A furnace is a common appliance in U.S. homes designed to heat and distribute the heated air throughout the house through ducts. Installing a furnace is an effective way to avoid the winter cold, but you should opt for a high-efficiency system to enjoy constant temperature. Like other appliances, a furnace requires routine maintenance and repairs to maintain high efficiency and BTU rating. Nonetheless, the furnace can get damaged because of worn-out parts or blockages in the air intake grilles or vent system. Instead of buying a new one, consider these economic fixing tips.
Hire an Expert
A furnace is a complex appliance comprising burners, blower, control system, gas valve, heat exchanger, and duct and ventilation system. Addressing any furnace-related issue requires mechanical expertise because of the system’s complexity and risk of fire. Since trial and error might result in more damage, consider contacting furnace repair services for a quick fix-up. The DIY approach is not encouraged, especially if the failure might be because of the manufacturer’s fault, as you will void the warranty. Find a well-trained furnace repair expert who understands the safety measures and has the right tools for the job.
Check the Air Filter
An air filter’s basic function in the furnace is to clean the air circulating through the heating and cooling system by trapping contaminants. The buildup of contaminants on the air filter hinders airflow in the heating system, compromising efficiency. One sign of a clogged air filter is continuous activation and deactivation of the system, and a quick fix-up is cleaning or replacing the air filter. Cleaning is a crucial furnace maintenance tip and a more economical approach than replacing, but check if the air filter is not damaged.
Inspect the Safety Switch and Furnace Limit Switch
Modern high-efficiency furnaces are fitted with multiple safety switches to improve safety, but still, periodic maintenance by a trained professional is recommended. Quite often, the safety switch might be why the furnace is not working since it deactivates the combustion process and fan. Replacing a malfunctioning safety switch will help restore the functionality of the cooling system. On the other hand, the limit switch is designed to shut off the burner when the plenum gets too hot and shut down the blower when the temperature drops. Examining the limit switch sensor will ensure that the furnace circulates air at the right temperature throughout the house.
A properly-functioning furnace is a must-have to avoid the extreme cold when approaching winter. Nonetheless, even after installing a new heating system, it can get broken because of wear and tear of vital components, clogging of air filters, and malfunctioning safety and limit switch. A quick fix-up will restore the functionality, but you should always contact an expert to address any mechanical issue.
About the author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.