Venteicher Heating and Cooling

The winter season is upon us, and after months of inactivity, it's time to power on the heater, so you are ready to endure the cold temperatures and keep your home comfortable. Making sure it is in good condition and ready to use is important. Also, if you encounter any issues, knowing how to go about them could save your home and HVAC unit from significant damage or hazards.

Step 1: The Furnace Switch

Just like most other appliances, furnaces have power switches that can deactivate them when needed. Sometimes, they can be switched off by mistake or simply forgotten about. While many people tend to believe their furnace may be broken, simply turning it on may be all you need to do to get it to work again.

While you're checking it, it's also a good idea to check the condition of the switch itself. Some may not even be aware if the switch is in operation or not. A switch that won't function is especially dangerous, regardless if the furnace is stuck on or off. Making sure the switch actually functions is an important safety feature.

Step 2: Furnace Safety/Upper Limit Switch

Furnaces include a "kill switch" that will trip and deactivate the furnace if temperatures become dangerously high. If it gets tripped, it likely was set off to avoid a severe fire hazard. It's important to make sure that it hasn't been set off and is still ready in case something goes wrong.

If the safety has been engaged, you will need to contact a Venteicher HAC specialist to reset it and assess the condition of the unit. A specialist is important for making sure the issue is addressed and that the safety switch is reset in case another issue develops later on.

Step 3: Flame Sensor

Flame sensors (thermocouples in older hardware) detect poor or inconsistent pilot light performance. Weak pilot lights are an explosive risk, so the sensor is important to ensure the furnace is operating safely at all times.

Step 4: Thermostat (Especially Batteries)

Aside from power switches, one of the most common (and easily addressed) issues many systems face is dead batteries in the thermostat.

Aside from that, it's important to ensure the right setting is on. The thermostat must be set to "Heat" or "Auto" in order for the furnace to activate. If it is set to "Cool," the furnace will not engage, no matter what the temperature setting is.

Step 5: Air Filters

Air filters are a core component of the unit's overall health and performance. Not only does it have an impact on your home's indoor air quality, but also the health and efficiency of the HVAC system.

Failing to replace the filters could cause serious damage to the electrical components. In severe cases, it could also choke out your unit, suffocating it of the air it needs to cool itself down. As it overheats, it will shut itself down or slowly wear itself down. To get the best and most consistent performance, it's recommended that you replace your filters every three months.



Step 6: Any Odors?

Whether the heater is working or not, smelling smoky or burning smells is never a good sign. Gas-like smells are also common, and all of them can indicate a major issue that could have a lasting impact on your overall health.

While smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are crucial pieces of equipment, it's important to stay on top of any issues and repairs you may need. If your heater is emitting an odor of some sort, contact a Venteicher professional immediately. Many furnaces rely on combustion, and prolonged exposure to the resulting carbon monoxide could be a severe health hazard.

Any Issues? Schedule an Inspection with Venteicher

Whether you discover an issue or need a professional to do it for you, Venteicher's HVAC specialists are on standby to answer your call. We want you to live in peace and comfort throughout the winter season, and our in-depth inspections will ensure your unit performs as it is supposed to. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our experts today.