Furnace repair involves electrical, plumbing, gas, and sheet metal work. A basic understanding of industry terminology can help you communicate problems better with experts or even attempt a few minor repairs independently. At its most basic, a furnace converts fuel into heat and distributes that heat throughout the home or office. Its operation is controlled by the thermostat, gas valve, burners, heat exchanger, blower, and air ducts.
Identifying the Type of Furnace
When a furnace malfunctions, identifying its type is crucial to diagnose and find the right furnace repair Staten Island solution. Furnaces come in various styles, each with unique characteristics and repair requirements. Once you have identified your type of furnace, you can gather more specific information about its model and manufacturer. This information will be essential for finding replacement parts or contacting a qualified repair technician. Remember, proper furnace maintenance and prompt attention to minor issues can prevent major breakdowns and extend the life of your heating system. Although furnaces are less complex than major appliances like refrigerators and microwaves, their components perform vital functions. They can also make a lot of noise, including banging, rattling, and irregular hums that indicate something is amiss. Before working on your furnace, cut off its power completely by tripping the circuit breaker or removing the control fuse. This will ensure that no electrical current can reach dangerous or faulty components, such as the igniter and flame sensor. A properly functioning furnace should provide even heating throughout the home. If you notice cold and hot spots, or if your house air feels stuffy and stale, it may be time for an upgrade. Also, if your energy bills continue to rise, consider getting a new furnace.
Inspecting the Furnace
A furnace transfers heat to the air inside a home. This characteristic distinguishes warm-air systems from other types of heating systems. Before any work can be done on the system, it must be inspected to ensure it is safe. This is an important step because if the system is unsafe, it may emit dangerous fumes or pose other safety hazards to the home’s occupants. To begin the inspection, turn off the power to the unit. You can do this by resetting the circuit breaker that controls the heater. This can be found in the main electrical entrance panel or, if the system is fueled by natural gas, at a separate power entrance switch. Remove the fuse if necessary.
Cleaning the Vents and Ducts
Furnaces need clean air to operate effectively. This requires the ducts to be cleaned regularly. An HVAC technician will use specialized tools to clean the supply vents thoroughly and return vents in your home and the ductwork. They’ll also remove and visually inspect the blower motor, heat exchanger, and grilles. The pros have specialized equipment that drastically shortens the time it takes to clean your ductwork and eliminates the chance of damage to the ductwork, insulation, or HVAC connections. They’ll also inspect the ducts for signs of mold growth, infestation, and …