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How To Troubleshoot Your Furnace Properly
Experts recommend homeowners to be armed with simple furnace troubleshooting skills. They will come in handy when the chilly months come knocking. Most furnaces have a sturdy build; however, they are not indestructible. When signs of aging and the effects of wear and tear start showing, it impacts the safety and comforts of the home.
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Furnace Troubleshooting All Homeowners Can Use
While most furnace issues are not DIY problems, you can execute some furnace troubleshooting steps to check your heating system. Below are some tips every homeowner can utilize to maintain the safety and comfort of their homes.
1. Lack Of Furnace Maintenance
Often, furnaces are put to work, running for extended hours during the cold months. In some cases, they are expected to operate normally for extended periods, depending on the weather. However, how can they perform well if they do not get routine maintenance? Your heating equipment is bound to break down due to components that were subjected to wear and tear when being overworked. Regular furnace maintenance is not that complicated or expensive. However, it offers a lot in return.
It is important that you hire a certified HVAC company to carry out repairs and annual tune-ups. Avoid waiting for the issues to worsen as they generally result in extensive and costly HVAC repairs. The earlier the problems are noted and corrected, the lesser the home’s risk of losing the warm indoor comforts during the cold months.
Troubleshoot: Let an experienced and trustworthy professional inspect the heating unit at least once a year.
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2. Dirty Furnace Filter
When it concerns forced-air furnaces, one of the issues to expect is a dirty air filter every so often. The filter is meant to manage particulate levels in the air that the unit distributes throughout the house. Therefore, the air filters are tasked with ensuring that everyone in the home breathes safe, clean air. The filters collect dust and debris over time, thus getting clogged and inefficient in cleaning the air. The remedy for this is to clean the filters or replace them if they are dirty.
Troubleshoot: Inspect the filters once a month and clean or replace them as necessary. Every home is different and so your HVAC filter replacement schedule will change be based on many different factors.
3. Electric Ignition & Pilot Control Glitches
At times, the electric ignition might be glitchy, leading to an electrical issue. The furnace will fail to heat your home if the pilot is out. Avoid trying to light up the furnace manually if it uses an electronic igniter. You should attempt to do this only if the unit has power; however, it is wise to reference the owner’s manual to confirm the steps to take.
Troubleshoot: Start with the circuit breaker to confirm it is not tripped. If it is, fix it and check whether the furnace is running. Inspect it for drafts and clogs. Call an experienced HVAC technician if the unit fails to restart.
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4. Malfunctioning Thermostat
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If the furnace’s thermostat does not turn the unit on based on the settings, the thermostat could be damaged or faulty. Fixing this issue should not be costly since it is a relatively straightforward, troubleshooting job. However, the costs can shoot up if you discover that you must replace or upgrade the thermostat. At times, the thermostat might not display a temperature reading because it is not receiving any power.
Troubleshoot: Switch off the furnace and turn it off for a few seconds to reset the thermostat. If the thermostat is battery-powered, replace the dead batteries with new ones. If these steps do not yield any results, call an HVAC company to come and inspect your unit.
5. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
Reasons for your furnace dispensing cold air will vary. The temperature setting might be incorrect. The circuit breaker has tripped, the filter is clogged, or the pilot control is malfunctioning. Conversely, the problem could stem from the unit having an insufficient capacity because it is too small to heat your home.
Troubleshoot: Start with assessing the furnace’s size to ensure it is the ideal one for your home. You can request an HVAC installation and servicing contractor to help. Plan for an upgrade if your unit is too small to service your home. Check the pilot control, clean or replace the air filter, check the power, and make sure the thermostat temperature setting is correct.
Learn More About Our Heating System Services6. Furnace Is Frequently Cycling
Short or frequent cycling is when your heating equipment switches on and off frequently. The unit will have short and constant bursts of activity that might go unnoticed, especially if there is some dispensed heat. But this is a sign of a problem caused by the unit overheating, dirty air filters, incorrect temperature reading, and the furnace being too small to service the house effectively.
Troubleshoot: Examine the thermostat to confirm it is not damaged, and the temperature setting is correct. Direct heat from the stove, the sun, or another heat source may affect the thermostat, causing the thermostat to display the wrong temperature readings. Call an HVAC specialist to check the furnace for damage. They can offer the best repairs and suitable solutions.
7. Furnace Blower Continuously Runs
If the furnace cycles nonstop, it means that the limit switch has a problem; that is why the unit keeps running when it should stop. For some models, you can turn off the switch manually. If you have such a furnace, check to confirm that it is in manual mode and adjust accordingly.
