Heating Repair – How to Keep Your Thermostat in Top Shape
HVAC Lexington KY is a critical component of your home. If you notice any issues, fixing them immediately is important.
If your energy bill is increasing monthly, this could indicate a malfunctioning furnace. It could also mean that your system is aging and will require repair soon.
A thermostat might look like a small, inconspicuous part of a home, but it significantly impacts the efficiency and comfort of a room. Its job is to communicate with the HVAC system and ensure that it turns on and off at just the right times. However, problems can often develop that prevent a thermostat from working properly. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes that you can do yourself to help keep your thermostat in tip-top shape.
The first thing you need to check is if your thermostat is getting power. If the screen is completely dark, you need to replace its batteries. It’s also possible that the circuit breaker for your thermostat is tripped, in which case you’ll need to flip it back on.
If you’ve replaced the batteries and the breaker, but your thermostat is still not responding to commands, it may be due to an issue with its sensors. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate in the thermostat, interfering with its ability to sense temperatures. To fix this, you’ll need to remove the thermostat and clean the sensors with a soft brush.
It’s also possible that your thermostat is not positioned in an optimal location. Putting it in direct sunlight or near exterior doorways can interfere with its ability to regulate temperature. For maximum efficiency, it’s recommended that you place your thermostat in a central location where it’s not exposed to hot or cold drafts.
You can also troubleshoot a thermostat that isn’t communicating with the HVAC system by examining its wiring. If the wires are corroded or disconnected, your thermostat will not be able to receive commands from the HVAC system. To check the wiring, you’ll need to shut off the power to your thermostat by locating the circuit breaker and switching it off. You can then open the thermostat cover to examine the wiring for any signs of rust or corrosion. If the wires are corroded, you can use a wire stripper to reveal a new section of wire and reconnect it. Alternatively, you can try replacing the whole thermostat to restore its functionality.
The burners of your furnace are responsible for mixing air with fuel to produce heat. When your gas burner is malfunctioning, it can lead to issues with the rest of the system and will affect the amount of heat that your home receives. Malfunctioning burners can be caused by a number of things including dirt, grime, and misalignment. It’s important to know what the signs are of a malfunctioning burner so you can contact a professional as soon as possible for heating repair.
If you notice that the flame is flickering or looks weak, there could be a problem with the igniter. If the igniter is not sparking, it will not light the gas, and it will fail to generate heat. You can clean the igniter by removing the cover and using warm water and soap to scrub around it. If the igniter continues to not light, it will need to be replaced.
Another common issue with the burners is that they won’t ignite at all. You can check the flame to see if it’s blue and steady, or if it appears yellow or orange. This may be an indication that the gas is contaminated by soot or debris. A professional can replace the burner unit if it’s clogged or needs to be cleaned.
Ventilation is another issue that can cause the burners to malfunction. If you’re in an enclosed space or have a room that is closed off and not well ventilated, the makeup air will be limited and can lead to the low air pressure switch inside the burner assembly shutting off the gas flow. This is a safety feature to prevent unburned gas from contaminating the house. The professional can remove the access panel to the combustion chamber and fix or replace the flame sensor.
If you smell a strong gas odor while the pilot light is lit or you’re using an electric igniter, this could indicate that there is a problem with the gas line to the stove. This can be dangerous, so you should turn off the electricity to the stove, ventilate the room, and call a professional as soon as possible for emergency heating repair.
The ductwork in your home is out of sight and out of mind, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. In fact, problems with ducts can significantly impact your home’s comfort and lead to expensive repairs.
Duct problems include holes, dents, sagging and broken sections that affect air flow and lead to poor HVAC system performance. These issues also can affect your indoor air quality and the health of your family.
Problems with ductwork can be caused by many things, from blockages to pest infestations and aging issues. Unsupported flex duct runs can sag, creating a gap where air can escape. Weak connections formed by taping two duct runs together can also lead to air leaks. Ductwork experts recommend installing metal butt joint connectors for a secure connection.
Leaks in ductwork are a serious problem and can cause your home to lose up to 60% of its energy efficiency. Untreated leaks can also lead to uneven heating and cooling in different areas of the house, making your system work harder than it should.
Another problem with leaking ducts is that they can distribute pollutants throughout your home. These pollutants may include dust, mold spores, insulation particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products. If left unaddressed, these contaminants can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems in your family.
