There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm house after a long day in the cold. Unfortunately, heating repairs can be expensive, and many people hesitate to call a professional when something goes wrong.
However, there are some simple repairs that anyone can do with a little know-how. By taking the time to learn about your heating system and how it works, you can save yourself money and keep your home comfortable all winter long.
So, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and do some heating DIY repairs this winter. With a little effort, you’ll be able to keep your home cozy and save yourself some money in the process.
DIY Heating Repairs are the first line of defense in maintaining your heating system in pristine condition.
Maintaining Your Heater to Keep It From Breaking
Its true that forced-air furnaces are generally dependable, but like all things they do have the potential to fail. You’ll be left with a frigid house and a cold, unhappy family when they do. You’ll want to address the issue as soon as possible.
For the harsh winter months, it’s critical to keep heating systems in top shape. A little engine maintenance before the frigid winter season can go a long way toward preventing your heater from breaking down in the future.
Vacuum the area around the furnace’s blower as winter approaches. Slide out the fan unit and clean the fan blades with a toothbrush if possible. Vacuum it out with a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
Check to check whether the engine has any oil ports next to the shaft. If this is the case, a few drops of non-detergent motor oil should be added to the ports. To do so, you may need to remove a cover plate.
You should grease your motor once a year if it has oil ports.
7 DIY Heating Repairs You Can Do
To get your heater operating again and before calling in the pros, try the following tips:
Tip 1: Make Sure Your Thermostat Is Set To “Heat” Mode
Programmable thermostats can be perplexing and difficult to use. Before you assume the furnace is the problem, check to see whether your thermostat is adjusted correctly.
It is also possible for the switch to be shifted by unintentionally, most frequently while cleaning. So, before the pros, double-check that the thermostat is working properly.
Tip 2: Make Sure You Regularly Change Filters
Filters that are dirty or clogged are one of the most common causes of furnace difficulties and can result in excessive operating expenses. When filters are blocked with dust and grime, the heat exchanger might overheat and shut down abruptly. This also produces soot buildup on the heat exchanger, which reduces the efficiency of your furnace.
If the blower is working but no heat is going out, the next step is to replace the filter. To find out where the filter is and how to remove it, consult your owner’s manual.
Tip 3: Always Check If The Gas Is On
The gas valve, like the thermostat, is prone to being turned off and forgotten. Trace the gas line from the furnace to the meter to see if this is the case. Turn any handles that are perpendicular to the gas pipe to make them parallel.
A pilot light is likely to be found in an older furnace or boiler. Remove the front panel and the burner lid to check if yours has a pilot light.
Tip 4: Make Sure The Chimney Exhaust Flue Is Clear
It’s possible that the issue is caused by birds or trash in the chimney exhaust flue.
Turn the furnace off and the thermostat all the way down to see whether this is the case. Remove the duct and inspect it for debris. Reassemble the pieces in the same order and direction as they were taken apart.
Tip 5: Make Sure To Clear Debris From The Exhaust Vents
It’s likely that leaves or debris are blocking the intake or exhaust of your furnace if it vents out the side of the home. Replace the screen mesh with a half-inch mesh hardware cloth if the pipes are covered with it.
If one of the pipes is clogged with ice, you may have a bigger problem. Remove the ice, give us a call, and we’ll assist you in determining why this is happening.
Tip 6: Drain Lines Should Be Flushed
Your furnace can drain several gallons of water each day during the heating season. If the drain lines become clogged with sediment or mold, the furnace will shut off.
If the drain hose appears to be unclean, remove it and fill it with a bleach-water solution. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before flushing it out.
Tip 7: Check For Airflow Obstructions Such As Blocked Ducts
Check the ductwork that you can access for any gaps between sections or branching points if only one or two rooms are cold and your furnace is going on and working in other areas.
Metal duct tape can be used to fill in any gaps. Standard cotton duct tape should not be used since it may cause ducts to leak.
Final Thoughts: DIY Heating Repairs or Pros?
While comfort is important, it’s also important to save money when you can. With heating DIY repairs, you can be comforted in the knowledge that you saved money by completing the repairs yourself.
Not only will you have the satisfaction of a job well done, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the comfort of your home for a longer period of time. So don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get to work on those heating DIY repairs. It’s well worth the effort!
But if the damage is too severe and you’ve done all the tips we gave, it’s time for you to call – Comfort Time!
At Comfort Time, we believe that comfort is a right, not a privilege. That’s why we’re committed to providing high-quality HVAC services at an affordable price. Whether you need repairs, maintenance, or installation, our team of certified professionals will get the job done right.
