get blocked by debris, and every system needs maintenance from a company like HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric and annual cleaning. The furnace filter needs to be changed every one to three months, otherwise the filter will become clogged and cause the furnace to only blow cold air. After the filter is changed, hit the reset button to get your furnace working again. You may need to press the reset button several times. Shut the door to your furnace completely, as some furnaces don’t run if the door is still open.
Check the drain lines to make sure that they are clear as the water within them often becomes contaminated with mold growth, causing the furnace to shut down. If your furnace drain lines appear moldy, simply flush the lines with a solution of bleach and water.
Furnaces that vent to the outside of the house can often become blocked by leaves and other outdoor debris. Simply clean the heat pumps and your problem should be solved. You should also make sure to make this a part of your spring and fall cleaning routine as to avoid any blockage.
Other Easy Fixes
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the ones that we forget to check. Make sure that the power source connected to your furnace is turned on, and that the fuse hasn’t blown out either. If it has, simply replace the broken fuse. Try the reset button even if you have tried it once before already. It is also possible that your thermostat may be faulty. Remember, fixing a digital thermostat often means just changing the batteries, which is a fairly easy task.
These solutions are easy enough for any homeowner to accomplish and saves you both time and money. Although your furnace may have more complicated issues that need to be resolved by a professional, trying these easy fixes won’t hurt and only take a few minutes. Remember, in order to avoid a furnace shutting down, regular maintenance such as filter changes are highly recommended. Stay safe, and call a professional in any circumstance you are uncomfortable with.