A dirty duct system can also become a breeding ground for small pests, such as rodents and cockroaches. These pests can contaminate your home’s air supply by introducing pathogens into the conditioned air, and they can also cause structural damage to your ductwork.
If you suspect your ductwork is in need of repair, contact an experienced heating repair company. A trained technician will assess your ductwork and can recommend the best repair solution. They will also inspect your furnace to make sure it is working properly. Then, they can make the necessary repairs to restore your home’s comfort. Taking care of your ducts will ensure that your heating repair costs are kept to a minimum. Contact today to schedule an appointment.
The underlying issues that affect heating repair can involve the electrical system. Electrical problems are very dangerous to mess with, which is why you should always hire a professional to do any work related to your electrical system. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of some common electrical issues so you can recognize them when they occur.
If your lights are constantly flickering, that’s a sign of faulty wiring or receptacles. This can cause a serious fire hazard and should be addressed immediately by a licensed electrician.
Another sign of a possible problem is when you feel a shock when you plug in an appliance or turn on the heater. This could be a sign of faulty wiring or a dangerous condition like an arc fault or grounded wire.
Blown fuses are also signs of an electrical issue. They can be caused by overloaded circuits, power surges, or even faulty appliances.
A blown fuse may be a sign of a serious problem like a bad capacitor, broken circuit board, or an incorrect voltage or amperage setting. These problems are all dangerous to mess with and require the attention of a licensed electrician.
Frequently tripping circuit breakers are another indicator of an electrical problem. A tripped circuit breaker means that too much electricity is passing through the circuit, which can overheat and potentially cause a house fire.
If you notice sparking in or around your breaker box, fuse box or outlets, that’s another sign of an electrical issue that shouldn’t be ignored. Sparking can indicate that the wires are overheating, causing them to melt or catch on fire.
If you have an older home, it’s likely that your wiring is old and faulty. Over time, this can lead to loose or corroded connections and melted or damaged outlets. In addition to a faulty connection, this can also lead to overheating and melting of the wires inside of the wall, which can cause an electrical fire that is very dangerous to your family.
The Importance of HVAC Systems
HVAC systems offer optimum temperature control, improved air quality, and comfortable living conditions. They comprise many parts, including thermostats, furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductwork, and filters.
Understanding how HVAC works empowers you to make informed choices, effectively maintain your system, and create a healthy indoor environment. Visit https://www.taphvac.com/ to learn some basic concepts about HVAC.
Air filters are vitally important to your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. They filter the air before it is warmed or cooled and circulated throughout your home via the ductwork.
Filters come in a variety of materials, with different ratings and price points. The rating, known as MERV, indicates how effective the filter is at trapping contaminants. Filters with higher MERV ratings capture more particles, from dust and dander to mold spores and other illness-causing bacteria, viruses, and smoke.
The filter itself is inserted into the return duct or vent in your home, where it sits between the blower and the rest of the duct system. The air must pass through the filter before it is heated or cooled, and this prevents a buildup of contaminants in your house that would otherwise be blown into your living spaces.
Once the filter is clogged, it restricts airflow and forces the HVAC system to work harder to heat or cool your home. This can lead to premature wear on the equipment and an increase in your energy bills. It can also cause the system to shut down, which can be an inconvenience and a safety hazard in some cases.
When a filter is changed regularly, it ensures that air can move freely through the duct system and that your heating or cooling is done efficiently. If you have a high-end system, it’s even more important to change your air filter on a regular basis to protect the integrity of the unit and keep it running smoothly.
Some people think that HVAC filters help make their indoor air clean, but this is not necessarily the case. Most filters are designed to keep the system running optimally and reduce wear on the equipment, not to make your indoor air completely clean. While they can trap some small dust and dirt particles, they cannot catch the tiny pollutants that advanced air purifiers capture. Those smaller particles are what can irritate your lungs, causing respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma symptoms. They can also contribute to chronic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and COPD.
Vents & Registers
The ductwork in your home connects to every room with a network of vents and registers. These serve two important functions, helping your HVAC system cool and heat your house efficiently while distributing conditioned air to your space. If you close your registers, your HVAC system will work harder to push conditioned air into a room, and this extra effort can damage the ductwork and shorten its lifespan.
