Testing your furnace helps ensure that you will have a warm and comfortable home during winter. If you’re not getting hot air from your heating vents, the following are a few things you should check before you call for HVAC installation contractors that might take care of the problem.
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Thermostats – Always start with the thermostats before doing any other type of troubleshooting. If the thermostats are working, check if someone may have accidentally set them to cooling instead of heating. Try setting the thermostats to a few degrees higher than your usual heating setting, and see if they start blowing hot air. If they do, set them back to normal, and see if hot air continues to blow. If it’s not working, check the batteries, recalibrate it, and clean the contacts as needed. Failing all of these means that you may need to replace or upgrade your thermostat.
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Air Conditioner – It may sound ridiculous, but it’s a common mistake for homeowners who have manually controlled air conditioners that operate independently from their furnaces. Check if the air conditioner is accidentally turned on as the cool air may be canceling out the hot air that’s being pumped out by your furnace.
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Air Filters and Registers – Clean or replace the air filters if they’re dirty. The accumulated dirt can slow down the air circulation to the point where it seems like it’s not blowing hot air, but it’s actually just staying in the vents. Check the registers, and make sure they’re not blocked by furniture. If the dampers don’t respond to the controls, call for residential HVAC services to have the system repaired.
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Duct System – Run the furnace, and then inspect the ductwork for areas that may be allowing heat loss. Uninsulated runs, missing insulation and leaks are often the culprit and should be repaired by a professional as soon as possible. Having a fully functioning furnace won’t matter much if you have leaky ducts.
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Fan Limit Switch – Check the fan limit switch on the furnace, and set the upper limit a few degrees higher. If the dial moves, check one of the rooms (or have one of the family members check it for you), and determine if you’re getting hot air. If there’s hot air, wait a few minutes, set the equipment back to its original setting, and check the rooms again. If it stops blowing hot air, you will need to have it repaired or replaced by a professional.
To learn more about our heating and air conditioning repair services, call A-1 Comfort Care Heating, Cooling and Plumbing today at (732) 993-7200. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve many areas in Wall and Freehold, NJ.