Troubleshoot: If you will not be around, set the limit switch to automatic to stop the fan after attaining the desired temperature. However, if the switch has damage, let a licensed HVAC contractor inspect your unit and do the necessary repairs.
(978) 717-0490">Call To Make An Appointment8. Furnace Produces Unusual Noise Or Smells
If your unit starts making weird sounds, this is a sign of problems. Booming, clanking, screeching, and clicking noises are not worth ignoring. You also should be concerned if the furnace produces an unusual smell.
Troubleshoot: Examine the air filters if you are having trouble with airflow. The filter could be clogged because it is dirty. Avoid fixing the unit if the issue is mechanical; instead, call a professional HVAC company to handle the repairs.
Call Townsend Energy For Superior Furnace Services
Every homeowner armed with the right information can perform simple furnace troubleshooting procedures safely. You should learn and understand your furnace to know how it works and what maintenance you can do safely. At times, fixing the problem does not require calling a professional.
Townsend Energy has certified HVAC specialists on staff that can provide superior heating and cooling services in the area. We do heating and cooling installations, maintenance, repairs, replacements, and more. All our technicians are experienced and highly knowledgeable in servicing all makes and models of HVAC systems.
Do you need a heating or cooling system replacement or repair? Your unit will be in good hands with Townsend Energy. We offer quality services at affordable rates. Our HVAC experts will check your HVAC system and recommend the solution while working within your budget. Indoor air quality, energy efficiency, excellent customer service are our topmost priorities. Get in touch with us today for a free inspection and in-home estimate.
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Furnace Troubleshooting Tips For Every Homeowner
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What Is A Carbon Footprint?
All of us have heard the term “carbon footprint” at one point or another. However, do you really know what is a carbon footprint? It is the measure of carbon dioxide or CO2 that is released when fossil fuels are burned for fuel or energy. This can be applied to a variety of daily activities including cooking, heating, using electricity, driving, and many other practices that produce carbon emissions. Nevertheless, no matter how important these operations may be to our modern society, they still present a problem when these gasses are released and trapped in the atmosphere.
Science has shown that this leads directly to global warming and climate change.
The good news is that Townsend Energy offers highly effective solutions that help slow down the negative effect of carbon emissions. We provide intelligent fuel sources and applications that reduce carbon footprints. Most people are fully aware that daily activities contribute to global warming on a massive scale. The big question will be finding a way to attenuate the carbon footprint without sacrificing the convenience of our modern lives.
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How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
In the following article, we will take a closer look at how some of these approaches to daily activities can make for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Biopure™ Heating Oil
All across the eastern United States, homes and businesses of all types use heating oil for beating back the heat of the winter. As a matter of fact, many use this source of fuel during the summer to heat water for daily living. While the fuel used today is far superior to what was used in the past, it is still a source of significant carbon emissions that must be controlled.
On a positive note, once the Providence Resolution is fully implemented, there will be some great changes in heating oil and its impact on the environment. Townsend Energy is proud to be one of the heating oil companies at the cutting edge of this implementation. We lead the way with intelligent solutions that will bring about the needed changes that this industry will eventually have to implement.
(978) 717-0490">Call Today: (978) 717-0490What Is The Providence Resolution?
Adopted in 2019, the Providence Resolution states that the entire oil heating industry will be carbon neutral as of 2050. This means that by this time, there will be no carbon emissions and we will have achieved full carbon neutrality. It is good to know that the heating oil industry will do all it can to bring about this important change.
Townsend Energy customers are already benefiting from the changes that will be brought about soon as they make use of our top-of-the-line Biopure™ heating oil. We have taken the upcoming changes very seriously and are the local leaders in providing low-emission fuels at no extra cost to our valued clients.
If you are a homeowner In New England, Townsend Energy has the solution you need to advance with the times. Do your part by using our home heating oil to reduce negative carbon emissions.
The use of these bio-friendly fuels will be a major benefit to reversing the negative impact human activity is having on the world. The best news is that you will not have to upgrade your current heating systems as the oil we provide is fully compatible with your systems. Call us today to make a progressive decision and begin your way to a healthier world.
Bike/Walk More And Drive Less
We all love the convenience of taking our car from here to there, but the truth is that many of the destinations we have are well within walking distance. If they are beyond walking distance a bike may take you there in time.
Instead of grabbing the keys and hopping in the car, consider how your choice of transportation can contribute to the growing problem with carbon emissions. Not only will walking or biking help to lower the greenhouse gases in the environment, but this healthy practice can also allow you to get some healthy exercise. You can also consider taking public transportation or carpooling. These methods also reduce the carbon footprint.
