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.