The furnace in your central HVAC System does a lot more than just provide heat. Some homeowners mistakenly think that the furnace only affects the heating system in their house. In fact, the furnace also affects the functionality of the air conditioner. This is why there is never a bad time to service your furnace. Even the simplest DIY furnace repairs can increase the energy efficiency of your air conditioner and heating system. In fact, a well-running furnace will improve the functionality of other elements (like the condenser, evaporator and air pump) within your HVAC, not only improving their efficiency, but also lengthening their life. This article explains one of the most essential furnace repairs that you can do on your own.
Working Inside the Furnace Cabinet
Many furnace repair projects should be left to the professionals. Furnaces are highly technical, and certain parts should not be tinkered with. That being said, the furnace generally has an accessible cabinet. Within this cabinet are the furnace filter, pilot light and blower (among other key parts). These elements are deliberately put in an accessible spot, so consumers can perform normal maintenance and cleaning. The motor and electrical systems should only be serviced by licensed HVAC professionals.
Cleaning Inside the Furnace Cabinet
The most basic maintenance is to just clean inside and outside of your furnace. First, remove or open the access door to the main compartment. The door can be opened without any tools. The main cabinet houses the blower and the doors will have vents. Clean in between each vent and make sure there are no blockages or dust buildup.
You will also notice the filter inside a separate compartment within the blower compartment. The filter will pull right out of its holder. If your filter is dirty, go buy a new one and replace it. This is a very cheap and quick job. You don't need to use any tools. However, you might want to vacuum out the filter holder before you put in the new filter.
If you have a hose vacuum, you should also vacuum out the entire compartment. Wipe down the sidewalls and keep an eye out for any mold formation or dirt buildup. If you notice any rust forming on your fan, you will probably need to hire a professional to replace it.
Any repairs to a malfunctioning furnace should probably be made by professionals, such as those from Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC.
Share21 March 2016
Hi there, my name is Shelley. Welcome to my site about electric heating systems. Electric heat has recently fallen out of favor due to the efficiency of natural gas systems. Electric heat is still suitable for small buildings that do not need the high temps provided by upgraded systems. I will use this site to explore all of the building types that can benefit from electric heating systems. I will also share information about system components, installations and repairs. I welcome you to come by often to learn more about this exciting topic. Thanks for coming by. See you soon.