It can be extremely stressful to try to figure out why your central HVAC Cedar Hill TX system isn’t working. But don’t be concerned. If you are having problems with your central heating system, it could be due to one of the following factors. Here are some of the most common causes and solutions for when your home’s central heating system fails.
Central Heating Troubleshooting 101
One of the most important things you can do when your central heating system isn’t working is to properly identify the source of the problem. Once you know where the issue lies, it will be much easier to find a solution.
If you’re experiencing problems with your central heating system, here are a few of the most common causes and simple solutions. First, identify the cause of the problem by asking yourself these questions:
- Is this a new installation?
- Did anything happen to my furnace or heat pump?
- Do I have an emergency shut-off switch that turned off my furnace automatically because it sensed a problem?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then there may be an issue with your furnace or heat pump. In this case, it’s best to call a professional technician for help. But if you’re still unsure about what’s wrong with your system, here are some general troubleshooting tips that might help get your heating back up and running.
A clogged air filter is one of the most common problems with central heating systems. If your filter is clogged, it can prevent your system from properly circulating air and cause it to overheat. To clean or replace your filter, consult the owner’s manual for your furnace.
Another common problem is when the thermostat is not properly calibrated. If you set the thermostat too low, your furnace may not turn on at all. To calibrate your thermostat, consult your owner’s manual and make the necessary adjustments.
Following these prequalifying questions and a review of your furnace’s owner manual, here are some of the more common causes of central heating problems, as well as what you can do about them.
The first is a lack of airflow to the heat exchanger, where oxygen from the outside mixes with the fuel inside to ensure proper combustion. A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow to this area, limiting the performance of the heat exchanger and burner.
Solution: replace or clean the air filter on a regular basis.
Second, due to a faulty seal on the draft inducer motor or a cracked heat exchanger, combustion gases may leak from the furnace exhaust vent. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if it leaks into your home.
Solution: For safety reasons, have a qualified technician inspect your system.
Third, the igniter in the furnace may not be sparking, preventing the burners from lighting. This can be caused by a number of issues, including a faulty thermostat or a low voltage supply to the furnace. Solution: Have a qualified technician inspect your system to ensure it is operating properly.
Fourth, a blown fuse or faulty switch may prevent the blower motor from starting. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a clogged blower wheel, a dirty evaporator coil, or a low voltage to the furnace.
Solution: Have a qualified technician inspect your system to ensure it is operating properly.
If you’ve tried all of these solutions and your central heating system is still not working, it’s time to call in a pro. With this knowledge, you will be aware of the most common issues and how to easily resolve them.
Common Central Heat Problems and Solutions
Here are some of the most common problems with central HVAC Cedar Hill TX systems and what you can do about them:
- The thermostat isn’t set right: You can solve this by checking that the thermostat is set at the proper temperature. If not, turn up or down until it reaches the desired level and try again.
- There’s an air leak in the ductwork: This could be caused by something as simple as a loose connection or a damaged section in your ducts. Tighten connections and replace any damaged parts to fix this issue permanently.
- The furnace needs cleaning: Your furnace should be cleaned and inspected every year to ensure proper operation. This can be done by a professional technician or sometimes even by the homeowner.
- The furnace isn’t getting enough power: This could be caused by anything from a blown fuse to low voltage at the furnace.
- The furnace is too old: If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it with a newer model. Contact a qualified technician for advice on whether or not this is the best solution for your home.
- A clogged or dirty air filter: If your filter is dirty, it can prevent proper airflow and cause the system to overheat. It’s recommended that you clean or replace this every month during the heating season.
- The furnace igniter isn’t sparking: This problem could be caused by several issues such as a bad thermostat or low voltage at the furnace. Have a qualified technician inspect your system to find the source of the problem and fix it.
- The blower motor isn’t starting: This could be caused by several issues such as a clogged blower wheel, dirty evaporator coil, or low voltage at the furnace.
- There may be a lack of airflow to the heat exchanger: The problem may be a clogged or dirty filter, cracked heat exchanger, or an improperly adjusted draft inducer motor. If carbon monoxide is leaking into your home, it can be deadly.
- Combustion gases are not being vented properly: This problem could be caused by several things such as an improperly adjusted draft inducer motor, clogged chimney, or faulty flue gas damper.
HVAC in Cedar Hill, TX
If you’re experiencing problems with your central heating system, don’t wait – contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating at 972-388-3310 today. We’ll be able to inspect your system and find the source of the problem so it can be fixed quickly and safely. (972) 291-0740