Based on the use and maintenance depending on usage and maintenance, heaters last between 16 to 20 years. It is essential to keep your system inspected and serviced regularly.
One of the most frequent reasons the heater can break down is because of the thermostat not functioning properly. This is easily fixed by replacing the battery. Other issues can be more complicated, such as that pilot light going yellow, which indicates the presence of a gas imbalance.
Thermostat Troubles
The thermostat plays an important role in the operation of your HVAC. It is able to send signals to turn on and off heating and cooling functions of your furnace. It is possible that the thermostat is not functioning properly, which could prevent your house from cooling heating. It's good to know that the majority of issues with thermostats are relatively simple to fix. Most of them are fixable at home, simply by resetting batteries or setting the thermostat at the correct setting. In addition, making sure the device is installed levelly and away from drafty spaces or fire places can be helpful.
The most frequent thermostat problems is a dead battery. Dead batteries will prevent your thermostat from sending the right signal that activates the heating or cooling function within your HVAC system. Make sure to replace the batteries and check that your device is properly plugged in. If the thermostat does not respond, shut off the power supply to your device by turning off the switch on your electrical panel. Once power is turned off, you can remove the thermostat cover and use compressed air or a smooth brush to clear away all dust and debris which may have built up inside the thermostat. Also, check the connections for any signs of looseness, or corrosion of wires. If you spot a damaged wire, make sure you seal the wire with electrical tape.
This could be due to a calibration problem in case your thermostat shows an outside temperature which is not the same from your home. This can be caused by a number of things, for instance, dirt accumulation, or even something that accidentally smacks into the device. If you want to confirm that this is the situation, put a thermometer next to your thermostat. You'll need to wait 15 minutes for the readings. The greater variance in temperature will mean that your thermostat isn't calibrated.
Contact a heating repair professional if you've tried the troubleshooting steps and still your thermostat does not function. An experienced HVAC technician has the experience and abilities to accurately diagnose the issue with your thermostat.
Pilot Light Issues
It's the tiny flame inside your furnace which controls how much gas is employed to provide heat for your home. If this light isn't operating properly the heater will not be operating like it should. You should know that fixing the pilot light issue is typically quite straightforward. There are a few solutions, depending on what has caused the issue.
A Yellow Flame
If the flame in your pilot is dull yellow instead of a healthy blue, it could have been a problem with the gas line. It may be the result of gas leakage or an issue with your thermocouple. This problem can be solved through a trained technician clean and inspect these parts.
The Dirty Light Pilot
If you notice that the top of your pilot light is covered in carbon or soot It could be the needed to get it cleaned. A cloth or sandpaper to wipe it clean can help get rid of this buildup and restore the flame to its normal blue hue. It is also possible that the pilot light's tube light could be dirty. The pilot light tube should be regularly cleaned to avoid the accumulation of dirt and particles, which could lead to a malfunctioning pilot.
A Loose Pilot Light Valve
If the pilot light on your device appears to be constantly blinking or changing out, it might be the valve connecting the pipeline to your gas supply hasn't been turned working. When the red button on the valve is activated and gas is released to the pilot light. This issue can be corrected by having a professional technician inspect and then relight the pilot light.
Thermocouple Failure of the thermocouple
The thermocouple that is in the pilot light won't sense the flame, and will shut off the flow of gas in the event that it's damaged. If your thermocouple is little older, you might need to replace it for your light to start working again.
The Gas Line Kink
The pilot light could fail to turn on if you have a draft that you are unaware of. The flex tub which connects the gas supply and the pilot light could be bent. It is essential to hire experts fix the problem to avoid ruining the tube and leakage of gas into your home.
Condensate Line or Drain Clogged Condensate Line (or Drain
One of the most frequently encountered HVAC issues is a clogged condensate line. The drain line gets rid of the water that is released by your air conditioner when the evaporator turns the liquid refrigerant into gas. In time, algae and other particles of muck may accumulate within this drain line, leading to a clog. It can cause water back-up, which can cause damage to your AC system and even your home.
It's best to schedule a seasonal HVAC inspection with a professional. They will inspect the drain to find muck or algae, and clean it if needed. Also, you should keep your drain lines clean frequently. You can do this by putting a hose into the point where you can access the drain line (usually near an indoor air handler, furnace or any other device). This will flush all dirt and other debris.
Examining your drains to see if there is any water on the drip tray is yet another method to ensure they are clear. This is the first sign of a blockage and you ought to detect it at the drain line's exit point. If you find stagnant water in the drip pan, it must be cleaned out using a moist vacuum cleaner or cleaned up using rags. Use warm and soapy water to scrub the access location of the drain as well as its surrounding area to avoid developing mold or algae.
While you're working on the AC drain line cleaning first thing to be aware of is to turn off the power supply to your air conditioning unit at the breaker box before you start working on it. Also, you should shut off the gas to your furnace, if you are using one. Find the drain line. This must be a PVC piping which runs through your indoor air handler or furnace and continues outside to your drip pan. When you've located the drain line, take off the cap and then run the hose through the pipe. The hose will be able to clear the line, and eliminate any muck or algae that might be blocking the line.
Overheating
Overheating an engine can be a real nightmare for drivers. A hot engine can result in serious damage.
Overheating occurs when your car's cooling system doesn't maintain the engine at a temperature that is safe. This is generally due to an obstruction or leak in the cooling process. There could be an issue with the thermostat or radiator fan. You are unlikely to get rid of this problem by adding coolant.
Choose a location where you are able to safely stop your vehicle if you believe that your engine has been overheated. Switch off the air conditioner and increase the heat to the maximum. The heat will then be drawn away from your engine keeping it from overheating.
The engine has cool down before you remove the cover. Avoid touching the hot areas, in particular the cap on your radiator, since it could cause burning. In the following, you will be able to check the coolant level in the reservoir and add more whenever needed.
Then you can inspect the radiator and determine the extent of damage or if there are any indicators of a leak. If you can't residential heating repair find a gauge on the lines for coolant, it could indicate that there is a problem with them.
It may be necessary to replace the thermostat, if your radiator is in good condition. An open thermostat or closed may cause an overheated engine, because it will make it impossible for coolant to circulate as it should and maintain your engine at a healthy temperature. Another possibility is that the fins on your radiator may be bent. This could lead to your vehicle overheat if it's not getting enough flow of air. Make an appointment to address the central heating element and radiator when this happens.