Trying to stay warm during the winter months can be a challenge and in some cases, the home heating system may need temporary repairs. If your home heating system is malfunctioning, it’s important to have an air conditioning Sydney expert inspect and make necessary repairs as soon as possible. In some cases, you can even attempt to fix the problem yourself with a few simple DIY tips.
Before calling an HVAC technician, make use of the following tips to temporarily fix your home heater while waiting for the professionals to repair or replace it.
Check the thermostat battery
If you’re not getting any heat from your furnace, check the thermostat batteries first as this is often the cause of a lost connection between the thermostat and furnace. Replace any low batteries in your thermostat for it to work properly.
Replace air filter
A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow which makes it harder for your furnace to heat your home. Make sure you replace the air filter every 3-6 months so that it can work its best.
Check pilot light
If the pilot light on your gas furnace is out, try resetting it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, be careful not to let the flame get too large or too small as this could create a safety hazard in your home.
Tighten electrical connections
Loose wires and connections can cause an interruption in power which prevents your heater from functioning properly. Carefully inspect all of the electrical wirings and tighten any loose connections with pliers or a screwdriver.
Clear debris away from the outdoor unit
Debris such as leaves, dirt and other materials can block airflow to your outdoor unit. Make sure that the area around your unit is free from any debris for optimal performance.
Check ducts for leaks
Leaky air ducts make it harder for your furnace to heat your home efficiently as some of the heated air escapes through the cracks in the ducts. Inspect all of your air ducts and seal off any leaks with special tape or mastic sealant.
Clean indoor evaporator coils
The evaporator coils on indoor units can get clogged with dust which prevents them from functioning properly. Unplug the power cord before you clean them with a damp cloth or an anti-bacterial solution so that you don’t get electrocuted.
Check flame sensor
The flame sensor is a small metal rod that detects the presence of a flame when your furnace is running. If it’s dirty, it won’t be able to detect the flame and thus won’t be able to keep your home warm. Clean off any dirt or debris on the flame sensor with a soft cloth to make sure that it works properly.
Check pressure switch
Low air pressure in the inducer motor can cause problems with your heater as well. Inspect your pressure switch and make sure that no blockages are causing low airflow or pressure.
Look for leaks in vents and ducts
Leaks in your heating system’s vents or ducts can also cause a decrease in performance. Make sure to check for any gaps, holes or cracks and seal them off with metal tape to prevent air from escaping out of the system.
Check the furnace fan belt
If your fan isn’t working, it could be due to a broken or worn-out fan belt. Look for cracks on the belt and replace it if necessary. Make sure you use the correct size and type of belt as recommended by the manufacturer.
Call an HVAC technician
If none of these DIY home heater temporary fixes work, then it might be time to call an HVAC technician to come and inspect your system for any deeper problems. They are trained to diagnose and repair all types of home heating systems, so they will be able to help you get your system up and running as soon as possible.
Remember that while these DIY home heater temporary fixes can help in the short term, it’s important to have regular maintenance performed on your furnace by a professional HVAC technician at least once a year. This way, you can ensure that your home heating system is always working its best so that you don’t run into sudden problems during the cold winter months.
