Furnace Repair
If you are in need of expert furnace repair, we can help you diagnose and quickly resolve your furnace repair problem. Furnace repair comes with a lot of hazards like the potential for electrocution or gas explosions, so most furnace repairs should never be attempted by a novice.
However, having a basic working knowledge of common furnace problems and repairs can help you determine when it is time to call a furnace repair expert. If these fixes seem beyond your ability, be sure to contact is at Advanced Mechanical. We can help!
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General Maintenance. This may go without saying, but preventing problems can save you a lot of time and money by avoiding expensive furnace repairs. Every year, take the the time to vacuum around the furnace's blower. Slide out the fan unit and clean each blade. Apply a few drops of non-detergent motor-oil to the oil ports if your furnace has them. A small bit of maintenance can go a long way. You can also ask us about our regular maintenance plans so that we can help ensure that your furnace is running properly and efficiently before the heating or cooling season begins.
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Gas Leaks. If you smell natural gas in your home or near your furnace, you must address this immediately! This is not a furnace repair you can handle yourself! Do not turn on any switches, use electrical appliances, or light any matches. If the odor is strong, evacuate the house and leave doors and windows open. If you know where your gas supply valve is located, turn the valve until it is perpendicular to the supply line to turn the gas off. Then, call your gas utility or fire department as soon as possible. Do not re-enter your home until you know it is safe.
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Pilot Light is not Lit. Older furnaces have pilot lights and some newer furnaces have electric ignitions. If your pilot light will not stay lit, it is often because the thermocouple is loose, the pilot orifice is clogged, or the pilot flame is set to low. The thermocouple sends a signal to the furnace to burn the gas fuel being released into the appliance. Replacing or adjusting the thermocouple is usually best left to a professional furnace repair expert. Pilot light orifices can be cleared with a small piece of wire, but be sure to turn off the gas to the furnace and shut off the circuit breaker before attempting this furnace repair. To adjust the pilot flame, consult your furnace manual and locate the pilot light adjustment screw to achieve a full, steady 1 ½ to 2 inch blue flame.
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Electronic Ignition Furnace will not Light. Modern furnaces often have an electronic ignition system rather than a pilot light. The first step to repair the electronic ignition on a furnace is to test it by turning down the thermostat and then turning it back on again and listen for the sound of the spark produced by the ignition system. Next, check the furnace's flame sensor and clean it with a piece of emery paper. If you are unsure where to find it, consult your furnace manual. If your furnace still will not ignite, it is time to call a furnace repair expert.
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Not Enough Heat. If your furnace is running but does not provide enough heat, check to make sure that nothing is blocking the flow of heat into your home and that the heat registers in each room is open. Next, check to make sure the thermostat is set to "heat” and that the fan is set to “on” or “auto.” Finally, check your air filter – a dirty filter can reduce efficiency and decrease the life-span or your heater, making replacement or costly furnace repair a necessity.
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Furnace does not turn on. Most heating system failures can be traced back to the thermostat or a tripped breaker. First, check the thermostat to be sure that is is set to “heat.” Next, check the circuit breaker that feeds your furnace and be sure that it has not been tripped. If so, reset the breaker. Also, check the furnace's power switch to be sure that it has not accidentally been switched off. It's possible that the furnace's motor needs to be reset due to an electrical overload. Consult your furnace manual for the location of the reset button and press it. If nothing happens, wait for a half hour until the motor cools and try again. If none of these solutions work, call Advanced Mechanical and we will connect you with a furnace repair expert.
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Furnace does not blow air. If your furnace runs but the blower does not move air, it is likely that the belt on the furnace's blower is in need of repair. Replacing the belt is usually an easy fix. Consult your manual for replacement instructions and be sure to replace the belt with another that has the exact same belt number.
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Blower runs continuously. This is usually caused by the thermostat or the limit switch located on the furnace. First, check the thermostat to see if the fan switch has been turned on. If so, switch it to "off" or "auto". If the thermostat is already set to auto, then your limit switch must be adjusted and this is best done by a furnace repair expert.
Are you still looking for a solution to your furnace repair problem? Give Advanced Mechanical a call and we will help you diagnose and solve your furnace repair problem!