Everything You Need to Know About Fixing Heating Issues
You are lucky if you are wondering what to do about heating problems. This article is full of helpful information that will get you on the road to fixing your heating system. It will cover issues such as a lack of heating fuel and the problems arising from your draft inducer motor, duct dampers, and flue pipe.
Contents
Blower Motor Issues
If you hear a humming or squealing noise in your heating system, it could be a sign of a blower motor issue. A lousy capacitor, loose wiring, or a clogged air filter can cause problems.
The first thing you should do is get your heating system serviced. A professional can diagnose your blower motor problem and determine the best action.
You can test your blower motor using a digital multimeter. Turn on the unit and measure the voltage at the blower motor connector. It should be at least 4-6 Volts at low speed and 12 Volts at high speed.
The motor should work if the voltage is in the correct range. Check to ensure that the wires are connected correctly and that there are no loose shorts.
Draft Inducer Motor
If you have a furnace, it’s essential to know what a draft inducer motor is. This is a device that pulls air into the combustion chamber of your furnace and helps to prevent it from clogging with soot. A poorly functioning motor can be a severe hazard.
Draft inducers are often sold as an entire assembly, saving homeowners money. However, if you need to replace your motor, you may have to take it apart and that’s not always easy. For a task like this, It is best to seek professional heating repairs near me to make sure the job is done safely and correctly.
You can tell if your draft inducer is working correctly by checking your blower. If it is spinning smoothly, you should have no problem with your gas delivery.
Another thing to check is your pressure switch. The diaphragm of your pressure switch recognizes the purging action of your inducer motor.
Blockage or Damaged Flue Pipe
If you suspect that your furnace flue is damaged, you should have it inspected by a professional. A damaged chimney may result in dangerous byproducts being vented into your home. This can be harmful to your family and may even lead to a fire.
The flue pipe is a vital component of your home heating system. It is used to vent combustion byproducts from your furnace, such as carbon monoxide.
Your flue is usually insulated. But over time, soot and other debris can accumulate, which blocks airflow and prevents the combustion gases from venting into the atmosphere.
If your flue is blocked, you can breathe in toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. This is why it is crucial to have your furnace checked by a trained professional every year.
Duct Dampers
There are a few different types of dampers. They are designed to help balance your air conditioning system and help you get the temperature you want. The dampers are wired to your central control panel and help you control the amount of cooled or heated air in a room.
One type of duct damper is a butterfly damper, which looks like two butterflies lining the ductwork. These are easy to install and don’t take up much space.
Another kind of damper is a parallel blade damper, which keeps the air moving in a single direction. You can find these in most ductwork runs.
In addition to providing a solution for balancing your air conditioning system, dampers also help to avoid hot or cold spots. Some ductwork areas, such as attics, can become too warm or cool during the summer.