We often emphasize the importance of making sure that heating maintenance and repair is only done by trained, qualified, experienced professionals.
For both your safety and the wellbeing of your heating system, we stand firmly behind that belief. However, there are some exceptions.
There are times when a few moments spent checking on basic things could save you the hassle and expense of heating repair.
So here are five things you should do yourself before you call for heating repair in Pensacola, FL.
1: Check the Circuit Breaker
Sometimes, a furnace trips the circuit breaker, and with the flip of a switch, you’ll have heat again. Do keep in mind that if this happens repeatedly, it can indicate other problems, such as a clogged air filter, blocked vent, leaky duct, or even a malfunctioning motor. If resetting the circuit breaker solves the problem now, but it gets tripped again in the near future, it deserves professional attention.
2: Check the Furnace Switch
This switch is most likely located on the wall quite close to the cabinet of your furnace. Sometimes, people forget to flip it on in the fall when they want to start their heat up. Other times, it can be bumped inadvertently or even fiddled with by children or pets. Before you worry too much or call for repairs, make sure this switch is in the ON position.
3: Check the Thermostat
Perhaps your thermostat has automatically gone into a “vacation” setting or for some reason is assuming you won’t be home at this time and don’t need the heat set so high. Perhaps it simply needs batteries, and isn’t sending the correct signal to the furnace. Or perhaps it has been switched to OFF or the temperature has been adjusted by anything from an accidental elbow bump to an overexcited toddler who loves buttons.
4: Check the Air Filter
An air filter that is choked with dust can cause a furnace to overheat. When this happens, the heating system automatically shuts down as a safety precaution. Pull out your furnace’s air filter, clean it if it’s reusable or replace it with a new one if it’s disposable, and put it back in. This simple fix might just solve your problem.
Remember that air filters should be changed every 3 months in times of light use. In times of heavy use or when there is an unusually high amount of dust in the air (from home repairs or remodeling, nearby roadwork or construction, or a pet who sheds very heavily) the filter should be changed every month.
5: Check with Your Utility Company
A break in a gas line or other interruption of your fuel source should also be ruled out before you determine that repairs are necessary. Check your utility company’s website, call them, and perhaps check with your neighbors to see if they are experiencing the same problem.
Once you’ve taken all these steps, if you still have a problem with your heat, you can rest assured that you have done everything you could. Our team is ready to help you as soon as you decide you need us.
Contact the team at Commander Air Inc. Your hometown heating and cooling specialist for three generations.