Furnace Repair – Common Problems That Can Lead to Costly Repairs

If your furnace produces unusual noises, a professional service technician can diagnose and fix the problem. For example, banging and whining sounds may be caused by a dirty blower or thermostat problems. Contact Furnace Repair Houston for professional help.

Furnace Repair

A puddle next to your furnace might be a sign of a water leak. This can be a simple repair, but it’s important to address it immediately.

The burners in your furnace create a flame that ignites gas and heats the air in your home. If this burner is clogged with dust, debris, or carbon it won’t ignite properly and your system will be less efficient. This means you’ll need to use more energy to warm your house and may even experience unexpected furnace problems. If you think your furnace burner is dirty, a professional technician should inspect and clean it to prevent serious issues.

The first sign of dirty burners is typically increased furnace noise. This increased noise may be heard throughout your home through ductwork, registers, and vents. It is a result of the burning of excess dirt, which narrows the air passage in the combustion chamber and increases air flow resistance.

In severe cases, heavily clogged burners can stop the furnace from firing at all. This is a fire hazard and can leave you without heating during cold weather. Oftentimes, a clogged burner will emit strange odors, such as a burning smell or oily scent.

Other signs of dirty burners include a lack of heat in certain rooms, rapid changes in thermostat temperatures, and an increase in heating utility bills. Dirty burners reduce the efficiency of your system, causing it to work harder and take longer to reach the desired temperature.

To clean your burners, shut off the power to the furnace by turning off its breaker or locating and closing the gas valve. You’ll also need to turn off the blower fan in order to safely access the burners. Once you’ve turned off the power and shut off the gas, remove the furnace access panel to expose the burners. You should then use a brush or vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any visible dirt or debris. Be sure to wear protective equipment as some of the debris could be rusty or broken glass.

Once you’ve removed any debris, be sure to replace the access panel and test the burners. If they are still dirty, you can repeat the process until they are completely cleaned. After your burners are clean, reassemble the furnace and be sure to restart the system. Check the burners for a blue flame to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Dirty Air Ducts

Dirty air ducts contribute to poor indoor air quality. Dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens collect in clogged air ducts over time and are then circulated throughout the house. These allergens trigger asthma and other respiratory issues in many families. They also promote the development of lower respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.

If you or any of your family members suffer from asthma, you should make sure your air ducts are cleaned regularly. If you have children with asthma, this is even more important since clogged air ducts can cause an increased severity of symptoms in these kids.

Clogged air ducts can also interfere with the function of your home heating and cooling system. This is because they prevent the efficient circulation of heated or cooled air, which can lead to higher energy bills and less comfort in your home.

Another sign that your air ducts need cleaning is if you see a lot of dust around your vents. This is because clogged vents allow dirt and other debris to build up faster than normal, which can interfere with the airflow of your heating or cooling system.

You should also check the ductwork for signs of mold or mildew. Mold spores can cause severe allergies and respiratory distress in some people, so they should be removed promptly. Air ducts that are damp or humid are also a breeding ground for mold.

Other signs that your air ducts need cleaning include if you notice that the airflow through your vents is slower than usual or that some rooms are warmer or cooler than others. This is because the dirty air ducts are preventing the proper circulation of warm or cold air, which causes your HVAC system to work harder and can result in higher energy bills.

If you have guests in your home, they may notice a musty smell coming from the vents or in the room. This odor is caused by the growth of mildew and mold in the ductwork, and it can be difficult to get rid of. If you can’t remove the odor, it’s best to call a professional air duct cleaning company as soon as possible.

Thermostat Issues

A properly functioning thermostat is crucial to a comfortable home. When issues arise with this device, it can disrupt your HVAC system and lead to costly repairs. Fortunately, there are many common thermostat problems that can be solved easily through simple methods like replacing batteries or ensuring all wiring and fuses are intact. If these fixes don’t work, however, it may be time to call in a professional.

A faulty thermostat can affect your furnace in a number of ways, including preventing it from turning on when you need it to heat your home. This is a sign that the device isn’t getting power and needs to be reset or replaced. This issue can also stem from a bad or outdated air filter. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, installing a new one could solve the problem.

Another common issue with thermostats is the symptom of turning off and on frequently, which is known as short-cycling. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a dirty air filter or a thermostat that doesn’t respond to your settings. A thermostat that isn’t responding to your settings can also cause the heating system to run on a pre-selected schedule or set for the wrong type of equipment, leading to unnecessary wear and tear.

