2 Common Issues With Electric Furnaces And What Causes It
Posted on: 6 December 2019
Keeping the cold at bay is one of the most important things during the winter months. In order to do this, you will need a working heat source in your home, such as a fireplace or a furnace. The majority of residential properties have gas or electric furnaces as the heat source. Learning how to keep it running efficiently can extend the lifespan of the appliance and improve the airflow inside your home. Follow these troubleshooting tips for common furnace issues.
Reduced Airflow
One common issue is when the furnace is running as it should, but the house isn't heating up properly. There are a few things that can be causing this.
Blocked Vents
The furnace is connected to a ventilation system that goes through each floor of the house. In every room, there is an opening either on the floors, wall, or even the ceiling. The openings are called air registers and are used to distribute the air into each room. Closed or blocked vents will result in a lack of proper airflow. You should never place furniture or other objects directly in front of or on top of the registers. They also need to be dusted regularly to keep the air moving through the vents.
Dirty Filter
Not only do you need to clean the vents but you should also clean the air filter. Air filters should be cleaned at least twice a year, if not more depending on how quickly it is collecting dust. Dirty filters will reduce the airflow on the appliance and can eventually cause the entire system to run harder than it should. This can lead to malfunctions that can be pretty expensive to repair.
Unit Not Heating
Another issue is that the furnace does have good airflow but it isn't blowing hot air.
Thermostat
On the thermostat for the unit, you will see a few settings. One of them is for the fan. Make sure it isn't in the "On" position, otherwise it will stay on constantly and will result in cold air blowing out of the vents. Turn it to "Auto" so the fan will only kick on with the furnace.
Damaged Ducts
The ductwork in the home is subject to a lot of wear and tear. Over the years, it can become damaged and get holes or cracks. Damaged ducts will let out the warm air and allow cold to enter it, resulting in air that is not as hot as it should be. You should have a professional inspect the ducts at least once a year.
Conclusion
Heating repairs for an electric furnace can best be solved by hiring HVAC contractors. They can capably diagnose what is wrong with the system and recommend the proper course to handle it.
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