How to Repair a Home Heater
Modern home heating systems come in a variety of flavors these days. You’ve got options such as heat pumps, gas furnaces, geothermal heating, and other unique options. Of course, each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, with its own unique characteristics. The same goes for the necessary repairs. Most homeowners do not know how to repair their home heater. And there’s nothing wrong with that, because it’s often best to hire a professional to handle heater repairs!
Common Heater Issues
When discussing home heater repairs, begin with the most common heater-related issues. Here are 10 of the most common furnace issues we find:
- Lack of maintenance
- A dirty filter
- Wear-and-tear
- Electric ignition or pilot control issues
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Furnace does not heat
- Furnace does not heat enough
- Frequent cycling
- Blower continuously running
- Furnace is too noisy
Furnace Tips and Repairs
When you have trouble with your furnace, start with the following:
- Air Filters – Start by swapping out a dirty air filter – they often lead to numerous furnace issues. Clean or replace the filter once per month, according to the directions in the manufacturer’s guide. A furnace repair expert can show you how to properly change the filter.
- Thermostat – If your furnace does not produce enough heat, start by checking the thermostat settings. Then, if the settings are fine, check the battery level. With many models, replacing the battery can rectify the situation.
If neither of these simple repairs fixes the situation, then something more complex is likely wrong. At this point, you may wish to hire an expert to assess your home heater and provide prompt repairs. Or, if you’re feeling confident, consider the following furnace repair steps:
- Power – Check both the circuit breaker and the power supply. If your furnace stops working or the thermostat screen is blank, the circuit breaker may have tripped or blown a fuse. Or, the power cord is unplugged or loose.
- Drafts – One common issue many homeowners ignore is a draft. A draft may lead to issues with the pilot light. Close the nearest window or door.
- Maintenance – Each year, usually at the end of summer or the start of fall, hire a furnace repair specialist. A maintenance appointment will ensure your unit is prepared for the upcoming cold weather.
- Ignition Control – It’s best to leave issues with the ignition control or pilot light to an expert, as clogged components or faulty electrical systems are more complex.
- Mechanical Issues – Unless you have extensive training to repair furnaces, allow an expert to handle mechanical wear-and-tear to your furnace. You may void the warranty by handling repairs yourself.
For furnace-related issues, consider Robert B. Payne, Inc. as the top choice for furnace installation, repairs, and maintenance. Give us a call now at 540-373-5876. We can expertly assess your furnace and its issues, then determine how best to repair the system or replace it.