Closed vents can also cause a variety of other issues, including moisture build-up and unhealthy microbial growth inside the ducts. These problems can result in mildew and mold, which in turn can affect your family’s health. Keeping your vents open will prevent these problems, but you may need to replace or install new air vent covers for an updated look.
If you’re concerned about the aesthetic of your air vents, there are plenty of ways to customize their appearance without affecting their function. You can paint or purchase vent covers to match your home’s interior design. Or, you can replace the grilles on your vents with metal or wooden ones that blend in with the rest of the room for a cleaner, more uniform look.
There are two kinds of vents: return vents and supply vents. The return vents pull stagnant air back into the system so it can be reconditioned, while the supply vents distribute cooled or heated air throughout your home. To distinguish between them, look for slats running perpendicular to the grill on the vent; if you can see them clearly, it’s a supply vent.
You can also tell them apart by performing a paper test: If you place a sheet of paper in front of the vent, and it blows outward, it’s a return vent; if the paper falls flat against the wall, it’s a supply vent. The location of your return vents and supply vents will make a difference in how efficiently your HVAC system runs, so it’s important to keep them clear of obstructions. If you’re unsure about the placement of your vents, contact an HVAC technician for advice.
Clean the Outside Unit
The outside unit can get just as dirty as your indoor air handler. It sits in the path of debris from your lawn mower, it’s exposed to dirt and debris from the wind, and it can even collect leaves or grass clippings on its coils. Routine cleanings keep it free of such things that can reduce its efficiency and cause costly problems.
First, make sure the power is off to your outside unit by finding and opening the electrical disconnect (a metal box on an exterior wall or in a crawlspace). It might be a pullout switch or a circuit breaker shutoff. Next, use a ladder to gain access to the outdoor unit. Remove the top cover and the side cover, and set aside any screws or bolts you take off. This will allow you to access the evaporator coils inside, which are a large assembly of flattened tubes in an A shape.
Once you have the access panel off, you can spray a foaming cleaner on the coils and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This should loosen any grime and wash it away, allowing you to vacuum the coils and wipe down the outside unit with a hose. If you have a fin comb, this is a good time to straighten any bent fins. Once you’ve cleaned the coils and the unit, screw everything back in place, turn on your HVAC system, and enjoy!
Odd odors can signal serious problems. If you smell an electrical, burning or gas odor, turn off your air conditioner immediately and call a professional. They’ll diagnose the problem and get it fixed ASAP to prevent safety issues or further damage to your system.
Other signs of a problem with your outside unit include puddles around it, which may indicate a leak, or a smoky smell, which could mean that the fan motor or compressor are overworking and overheating. Make sure the area around your outdoor unit is clear of flammable items, such as leaves, pine needles, branches and grass, and trim any shrubs surrounding it. These items can block the unit and restrict airflow, causing a decrease in efficiency.
Have Your HVAC System Serviced
Like a car, an HVAC system needs regular care and maintenance. Without it, minor issues can escalate into major repair problems. Most HVAC companies offer maintenance plans and service contracts to prevent the need for costly repairs down the road. These packages typically include annual inspections, lubrication of moving parts, and cleaning.
It’s important to vacuum around vents and registers regularly to remove dust and pet hair. It’s also a good idea to change air filters every 2-3 months and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Clogged or dirty filters reduce the system’s efficiency and increase energy costs. You should also trim twigs and branches away from the outside unit to keep the fan blades free of debris.
Whether you have a central AC system or a ductless mini-split heat pump, it’s essential to check the refrigerant level regularly. A low level of this gas can lead to insufficient cooling and a host of other problems. Your technician can test the refrigerant levels and fix any problems before they cause damage.
Maintaining your HVAC system is a smart financial decision that will pay off in the long run. It will help to keep you and your family comfortable all year round, reducing the risk of health-related issues and ensuring the system is running at maximum efficiency. It’s also much more affordable than replacing a damaged, inefficient HVAC system.
A well-maintained HVAC system can last 10-15 years, possibly longer. Neglecting routine maintenance and ignoring potential issues will shorten its lifespan significantly. The lifespan of an HVAC system is directly related to how often it is used and the conditions it’s exposed to.
If you’re interested in an annual maintenance plan or would like to discuss your options for a new system, contact us today. Our experienced technicians can provide the quality service you deserve. Whether you need a simple tune-up or an entire overhaul of your hvac, count on Petro to help you stay cool this summer and warm and cozy all winter! We also offer financing for your convenience.