Dan Seap

Furnace Repair Tips

If your furnace is causing you trouble, you may want to do some of the following things. Clean the air filter, inspect the circuit breaker and flame sensor, and check for leaky ducts. If you find any of these issues, you may want to call a professional for repair services. If you cannot afford to pay a professional, you may want to choose an energy-efficient brand.

Cleaning the air filter

When you’re getting a furnace repair, one of the first steps is cleaning the air filter. The filter is located between the ductwork bringing air into the furnace body. The filter will often be accessible through a small access door that’s located on the ducting next to the furnace.

Checking the circuit breaker

First, it is important to understand that circuit breakers are rated for certain amounts of power. For example, a 15-amp circuit breaker will trip if the furnace is consuming more than fifteen amps. The circuit breaker detects the amount of power by analyzing the amount of heat generated. The Furnace Repair more electricity flowing through a circuit, the higher the heat generated. If the breaker trips, the furnace is not functioning properly and needs repair.

Checking for leaky ducts

One of the easiest ways to find leaky ducts is by exposing them to the full blast of the HVAC system. This can help you see any obvious cracks or holes in the ductwork, which may have slowly gotten worse over time. You can also try using a smoke pencil or grease pencil to feel for leaks.

Checking for a gas smell

A gas smell can indicate a problem with your furnace. This smell can come from a pipe fitting, furnace equipment, or an electrical issue. A gas smell is never a good thing and should be investigated as soon as possible. If you smell gas while in your home, open windows and call 9-1-1 immediately. If the smell does not go away, contact your gas utility company.

Checking for a blocked air intake

One of the first things to check when performing furnace repair is the air intake. It can become blocked by debris that gets blown up into the intake pipe. In such a case, you should open the furnace to clear the pipe from inside. This can be particularly important for intake pipes near the foundation of the house, where plants and debris can get trapped. After you have cleared the pipe, you should clean the surrounding area so that air can flow freely.