Furnace Fixes for the Handy Homeowner

Next time your furnace shuts down, check these five fixes before calling your Denver HVAC company . This trouble shooting guide will help you to repair your furnace yourself. Troubleshooting your furnace problems is worth considering before making a call for furnace repairs. These steps will show you and explain how you can diagnose and fix common furnace problems. Only you know just how handy you are consider your abilities before performing these steps safely and properly.
Proper furnace maintenance is the best way you can prevent common furnace malfunctions from happening. Furnace servicing should be carried out at least once a year. Even if your furnace was was installed professionally there are times when it will cease providing heat. The reason for the furnace failure could be anything from an airlock in the fuel pipe, blocked fuel inlet, or a problem with the controls. The following explains some of the most common issues you can fix on your own.

1. Check for leaky or blocked ducts that diminish airflow
If your furnace is running but there are cold rooms in the house, check to see if the registers are open. Next take a look at the ductwork you can access without trouble. Look for space between sections of the ducts and branching areas. If you find gaps seal the sections with foil tape. Finally check for handles, these are dampers, coming from the ductwork if you find any make sure they are open.

2. Change filters
Old dirtied filters are a common cause of furnace issues. Dust and grim hamper airflow and if the filter is too dirty is clogs and the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off causing your house to remain cold. A dirty filter can lower the efficiency and lifespan of your furnace. When the heater is running but heat is not going into any of the rooms in your house it's time to replace the filter.

Your owner's manual will show where the filter is located and what it will take to remove it. Changing flat filters monthly will help increase efficiency. All filters should be checked monthly. Checking the filter should be done by holding it to a light source. If you can see the light clearly it is time to replace the furnace. Most pleated filters will be OK to use for up to three months however you should change them more frequently if you have pets.



3. Clean away debris from vents.
If your furnace vents outside the house be sure to check the vents as they can become blocked by debris and nesting animals. Also be sure that it is covered with 1/2 inch mesh hardware cloth. Ice can also clog the pipes but if this is happening you have a larger problem in your heating system and it's time to call a Denver HVAC company.

4. Make sure the chimney exhaust flue is clear
Birds sometimes fall into the chimney flue. Turning the furnace off and the thermostat down you can dismantle the duct where it exits the furnace and check for debris. It is important to reassemble the sections in the order you took them out.

5.Flush the drain lines
During heating season high-efficiency furnaces can drain off several gallons of water a day. If the lines become restricted by mold growth or other debris the furnace will shut down. Remove the hose if the drain hose looks dirty. Next, fill it with diluted bleach. and flush it after several minutes.

Checking for these five simple furnace repairs before calling a professional could help save you money. If while checking these items you find a larger problem, it's time to call the pros.