The furnace is an integral part of your home, it provides warmth in the winter, knowing how to diagnose simple problems can save you on major repair bills from a furnace repair company. This post is going to teach you how to fix your furnace yourself, when it comes to minor issues.
If you try these repairs on your furnace and they don’t work, then it is time to spend the money and get a certified furnace repair company out, because once you start mucking around in the interior controls and modules, it can cause dangers like carbon monoxide buildup. Stay safe and stay warm!
How to Fix Your Furnace Yourself, Simple Fixes
Shutting On And Off Randomly
If your furnace keeps on turning on and off, this is usually just a simple problem with the unit’s heat anticipator. To start repairing, simply locate your thermostat and open it. When you open the box, you will see inside a small disk that is located in the middle. Take a good look at the disc. You will see that it has a number of calibration notches.
Take a closer look and you will find the word “LONGER” on it. Then, try to find a small handle that touches a wire. Once you locate that small handle, turn it towards the word “LONGER”.
After completing the steps, turn on your furnace and let it run for a few hours. If it works alright, then you’re done. However, if the furnace is still turning on and off, just repeat the steps given above. Continue doing so until the problem stops.
Check Out: How to Fix Your Thermostat
Shutting Down Early
This problem is also an easy one, which is similar to the first problem. All you have to do is remove your unit’s thermostat cover, then follow the said steps in the first problem. But, in this case, what you have to do is turn the clockwise to “SHORTER”, instead of moving it toward “LONGER”. This should fix your problem. If it doesn’t just repeat the steps until you get it working.
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Not Generating Heat
Not Generating HeatIf your unit is not generating heat, then the problem is most probably the pilot light. Try to checking out your pilot light and see if it is turned on or if it is out. If you found it to be out, then you would have to relight it. In case you do not know how to relight it, simply consult your unit’s manual or contact your manufacturer. This is a relatively easy task that you can do by simply following some simple instructions.
Not Blowing Air
If your unit is running but doesn’t blow any air, then here is how you repair it. First, you should turn off the power of your unit. Also, you should turn off the gas from the gas valve which is serving your furnace. Then, remove the door of your furnace cabinet so you can have access to your blower.
When you already have full access, check out the number that is stamped on the belt of your furnace. Then, go to your local shop and get an exact replacement of the belt.
Once you’ve got the replacement belt, then go back to your furnace cabinet and install the new belt. Generally, you can just slip it on your motor’s smaller pulley then put it on your motor’s blower pulley. Try rotating the blower pulley using your hand, while you hold the belt in place. Be careful from having your fingers caught though.
If you get this right, you should be able to get the belt right in place. If it looks a little too tight, then you may need to adjust the motor mount so there can be more slack in the fixture. After adjusting, try to retighten the tension again, once you have the belt in the right place.
It would be better to check your manufacturer’s specifications regarding the proper tension needed for your unit. Generally, your belt should deflect at least about an inch whenever you press it down.
