How Can I Fix My Furnace on My Own?
We understand if you want to manage as many repairs and home improvement tasks as possible on your own or with the help of a few friends. It’s a good way to save money, and people are always looking for ways to cut down on expenses they don’t absolutely need.
But not all household jobs are equal in complexity and safety. Reattaching sagging gutters is one thing. Fixing a gas furnace is something quite different. The simple answer to the question “How can I fix my furnace on my own?” is “You can’t. Call professionals to do it.”
There are several reasons never to attempt to repair a furnace on your own, but the one that supersedes all others is that it is unsafe. In many jurisdictions, working on a furnace is not even legal unless you are properly licensed.
However, you can sometimes solve a furnace issue with troubleshooting. These aren’t true repairs, but basic checks you can make that might uncover a simple problem that doesn’t require an actual repair. Let’s examine some of these simple problems you can resolve yourself. But if you can’t troubleshoot your furnace back into working, then it’s time to call us for heater repair in Clearwater, FL.
The Furnace Switch
The furnace has its own dedicated power switch located near it. This is used to shut the furnace off for the season or to perform maintenance and repairs. Check if this switch has been shut off.
Clogged Air Filter
This is one of the most persistent problems with furnaces and other forced-air heating systems. When the furnace filter becomes clogged after 1-3 months, it will block airflow. This will create several problems, such as causing the furnace to overheat and shut down or the blower fan motor to overload and trip a circuit breaker. It will also lower airflow to the rooms and affect heating power. All you have to do is get a clean filter and replace the clogged one and you’ll be back in the heating business.
Thermostat Errors
Make sure you check the settings on your thermostat to see that they’re correct. With some newer thermostats, a simple mistake with the buttons can cause the heater to refuse to turn on. Someone in your household may have changed the settings or played with the buttons. The thermostat may need to have new batteries put in.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
If your furnace won’t turn on at all, we recommend you go to the electrical panel for the house and see if the circuit breaker to the furnace has tripped. This applies to gas furnaces as well as electric furnaces: gas furnaces use extensive electrical components to operate, such as an electronic ignition system and the blower fan motor.
If the furnace continues to trip the breaker, then there’s a bigger problem at work and you’ll need to call for HVAC professionals to look into it. We’re trained, licensed, and have the equipment necessary to get your heater back into shape. We’ll get the job done fast and ensure your furnace runs safely.
Experience the Balanced Air difference! Balanced Air, Inc. has served the Tampa Bay area since 1988.