How to Troubleshoot Your Indoor Heater
Check the Thermostat
Checking to see whether the thermostat is set correctly can in most cases save you a lot of time and trouble. It might even be possible that the switch accidentally tripped during your recent activity with your heater. Check to see if it needs new batteries, and replace them if necessary.
If you have an electromechanical thermostat, open it up and give it a gentle dusting with a light brush. Most importantly, ensure that your thermostat is set to a temperature that will set off the furnace. You can try setting the temperature at least five degrees above room temperature.
Check the Furnace Filter
Some of the primary causes of furnace problems are dirty and clogged filters. They will in most cases cause your heat exchanger to overheat, or lead to a complete shutdown in the worst case-scenario. Dirt, dust and soot can quickly clog the filter and impede airflow. This worsens the indoor air quality and might in some cases prevent the furnace from turning on.
A clogged filter may also cause building up of soot on the heat exchanger hence making your heater runs less efficiently. When this happens, the immediate step is to replace the filter. If you do not know how to do this, check the manual guide to locate the filter and to find out how to remove it for replacement. Filters should be changed monthly.
Ensure the Gas Valve and Pilot Light Are On
It is likely that the gas valve is off and you forgot all about it. Trace the gas line from the furnace back to the meter, and if there’s a handle perpendicular to the gas pipe – turn it to make it parallel.
If you see that the furnace flame is out, turn off the gas for at least ten minutes and then relight the pilot. If you are not familiar with the procedure, make sure you check your owners' manual. However, if you smell gas or or are unsure of what you're doing, stop and call a professional.
Flush the Drain Lines
Normally when heating, the furnace may drain off several gallons of water daily. With time, the drain lines become filled with sediment which leads to the malfunctioning of the furnace.
Regularly check your drains. If you see a blockage, try to remove it by using a mixture of bleach and water. Leave it for some time, and then flush it out. This will keep your system safe and helps to restore normal operation.
Ensure All the Vents Are Open/Unblocked
Sometimes you may find that even with the heater on, some rooms might not be getting sufficient heat or airflow. When this happens, fully inspect your entire home to ensure that all the supply and return grills are fully open and unblocked. Blocked vents and registers not only affect your comfort, but can also lead to duct leaks due to the excessive air pressure.
In case of duct leaks, check the duct works that you can access and look for gaps between the branching points. Then use a metal duct tape to seal any gaps. This should restore everything to normal and ensure all your rooms get the required sufficient heat or airflow.
You should, however, note that sealing with standard cloth duct tape does not prevent the ducts from leaking.
