Troubleshooting Common Furnace Problems

August 21st, 2019 Posted in Furnaces
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Is your furnace not heating correctly or not working at all? Not all furnace issues require major repairs – sometimes it is just a small issue that you can fix yourself. Here are some troubleshooting tips to determine what is causing the problem and whether you need to call a professional.

Check the Air Filter

A clogged air filter can cause all types of problems. Air filters should be changed about every 30 days. Make sure your filter is not clogged and change if needed. Turn off furnace first, then check or change the filter. Also, make sure the furnace panel is completely closed – some models will not turn on if the panel is not tightly closed.

Check the Thermostat

Make sure your thermostat has good batteries and try setting the temperature higher to turn the furnace on. You can also open the cover and carefully dust the components to ensure the connections are clean.

Check the Vents

Are all your vents clear and open? Make sure rugs, furniture or other items are not blocking vents and stopping the air flow in the home.

Check the Pilot Light

If you have a gas furnace, your pilot light should be a blue flame. If is red, purple or orange, call your HVAC professional right away. If the pilot light is out, it will need to be relit. Turn off the gas for 10-15 minutes before you re-light the pilot using the manufacturer instructions.

Check the Electric Panel

If you have an electric furnace or your furnace requires electricity, check the electric panel for blown or flipped fuses.

If you check all these issues and your furnace still is having problems, it is time to call the HVAC professionals for a furnace repair or replacement.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

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Safety Tips for Using Your Gas Furnace

August 21st, 2019 Posted in Furnaces
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Furnaces are the best way to warm your home when the temperatures drop below or around freezing. However, gas furnaces can have safety risks when not used or maintained properly. To keep your furnace working efficiently and your family safe, you need to be aware of furnace safety. Here are some tips to reduce chances of fires or health issues caused by your furnace.

Keep Vents Clear

Air flow is important to your HVAC system. Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture or other items to keep air flowing through your duct system.

Keep Flammables Away from the Furnace

You want to keep the area around your furnace clean and clear to prevent fires. You should not store flammables like gasoline, paint thinners, rags, paper or cardboard near your furnace. Plus, you want to clean around your furnace to remove dust and lint that can ignite fires – vacuum at least once a month around the furnace and the vents.

Use a Smoke and CO Detector

One of big risks of a gas furnace is a gas leak. Natural gas can be deadly, but it is invisible and odorless. Make sure you have a working CO detector that can alert you if you have a gas leak and a smoke detector for fire warning.

Maintain Your Furnace

You should have an inspection and service performed on your furnace every year. This can identify any safety concerns and prevent breakdowns in the middle of winter. On top of annual maintenance, make sure to change air filters throughout the winter.

With a few safety precautions and maintenance, your furnace can safely keep your home and family warm all winter long.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

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How Often Should You Change HVAC Filters?

November 5th, 2018 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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One of the most important DIY maintenance you can do for your HVAC system is ensure the air filter is kept clean. A dirty or clogged air filter can put extra stress on your HVAC system, causing it to work harder and be more likely to have system issues. Plus, air filters help improve the quality of the air in your home for the health of your family. So, how often should you change your HVAC air filters?

First, there is not a set rule on changing your HVAC air filter as each home and filter is different. An air filter manufacturer may say to change the filter every two months, which is a good rule of thumb, but not always accurate for all filters. Most 1-3-inch filters are suggested to change in two month intervals, but you should check the manufacturer recommendations for your filter.

Secondly, consider the environment. If you use your HVAC every day and have kids, pets and a full house, your air filter is working overtime. It may need to be changed more often than recommended. On the other hand, if you only have 1 person living in a big home and only use the HVAC system when you are home, the filter may not need to be changed for 3-4 months. The best advice? Check it regularly – if it looks dirty before it is scheduled to be replaced, switch it for a new one.