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Eat Local
Another great way to reduce carbon emissions is to only consume food that is produced and grown locally. If you are buying food that farmers grow in your local area, you are not converting your valuable resources in the delivery system that brings food to your table from the other side of the country or planet.
Another great idea will be to implement a “meatless Monday” in which you savor the flavor and health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Plant-based meals also require far fewer carbon emissions to produce. You can take this to another level by implementing a compost system in which you save all the veggie scraps instead of taking them to a trash dump. Furthermore, don’t forget to bring your reusable bags when you are heading out to the farmer’s market to collect your shopping.
Conserve Water
Water conservation is the art and science that will lead our civilization to the future. Water is a limited resource and conserving all we can is the way we will limit the effects of climate change. Here are some things you can practice today:
- Shut off the water while you are lathering hands and brushing teeth.
- Be on the lookout for leaks and address them immediately
- Do not use the toilet as a disposal
- Use a reusable water bottle rather than buying bottled water
- Deep soak your lawn twice a week rather than watering it every day.
- Use the washing machine and dryer system only when you have accumulated full loads.
- Be sure to use cold water whenever possible to wash laundry.
Use Less Electricity
Another good way to reduce your carbon footprint will be to use less electricity. You can accomplish this in a variety of ways, including:
- Shut off lights when leaving the room
- Use only energy-efficient appliances
- Insulate the home properly
- Tune-up the HVAC system
- Have a professional energy audit performed in your home
- Buy a programmable thermostat and learn how to use it for optimal energy savings
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Practice The 5 R’s
Practicing the 5 “R’s” is another great way to begin reducing your carbon footprint.
- Refuse: the first “R” is all about avoiding the use of products that you don’t need. This can include using natural cleaning agents as opposed to chemically-based options.
- Reduce: donate the items you are no longer using and only buy things you actually require.
- Reuse: try to use items and buy products that can be reused and repurposed as opposed to those that will end up in the landfill.
- Recycle: consider proper recycling practices
- Rot: make sure you throw veggie waste in a compost bin that will allow you to keep a healthy garden and reduce what goes into the landfill.
Conclusion
Probably the best news about this intelligent plan to reduce your carbon footprint is that it is easy on the wallet as well. So not only will you be taking advantage of cash-saving practice you will be saving the planet as well. As you can see from the suggestions above, these tips are easy to practice and the benefits are multiple. It only takes a bit of attention and care to apply these practices.
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Call Townsend Energy For Superior Home Comfort Solutions
Townsend Energy Offers fast and reliable heating oil deliveries throughout New England. You can count on us to provide you with low home heating oil costs and professional and friendly service. We offer a wide variety of heating oil delivery plans and financing options. This way, you can customize your oil deliveries to meet your precise needs. As mentioned above, we offer our clients Biopure™ at no extra cost as a way to help them make their homes more environmentally friendly. Call us today for more information.
Also, for all your heating and cooling needs, make sure to call Townsend Energy. We have the best licensed and certified HVAC contractors in New England. Our affordable services include furnace repairs, boiler maintenance, AC installations, and more! Each of our friendly techs has the skills, knowledge, and experience to conduct the necessary services to make sure that your system is in excellent working condition.
Schedule an appointment with Townsend Energy by calling us today. We provide no-obligation, in-home estimates.
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What Is A Carbon Footprint & How To Reduce It
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What Happens When You Skip Furnace Maintenance
A heating system needs maintenance annually to ensure high-quality performance for a long time. Although most homeowners know that professional annual furnace maintenance is a must, many still neglect to have it done. They either forget to book an appointment or think that it is an unnecessary expenditure. They might also feel that it is not needed since there are no visible signs of distress from their system. However, it is this carelessness that will most likely result in several furnace problems down the road.
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What Happens When You Skip Furnace Tune-Ups?
This article talks about the consequences of neglecting annual furnace maintenance.
The Furnace Issue Escalates
Most homeowners do not have the experience and training to spot any problems your issues like a professional has. An expert is equipped with extensive knowledge and years of experience to see early signs of malfunction. When these are spotted early, these issues are also treated immediately. Professional techs will ensure that the issue is solved before it escalates into bigger problems.
During this stage, it only typically needs quick, easy, and cheap fixes. Furnace maintenance helps you avoid costly heater repairs as well as major furnace breakdowns.
(978) 717-0490">Call Today: (978) 717-0490High Heating Bills
Without regular maintenance, your heater will work harder to provide the required heating for your household. It will consume more energy to reach the set temperatures. The more energy it uses, the higher your monthly heating bills will be. Many homeowners skip on annual maintenance to save money. However, they end up spending more in the long run because of the high utility costs you incur. It might be a gradual increase or huge and sudden. Invest in furnace tune-ups to avoid this problem in the future.
