Heating Repair: Troubleshooting Tips You Can Use

Heating repair bills don’t have to put you in the poor house. Some can even be fixed without calling a professional out to the house. When you’re shivering due to the outside temperatures dropping and the inside HVAC system not providing the service it is intended for, it can be a frustrating time. If you know how to troubleshoot your system, however, it can take some of the frustration out of the problem. Though a damaged system will do you no good, having a thorough knowledge of what needs to be done to fix the problem can give you back a measure of control. Here are some troubleshooting tips you can use.

The Air Filter

Some homeowners forget that changing the air filter isn’t something that should be neglected during the winter months. It is as important to make sure you have a clean filter when running the heat as it is when you’re running the air conditioning. Many a heating repair bill could have been avoided if the homeowner had stayed on track with a regular changing of the filter. Particles caught in the filter can slow down air flow and prevent your heater from operating as efficiently as it should be.

The Blowers

Don’t wait until you need heating repair to take a close look at your blowers. They are the lifeblood of your unit and should be inspected on a regular basis. Make sure the tension in the belts is kept precise and inspect the belt itself for any signs of damage. Over time, belts can become worn and frayed. Eventually, this can bring the tension out of the belt and cause problems with the blower itself. You’ll also want to make sure you oil the motor on a regular basis. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this kind of maintenance work, a professional HVAC company can come in to do a routine tune-up of the system.

Thermostat

Of course, often the problem isn’t with the system itself, but rather with the thermostat. Make sure the settings are correct before you move on with more advanced heating repair troubleshooting. If anyone else in the house fiddles with the control panel, they could have changed a vital setting without really realizing what they did. If everything looks good, make sure the temperature dial is set properly to make the heat come on.

Sometimes no amount of in home troubleshooting will fix the problem and you’ll have to turn to the professionals for your heating repair. Don’t waste time when making the call. If you’re calling in the middle of winter, these companies will likely be very busy and you’ll want them to get out to your house as soon as possible. Call early, get an appointment, and try not to cancel.