Changing the air filter is just part of maintaining your HVAC system. You should also schedule regular tune-ups and maintenance inspections 1-2 times a year. Your HVAC service tech will also check your filter and change it out if needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

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Keeping an Even Temperature in Your Home

July 16th, 2018 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Do you find that certain areas of your home are either colder or warmer than others? It could be a problem with your cooling or heating system. However, often it is a simple issue that you can fix or check on your own. Here are a few to things to check before you consider calling in a professional:

  • Check your air filter. Sometimes something as simple as a clogged air filter can cause inconsistencies in temperature. Check your air filter and change it if it looks dirty.
  • Inspect your air vents. Turn on your AC or heat and check the air coming from your vents or registers. Make sure all are open and allowing air through. If a vent is open but no air is coming out, you may have a blockage in an air duct.

If you check the vents and filters but still can’t resolve the uneven temperatures in your home, it may be time to contact your local HVAC service. You may have issues like blocked or leaking ductwork that is affecting the air flow. This is a common issue that can increase your energy bills and cause poor temperature control.

Has your home always been difficult to keep at an even temperature? If this isn’t a new problem, it could be the design of your home or the location of your thermostat. Your HVAC professional can evaluate your system and offer solutions. Adding a zoning system, a ductless mini split or just moving the thermostat could fix your issue. The professionals will get to the heart of the issue and find a solution for improved comfort and efficiency in your home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

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Tips to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

May 21st, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Most people think of air pollution as something that is only of concern when we are in the great outdoors. However, the truth is that the inside of our homes or offices can be even more polluted that the outside. The air inside your home can be polluted by chemicals found in your mattress, carpet or paint; house dust can contain lead; and chemicals used in fragrances or cleaners can be volatile or become health hazards. 

In all of that mix above, you can find major allergens, mold and pet dander (whether or not you own a pet). Many people are particularly vulnerable to allergens or indoor pollutants, especially those who suffer respiratory conditions, be they young or old. As we spend more time indoors, clean and healthy indoor air quality becomes more important.  Change your furnace filters regularly and be sure to have your local HVAC professional service your heating and air conditioning system as you approach those hot and humid months ahead. 

In the meantime, simple things that you can do include using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Use a new microfiber mop (and dust cloths) to capture more dust, using just water without cleaners or chemicals. Keep a large floor mat at every door. Keep the humidity in your home around 30%-50% to keep dust mites and other allergens under control. Inasmuch as cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, make your home a no-smoking zone. Have your home tested for radon, a colorless, odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. Finally, limit your use of cleaners and spray products that contain synthetic fragrances, which can emit any number of toxic or hazardous chemical compounds.

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Why You Need to Change Furnace Filters in the Summer

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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At first glance, the words “furnace” and “summer” just seem incongruent; they don’t go together!  Why worry about changing your furnace filter in the summer? Because, most of today’s HVAC systems consist of ducting through which your furnace’s forced-heated air flows and your central air conditioning flows, in addition to an air exchange system that literally exchanges (in/out) the air of your home. Most of us just naturally tend to be fairly cognizant of changing that filter in the winter, but think of it less often, if at all, during the summer months.

Since all of the air that you breathe in your home flows through the furnace filter, it is extremely important that this filter be changed, at the very least, every three months if not monthly. The same HVAC system that moves air throughout your home during the winter, will be moving the  air throughout your home in the summer. Your air filter has an affect on the quality of  your indoor air, as well as the efficiency of your cooling system. Your filter can become clogged as it collects dust, pet dander, pollen, etc., making it more difficult for air to get through. It can cause the fans to work harder, thereby increasing your energy bill.  Frequent filter changes will help to increase the lifespan of your entire HVAC system.

So, yes, your furnace filter needs to be changed even in the summer. Don’t let dirty filters hinder the work of your HVAC system or harm your indoor air quality, regardless of the season. Anytime you need maintenance or repairs, make sure to call your local HVAC professional who can ensure the proper functioning of your ventilating system all year long.

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