Do you know how to check on your home's gas furnace in the event your HVAC system is underperforming? If you don't, it's wise to brush up before the next bout of frigid air hits Atlanta. Here is how to handle gas furnace troubleshooting in your home.
A Gas Furnace Supplying Little or No Heat
If you tried to turn on your heat but your HVAC system was not providing acceptable warmth, it's helpful to start with the basics. Make sure that the system is set correctly with the temperature on your thermostat above 68° F or so. If your house is still not warming up, that's the first problem to address.
Dealing with a gas furnace that's working in some capacity but isn't adequately heating up your home presents different challenges. Some homeowners realize that they haven't changed the filter in their furnace for a long time. Without regular filter maintenance, furnaces and other elements of your home HVAC system won't work properly. In other cases, a dirty or malfunctioning blower motor could be behind the poor furnace performance. Contact an HVAC specialist to fix any problem with your furnace's mechanical operations.
Gas Furnace Troubleshooting for Erratic Machines
Homeowners may find that their furnace is making loud noises or running erratically. Usually, these signs point to a malfunctioning machine that's hindering your HVAC system's efficiency. Troubleshooting requires simply standing by your furnace for a few minutes and listening. If you hear a thumping or rumbling sound, you may have dirty burners. Screeching sounds suggest that your system needs oiling. In both cases, simple HVAC servicing will get your system back to performing at peak levels.
Another telltale sign that you need maintenance is when fans are constantly running. Your furnace's blower should run periodically when the internal temperature hits a certain point, but continuous operation suggests a defect in the thermostat or in the fan setting.
Troubleshooting Pilot Lights
Modern HVAC systems typically have furnaces that automatically ignite pilot lights. However, older systems that require manual lighting fail for various reasons. Winds in a drafty room can put the light out periodically, which will shut down the furnace's operations. Your furnace's gas supply may also have issues that prevent gas from keeping the pilot lighted.
Electronic (automatic) ignition gas furnaces require more complex troubleshooting methods when you find that the pilot light is out. Unless you are trained in HVAC service, leave this job to professional HVAC technicians who can determine whether it's the furnace or just a thermostat that needs servicing. Since modern HVAC systems are far more efficient than models that are 10 years old or more, you may want to consider upgrading to HVAC equipment that will save you a great deal in energy costs.
It's helpful to remember that over 50 percent of the money you spend on energy is spent on heating and cooling. Reliable Heating & Air can help with gas furnace troubleshooting and any other needs that will go toward keeping your home warm all winter long.