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Poor Indoor Air Quality
Your furnace helps keep the air inside your home clean. It is equipped with an air filter that blocks dirt, pollen, dust, and other impurities from entering the system and circulating throughout your home. Over time, the air filters get clogged with these contaminants. Its effectiveness to purify the air drastically decreases. The increase in particles can trigger respiratory illnesses and allergies among your family. It can also affect your furnace efficiency negatively. Due to the health consequences, cleaning or replacing the air filter is a must in the maintenance checklist.
Comfort Level Is Drastically Reduced
A new furnace ensures that your home receives optimum comfort through consistent heating. This way, you are safe and comfortable inside despite cold winter nights. However, your furnace’s operational efficiencies might deteriorate over time, and you’ll notice that your comfort level is reduced. It might be due to age, but the more likely culprit is clogged vents. Tune-ups will ensure that the vent system is clean and that there are no leaks. This way, you maintain proper airflow and high comfort levels.
(978) 717-0490">Call Townsend Energy Today: (978) 717-0490Furnace Breakdowns
If some parts of the furnace are faulty, it will cascade to the other components. This will affect the unit’s efficiency and won’t heat your home effectively. Not only that but if you fail to get it repaired or replaced immediately, your heater might eventually succumb to a breakdown. This forces you to replace your current furnace prematurely. A furnace typically lasts for up to 15 years. Without regular maintenance, its lifespan is shortened drastically.
Faulty System Increases Fire Risks
A furnace that does not receive maintenance can become a fire hazard. It might be a rare occurrence, but it can still happen. Therefore, you should not take it lightly. Frayed wires are usually the cause when it happens. During maintenance, an expert HVAC contractor will conduct a thorough inspection of all the wirings to ensure that they are in perfect working condition. Any issues are dealt with immediately to avoid any potential dangers. This way, you can use your furnace without being afraid that it might suddenly catch fire.
Furnace Warranty Cancellation
Purchasing a furnace typically includes a warranty. Warranties are the terms that stipulate the repairs and returns that can be made between the manufacturer and buyer regarding the furnace. It usually has a set period and a set of conditions that need to be met. Warranties typically include that the furnace needs regular professional tune-ups. If you do not follow this requirement, the manufacturer can deem the warranty as void. Make sure to keep proof of maintenance records. When the manufacturer requires you to give evidence, you can give it to them without worry.
When To Make A Furnace Tune-Up Appointment
If you haven’t scheduled your furnace maintenance yet, do so before winter arrives. The best time to make a furnace tune-up appointment is from late spring to early fall. This is because the queues are short, and the weather is still mild. Call your HVAC technician and schedule a yearly maintenance check-up today.
Contact Townsend Energy For All Of Your HVAC Needs
Townsend Energy offers high-quality heating and cooling services throughout New England. We have certified and highly trained technicians who provide superior HVAC services, such as installations, replacements, maintenance, and repairs. Each of our friendly techs has the right tools, knowledge, and experience to ensure accurate and prompt HVAC system services at all times.
Rest assured that our company has the most competitive HVAC service costs in the area. Our tune-ups can improve home comfort and energy efficiency while decreasing your home heating costs. We can also recommend the best HVAC make and model that will fit your needs and budget. Your satisfaction is always our priority. All our services come with a guarantee. Do not hesitate to call Townsend Energy and book a service appointment today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
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Why You Should Never Skip Annual Furnace Maintenance
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How To Tell If Your Gas Furnace Ignitor Is Not Working
One of the most common problems to occur with the modern gas furnace is a problem with the electronic ignition. When a gas furnace ignitor not working, it is not unusual. In some cases, it is usually quite easy to fix. Knowing exactly what is happening with your electronic gas furnace ignitor is an important part of keeping the furnace efficient and functional. You will also be able to tell if you can fix the issue or if you will need to call in a professional HVAC service technician.
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How To Tell If Your Gas Furnace Ignitor Is Working Or Not
In the following article, we will look at exactly how to troubleshoot your gas furnace ignitor. We will also explain when it would be best to call a professional HVAC company to schedule a furnace repair.
Types Of Furnace Ignition Systems
In some of the older models, furnaces used a pilot light which would stay lit when the furnace was in use. To start up the furnace, valves would release the combustion gas to the burners where the pilot would set them alight. If the pilot light was not working, the furnace would not light.
But, things are different with modern gas furnaces. Typically, these use an intermittent pilot or a hot surface ignition system.
