Troubleshoot Furnace Problems in Your Oregon Home
When your furnace is on the fritz, do you immediately search “furnace repair near me” on the web?
If you do, you are skipping an essential step in HVAC ownership: troubleshooting.
If your toolbox rivals a hardware store inventory, and you consider yourself an HVAC do-it-yourselfer, you probably have no qualms inspecting your furnace before engaging professional help.
Even if you never lift a hammer in your Portland, home, you can troubleshoot problems by paying attention to how your furnace sounds, looks, and smells. Keen observation and knowing what to inspect can help you identify problems and determine when to call a pro.
Pro or DIY HVAC Troubleshooting?
After inspecting your furnace for problems, you may need professional help. That’s where our expert team at Sun Glow Home Services comes in. We can give you a definitive and accurate diagnosis and complete a quality and timely repair.
We are a family-owned HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company that has built a reputation for superior customer service in Greater Portland since our founding over 50 years ago. When you need maintenance, repair, or installation for your home heating and cooling unit or other vital systems, let Sun Glow Home Services recommend a solution that suits your needs.
We would love to help you out of a heating and cooling jam when your furnace starts acting up or is teetering on a breakdown. However, we encourage you to try troubleshooting first. It might save you a service call.
Your Furnace Does Not Heat
Start with your thermostat. Check its setting, which should be on “heat.” If it is battery-operated, replace the batters. Kick the thermostat up a few degrees and see if the furnace comes on.
Next, check the electrical panel. If the circuit breaker for your furnace has tripped, reset it. Your furnace also has an on-and-off switch. It looks like a light switch and is likely in plain view on the furnace’s exterior. Switch it on if it is off.
If your furnace uses natural gas, be sure the gas line valve is open.
Before seeking professional help, your final step is to inspect the air filter for dirt and clogs. If it is dirty, install a clean filter. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, which can interfere with heating.
Your Furnace Blows Cool Air
The thermostat should be on “heat,” and its fan should be on “auto.” If it is set to “on,” the fan will run continuously, blowing out unheated air.
If the air filter is dirty, replace it. Restricted air can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down.
Hot and Cold Rooms
If you are suffering from uneven heating, feeling cold in one room and warm in another, the culprit may be your air vents. Inspect and open closed air vents. Move obstructions like drapes and furniture away from the supply and return air vents.
Check the air filter and replace it if it is dirty.
Inspect your ductwork for damage or obstructions.
Odd Noises
Try to locate where the sound is coming from. Clanking and rattling sounds might indicate loose parts, worn bearings, or more serious mechanical issues. Look for loose parts and panels that might be ajar. Shut the furnace down if you hear a grinding noise. It may signal blower problems.
Burning Odor
If the furnace emits a burning smell,turn it off immediately and call our qualified pros at Sun Glow Home Services. A burning odor is a sign of overheating components or electrical issues that could become a fire hazard.
Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The association says heating equipment accounted for 12 percent of all reported home fires from 2019-2023 in the U.S.
Short Cycling
Your furnace may short-cycle due to incorrect thermostat placement, a malfunctioning blower motor, a dirty or faulty flame sensor, a damaged ignition system, or restricted airflow. Short-cycling occurswhen your furnace turns on and off frequently and does not complete an entire heating cycle. It shuts off before reaching the temperature on your thermostat setting.
Furnace Maintenance Prevents Costly Repairs
Maintenance prevents furnace issues that need DIY troubleshooting. Schedule an annual furnace tune-up and say goodbye to worn components and problems that may become breakdowns.
Maintenance ensures your furnace is safe to operate and extends longevity. A clean, well-maintained furnace enhances indoor air quality (IAQ) and performs at peak efficiency.
A furnace tune-up is less expensive than repairing or replacing major components in your furnace. A poorly maintained furnace is less efficient and can work harder to heat your home, leading to high utility bills.
A neglected furnace will likely break down more frequently, fail prematurely, and become a safety and health hazard. Lack of maintenance, for example, can lead to dangerous gas or carbon monoxide (CO) leaks and electrical hazards.
Our HVAC Maintenance Program
The easiest way to keep your furnace maintenance on track is through our Sun Glow Maintenance Membership Program.
We will remind you to schedule your annual furnace tune-up and will inspect and clean your furnace according to HVAC industry standards. There is no better way to gain peace of mind and enhanced comfort than with consistent furnace maintenance.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance Today!
Now that you have the tools to troubleshoot furnace issues in your Portland, home, schedule a tune-up to ensure your heating system is safe, performing efficiently, and clean. Call us at 971-358-0723 or request service online.