In most cases, a thermostat that isn’t working is the result of an electrical problem. If your thermostat uses batteries, check the low-battery indicator light to see if it is illuminated. If it isn’t, you can try replacing the batteries or pressing the recessed reset button using a paperclip (if there is one) to restart the unit. If the unit still isn’t responsive, check the furnace switch to make sure it is in the on position.

Similarly, a hardwired thermostat that’s not receiving power can be the result of a tripped or blown fuse. Make sure the HVAC breaker is on and that all fuses are in place and good condition. If the issue persists, a professional should examine the circuit board and electrical connections to determine what’s causing it to not turn on.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks from your furnace can be incredibly dangerous. This is why it is important that you know how to spot the signs of a gas leak, and what to do when you encounter one.

The most common cause of a gas leak from your furnace is that the heat exchanger has a crack or rust hole in it. When this happens, your furnace will start leaking carbon monoxide. This is a very toxic gas, so it is important that you have it fixed right away.

Another reason you might have a gas leak is that the blower motor has failed. When this occurs, it will no longer blow air over the heat exchanger, and instead, will blow it into your ducts. This can lead to a number of different problems, including excess moisture in your ducts. It can also lead to the formation of mold and mildew. If you have any of these issues, it is important to contact a professional heating technician to inspect and repair them.

A clogged drain line is another common problem that can trigger a gas leak from your furnace. Some high efficiency furnaces have a pump that is used to lift condensation from the heat exchanger and transfer it into the drain system. Over time, this can become clogged with debris, or the condensation pump may fail. Replacing this part can be difficult, and it is a job best left to professionals.

Other causes of a gas leak are problems with the gas line itself, or the line connecting your furnace to the home. For example, tree roots can grow into the gas line over time and cut off the flow of gas. Other problems include contaminants in the line, damage to the line, or a build-up of gunk at the gas line access point.

The most common sign of a gas leak is the smell. Natural gas doesn’t have an odor, so producers add in a rotten egg-like stench for safety. If you can smell gas in your home, evacuate immediately and call the gas company and emergency services.

Energy Efficient HVAC Design

HVAC Provo systems are significant energy consumers, so it’s important to use efficient equipment and design principles. Property owners must also keep up with evolving coolant standards and regulatory requirements for emissions control.

HVAC

Start with a contractor that assesses your home’s needs, recommends the right size system, and provides professional installation. Choose an HVAC system with high efficiency ratings, and consider adding indoor air quality components like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers.

The temperature of a space is an important factor in HVAC design. Without a method of controlling the temperature, buildings would be either too hot or too cold, which could cause discomfort for building occupants.

Temperature sensors are the primary component of an HVAC system, providing feedback to a control unit to maintain or adjust indoor temperatures according to set settings. They’re also responsible for detecting faults and adjusting operation to prevent damage.

Different types of temperature sensors are used in various applications, but most share similar features. All have a sensor that is attached to a control unit, and they all have two ports — one for return air and another for supply air. Depending on the type of sensor, it may have a reversing valve that allows for reversal of the flow of air through the sensors.

Air containing a large amount of moisture can affect the performance of an HVAC system. Moisture can be caused by condensation, bacterial growth, or other environmental factors. These factors can cause the air to become warm and humid, reducing the performance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

If you find that your HVAC system is not keeping your house cool enough during the summer, it might be time to check the temperature setting on your thermostat. Ideally, you should aim for a set point between 78 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will keep your family comfortable while still allowing you to save on energy costs.

Several things can contribute to uneven vent temperatures, including lack of insulation in certain areas of the home. To address this, consider adding more insulation to your walls, ceilings, and floors. Additionally, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance can help your system retain a cooler temperature and distribute it evenly throughout your home.

When comparing HVAC service companies, look for one with experienced technicians and superior customer service. A reputable company will be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule an appointment when it is most convenient for you. They will also provide a free estimate for their services.

Humidity

Humidity is a measure of the amount of water in the air. HVAC systems use humidity sensors to monitor indoor moisture levels and adjust system operations (dehumidifiers, for example) to ensure optimal occupant comfort and health.