In the intermittent system, the pilot light will be ignited by an electric spark. When the sensor detects that the pilot light is lit, they will automatically open the valves, sending combustible gas to the burners. In the hot surface ignition system, electricity flows through the system. Once the area reaches a specific temperature, the gas will begin to flow to the burners and ignite the reactor.
In either of these modern furnace varieties, the pilot will be extinguished while the furnace is in use; this makes it far more efficient than the older varieties.
What Is Electronic Ignition Gas Furnace Failure?
Failure in the electronic gas furnace ignitions will result in the burners remaining unlit. Subsequently, the furnace will not produce any heat. Delayed ignition is a similar problem and clearly identified by a loud banging noise before the ignition occurs.
In either case, gas has a chance to accumulate if the ignitor is turned on multiple times in short succession. This can cause a potentially dangerous situation and it is always best to have this type of problem sorted out by an experienced professional.
(978) 717-0490">Call Today: (978) 717-0490Common Causes Of A Gas Furnace Ignitor Failure
Knowing the cause of the problem is a good way to begin. It will allow you to properly communicate to your HVAC contractor who will be able to determine the right solution to the problem. They can also inform you of how to avoid the problem in the future.
Damaged Furnace Ignitor
Ignitors can potentially wear out and become worn down with much use. It will often be necessary to swap out the igniters as they wear out much faster than the other components of the gas furnace. A professional HVAC technician will know when and how to replace an ignitor. They will usually have to remove the furnace panel, disconnect the ignitor wires, and test the ignitors for functionality.
Wrong Ignitor For Furnace
The wrong ignitor will use a different voltage system and this can also lead to ignition failure.
High-Temperature Limit Switch On Your Furnace
Most furnaces feature a temperature limit switch that will prevent the furnace from getting too hot. If the air filters are clogged they can cause the ignition to switch off before the desired temperature has been reached. Then, there can be a whole slew of mechanical errors that can lead to ignition failure as well.
Power Surges
Power surges also damage electric igniters and cause a quick burnout. This problem is far more frequent in hot surface ignitors that feature a burning filament.
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Furnace Ignitor Troubleshooting Tips
There are many ways the homeowner can remedy these issues. Here are some of the things you should know about troubleshooting your furnace.
Check The Power
The first thing to check is if power is reaching the electronic components of the furnace. Check the circuit breakers and power source to make sure everything is hooked up correctly.
Reset The Furnace Ignitor
You will have to shut off the power to the furnace to perform this step. First, shut off the circuits or disconnect the furnace. Find the burner door, look inside for the ignitor, and flip that to the off position. Allow a full five minutes to pass before returning the burner door to the closed position. Then, flip the power to the circuits back on or reconnect your furnace.
(978) 717-0490">Call To Schedule A Free ConsultationAlways Call An HVAC Contractor When You Experience Issues With Your Gas Furnace
Professional help and assistance is essential when facing all types of issues with furnaces and heating elements. This is why it is always advised to call in a professional HVAC repair company. They will have the training and expertise to handle these situations with precision.
Furthermore, they will understand how these devices operate and the various risks involved with their use. You will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your furnace has received proper attention and the problem has been resolved.
As a matter of fact, it can be very dangerous to perform service on an HVAC system without the proper skills and experience. Not only could this result in physical harm to you, but you may also damage the inner workings of your furnace. You could be faced with serious repairs. Save yourself the time, stress and cash by calling in the professionals from the very beginning.
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Conclusion
Ignitor furnace problems are usually more difficult to remedy than older furnace models. One reason is that these furnaces can’t be ignited manually like most other options can. Also, there could be other issues occurring that will require the skills and expertise of a professional. Only a trained HVAC technician can repair a furnace without causing any further damage to the unit.
Regardless, by knowing what the common causes for electronic ignitor furnace issues, you may be able to prevent some of these problems from occurring.
Contact Townsend Energy For All Of Your Furnace Repair Needs
Are you looking for an excellent furnace repair company? No worries. Give Townsend Energy a call. We’ll be happy to assist you and discuss your furnace problems with a free, in-home estimate.
Townsend Energy has highly trained and certified technicians. Our services include furnace repairs, AC maintenance, boiler installations, ductless air conditioning replacements, and more.
All the techs in our company are knowledgeable and experienced, so rest assured that we can correctly service your system. We offer the most competitive heating service costs in the area. We can also help you find the best heating system replacement that is within your budget. Book an appointment with us today for a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation.
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When Your Gas Furnace Ignitor Is Not Working, Call The HVAC Experts At Townsend Energy
