A furnace operates with numerous mechanical parts that need to work together. Over time, these parts can become worn out and require repair to function normally.
Start by flipping the switch on your furnace’s door panel to the “On” position. Next, check to see that the gas valve is open. For professional help, contact Furnace Repair Cincinnati.
Your thermostat is the direct line of communication between your home and your HVAC system. It is responsible for prompting your heating or air conditioning system to turn on and off in order to reach your preferred temperature setting – a “set point”.
Thermostats work by using the simple principle that heat makes things expand and cold causes them to contract. Inside a thermostat are two pieces of different metal bolted together to form what is called a bimetallic strip. The strip acts as a bridge in an electrical circuit that is connected to your heating system. When the “bridge” is down, electricity passes through and the heating is turned on. When the temperature rises, the strip stretches and bends slightly until it is able to switch off the power (the heating turns off).
There are several things that can cause your thermostat to malfunction, but the first thing to check is that it actually has power. Make sure that the furnace door is closed properly, that it has not accidentally shut off (you can do this by testing a circuit breaker meant for the air handler and seeing if it was tripped), and that the batteries are fresh (preferably lithium).
Some newer thermostats have a “C Wire” that allows them to communicate directly with your furnace without the use of a wire leading from the thermostat to the HVAC system. However, in our experience these systems tend to be more prone to malfunctions and can sometimes lead to higher utility bills. If you choose to go with this type of smart thermostat, it is best to have a professional install it for you to ensure it works properly and is compatible with your existing furnace.
If you don’t have a C Wire, or your thermostat is older and you don’t want to pay for an expensive repair, there are some kits available from companies like Ecobee that allow you to add a C Wire to your furnace. They can be purchased online, but I would approach this solution with caution since it may not be safe for all systems and could potentially lead to dangerous wiring problems down the road.
Filter
The filter (also known as the air conditioner filter, furnace filter, home filter or HVAC filter) is a vital component of your furnace and should be replaced regularly. Changing the filter protects your furnace from excessive wear and tear due to dirt, dust and debris that would otherwise enter the blower fan and cause it to overheat or break down prematurely. The filter also helps improve indoor air quality by preventing contaminants from being recirculated throughout the house.
When your system kicks on, the return duct pulls cold air in from various rooms of your house and sends it back to the heat exchanger. While it’s traveling through your return ducts, the air picks up pollutants and debris. This includes dander, dust mites, mold spores and pollen. The filter traps these particles, preventing them from being recirculated into your rooms.
Furnace filters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. It’s important to note that different filters have varying levels of efficiency, which are indicated by their MERV ratings. Higher MERV ratings are better at trapping allergens, but can also reduce your energy efficiency. If you have pets in your home, consider getting a pet-friendly filter that will capture more of the dander and hair than a basic fiberglass filter.
As a general rule of thumb, your furnace air filter should be changed or cleaned approximately every 30 days. However, the frequency of this task varies from one household to the next and is dependent on the type of filter you choose.
The best way to remember when it’s time to change the filter is by placing a reminder on your calendar or setting an alert on your smartphone’s calendar app. You can also ask your local heating and cooling expert to replace the filter during your routine maintenance appointment.
You can find furnace filters at most large retail and home improvement stores, including Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Menards. You can even order them online, allowing you to receive a new furnace filter at your doorstep whenever you need it.
Burner
The burner is a small outlet where gas is ignited within the furnace, producing an even flame that heats a metal heat exchanger. The hot heat exchanger then transfers the heat to your home’s air. A clogged burner can prevent your furnace from operating efficiently, so it’s important to maintain your heating system regularly.
A burner can be made of any number of metals. It enlarges when it heats up and narrows when it cools. Over time, this constant expansion and contraction can cause the burner to crack, and a cracked burner is a fire hazard. A trained professional can examine your burner for signs of fracture during a furnace inspection and repair it before it becomes a problem.
Most modern furnaces have intermittent pilot lights instead of continuous ones, which save you money and fuel. These lighters activate when the thermostat turns on, and they burn a very low amount of fuel. A faulty pilot light can lead to a gas leak, which could be a safety hazard, or it can make your furnace inefficient. If your pilot light isn’t working, you’ll need to relight it per the instructions in your manual or contact an HVAC professional.
Modern furnaces are designed for energy efficiency with high AFUE ratings (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient your furnace is. However, this rating can decrease dramatically if your furnace isn’t maintained properly. Heat leakage, dirty components, and a clogged filter are just some of the things that can lead to a poor AFUE rating.
The burners in your furnace are usually made of stainless steel. As a result, they are highly susceptible to corrosion and need to be cleaned regularly. Your professional HVAC technician can clean your burners using a special tool. It is best to place the burners on a sheet of newspaper or plastic to contain any debris when cleaning them. After they are cleaned, it’s essential that the airflow is unobstructed to allow for proper combustion. If the flames of different burners intersect, they’ll produce black smoke and cause unnecessary wear and tear on your furnace refractories.
Drain Line
If your furnace makes a lot of condensation, it needs to go somewhere. This is where the condensate drain line comes in. The line is attached to the evaporator coil and connects to your home’s plumbing system. If the line becomes clogged, water will pool around your furnace and may damage it and other components. Your HVAC technician can inspect the line for signs of a problem.
A clogged drain line will prevent the evaporator coil from cooling and will also prevent the blower from shutting off. This will cause moisture to build up in the ductwork, which can lead to mold and mildew. It will also increase the humidity levels in your home, which can be uncomfortable for you and your family and can contribute to health problems such as asthma and allergies.
The best way to prevent a clogged condensate line is to have it regularly cleaned and serviced. An experienced HVAC technician can clean the lines for you or you can do it yourself if you are comfortable with DIY projects. The simplest method is to pour a liquid down the access pipe to break up a blockage internally. This works well for minor clogs. For more serious clogs, you can try using a drain snake or a vacuum. You can also use chemicals to dissolve and clear away stubborn blockages.
Your main drain line is the underground line that runs from your house to the sewer system. It’s about 102 millimetres (four inches) in diameter and can run anywhere from five to 30 metres. Clogs in the main line are more common than they are for other drains because the pipes are older and can be susceptible to damage from tree roots.
If you notice that your main line has a clog, it’s important to call an experienced plumber right away. A clog can damage your home’s plumbing, and you could end up with sewage backing up into your home. A professional can use a special camera to locate the clog and fix it before it causes any more damage.