High humidity can cause problems such as mold and mildew growth, dark spots in ceilings, rotting wood furniture, and a musty or damp odor. It can also lead to condensation and rust around electrical components and appliances, raising the risk of fire. Additionally, excessive humidity can make it easier for pests such as rodents and mites to thrive, which can affect a home’s safety and overall quality of life.

Low humidity can be equally problematic. Air that’s too dry can leave skin feeling irritated and itchy, and may exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies. It can also result in static electricity, which can be irritating to people and damaging to electronic devices.

Indoor humidity can be affected by a variety of factors, including the weather and indoor activities. For example, extended periods of high humidity, which are common in the Southeast, can infiltrate spaces by way of open doors and windows. Poor ventilation can also trap humidity inside, making it difficult for it to escape.

Fortunately, it’s easy to improve your HVAC’s ability to control humidity. Regular cleaning and replacement of air filters can help by reducing the amount of dirt and debris entering the system. It’s also important to keep your HVAC system at a proper size for your space to ensure it has adequate capacity to remove excess moisture from the air.

Finally, don’t forget to check for leaks around your home’s windows, ductwork and doors. Leaks can lead to excessive moisture buildup and prevent your HVAC system from effectively controlling humidity. To learn more about improving your HVAC’s ability to control humidity, contact Wardlaw Heating & Cooling today. We offer comprehensive maintenance plans that can help extend the lifespan of your system, boost its efficiency and help you maintain optimum indoor comfort. We look forward to assisting you! Call us at 504.968.1888.

Airflow

When an HVAC system runs, it needs to move a certain capacity of air through its systems. The capacity is measured in CFM – cubic feet per minute. The amount of air a HVAC unit moves depends on its size. For example, a 1-ton AC unit moves about 400 CFM. If the system isn’t moving enough air, a house or business will feel colder than usual.

Airflow problems are the most common HVAC issues you’ll face on service calls. Weak airflow can be caused by many things. Some are easy to fix, and others require a more in-depth diagnosis.

The most basic cause of weak airflow is a dirty air filter. If the filter isn’t cleaned often, it will clog and restrict how much air can enter the furnace or indoor AC unit. It will also limit how much air the system can put out through the supply vents.

The second most common cause of weak airflow is a poorly sealed and insulated ductwork. A well-insulated ductwork system will keep the heat from the house or business inside and prevent outside air from coming in. It will also reduce the amount of energy the heating or cooling system uses to circulate air.

Another reason for weak airflow is a dirty blower fan. If the blower isn’t cleaned, it can get covered in dust and other debris. This can interfere with how much air the system can move and lead to overheating or even damage the blower motor.

An evaporator coil can also interfere with airflow if it’s dirty. Dirty evaporator coils will restrict how much air can flow over them, which causes the system to work harder and wear out faster.

A technician should check all of the possible sources of a weak airflow problem before determining if it’s safe to use the HVAC system. They can do this by using tools like a Job Link system dual port manometer probe kit, JL3KM2. The portable tool has short hoses and independent sensors so that a technician can measure from optimal locations without being tethered to the equipment.

Efficiency

A significant amount of energy is used for heating and cooling in homes, offices, hospitals, schools, airports, and many other types of buildings. HVAC energy efficiency is an important factor in building sustainability and reducing operating costs.

There are many actions that can be taken to increase HVAC system energy efficiency. Some of the most basic include ensuring that the system is properly sized for the space, implementing demand-controlled ventilation, and using renewable energy to reduce overall energy consumption. Another important measure is installing programmable thermostats that can be adjusted according to occupancy, as this will help to save energy by not running the system when nobody is there.

Taking steps to keep the HVAC equipment clean can also greatly improve energy efficiency. For example, making sure the filters are changed regularly and that all vents are kept free from dust will make it easier for the system to push out air without having to work as hard. It’s also a good idea to place the unit in a shaded area away from obstructions that could prevent it from properly cooling the space.

Finally, it’s also a good idea to periodically review and update the BMS (Building Management System) settings to ensure that they are correctly calibrated and suited to the current system. For example, if the system is over-cooling due to a malfunctioning temperature sensor, this may require adjustment or replacement. Additionally, if the ducts are leaky, sealing them and adding insulation can dramatically increase the system’s efficiency.

Perhaps the most important way to boost HVAC energy efficiency is to take steps to use renewable energy sources. Taking advantage of solar or wind power can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the building, while also cutting down on utility bills.