DIY Heating Troubleshooting: What Tulsa, OK Homeowners Can Check Before Calling a Pro
DIY Heating Troubleshooting: What Tulsa, OK Homeowners Can Check Before Calling a Pro
12/14/2023
There’s nothing better than walking into your home to the perfect temperature. Especially on a cold, winter day. A working heater is one of the biggest luxuries we take for granted every day.
To keep your heater working well, it’s important to have an annual expert inspection. This is a great way to catch any issues before they cause a full breakdown. And to keep your system as efficient as possible.
Checking these heating maintenance items off your to-do list can help keep problems away. Or let you know you have a serious situation and need the pros!
Change the Air Filter
One of the most important heating maintenance tasks is also one of the most forgotten. Changing the air filter will have a huge impact on how well your system works in your home.
The air filter’s job is to keep out as much dust, dirt, and other materials. As the air starts to go through the system, all the debris gets caught in the filter. A clear air filter means you have much cleaner air to breathe every day.
But it also means the system can run more efficiently. Air has a hard time moving through a clogged filter. So the system has to run much harder to get the same amount of air. And that’s bad for the longevity of your system.
Changing the air filter every couple of months can keep your system from getting bogged down.
Check the Thermostat Connection
The HVAC system can’t function on its own. It also needs a thermostat to tell it what temperature to get the house to.
This connection between the system and the thermostat isn’t always as reliable as you need it to be. And when the two aren’t communicating correctly, your house is never going to be right where you want it.
If you’re having issues, first check the power supply to the thermostat. Sometimes, this is an easy solution to handle on your own. But it may be more complicated and require the help of expert Tulsa heating services.
Look at the Fluid Levels
Every machine with an engine requires some kind of fluid to make it work. An HVAC system is no different. It’s important to make sure that those are at the right level so the parts can work how they’re supposed to.
Checking the fluids in your HVAC system is often best left to the pros unless you know what you’re doing. But it can be helpful to let them know when you suspect that’s the issue. Clear signs of not enough fluid are when there are unusual noises that sound like metal scraping against each other.
Letting your heating pro know exactly what you’re experiencing can help you figure out the problem and solution much faster.
Inspect the Blower for Loose Parts
Along similar lines, if you start to notice a rattling noise whenever your heat is on, you should check the blower. This is the fan that helps push the heated air out into your air ducts and through your home.
Sometimes, after it’s been used for an extended period of time, the pieces can come loose. This means it won’t spin as effectively and you won’t get as much air. Generally, this is a pretty easy fix with just tightening the screws up. If the problem continues, an expert can do a further inspection.
Clean Out the Air Ducts
Even though there is a filter in place, some debris always gets through into the air ducts. And that can have the same effect on your system as a dirty filter. Plus, you’ll be breathing all of that back in when it’s pushed out.
You’ll know it’s time to clean the air ducts when you start to have a lot of allergy symptoms. Persistent sneezing and coughing are clear signs you’ve got too much coming through your ducts. Clearing them out should solve all of those kinds of problems.
A couple of times a year, it’s a good idea to use a vacuum to get all the visible debris out. Sometimes a more thorough cleaning is needed. And that’s when you call in the experts.
Clear Around the Outside Unit
Many homeowners focus on the inside of their homes when checking out their heating system. But it’s important to remember the parts that are outside as well.
Sometimes the unit has a hard time working because it’s covered or blocked by debris. Make sure to keep the area clean and clear throughout the year. It’s especially important to do a visual check after a big storm to make sure no branches or debris have fallen on it.
Wash the unit
Even if nothing is blocking it, your outside unit could be a lot dirtier than you think. Taking a couple of extra minutes to wash it out can be helpful. You’ll be able to lose any compacted dirt that gets in there so the parts can move freely.
Most of the time, all you’ll need is some water and maybe a rag. No additional cleaning agents will be necessary to get everything cleared up. The most important step will be spraying it down so you can get anything stuck out. Be sure you do it at a time when it will be able to dry fully before being used again.
Heating Maintenance Tasks to Help You Troubleshoot Problems
Taking care of your heating maintenance is the best way to troubleshoot any issues. The problem may be resolved on its own after you’re done.
And if it doesn’t, then you know it’s time to call in an HVAC company in Tulsa. The experts will be able to get to the bottom of any problem. They’ll get your system up and running again, so you can stay warm inside your house all winter long.
Our team at Advantage Plumbing Heating and Cooling has been handling heating maintenance in Tulsa, OK, for 50 years. We know our stuff so we can help homes through all kinds of problems. Schedule a heating maintenance appointment today!