Copyright 2011 NEXT GENERATION INC. ❘ Contact
Do-it-yourself Repairs, It's easy when you know how.
If you don't need us, don't spend your money! Here is a few tips to keep your heating and cooling sytems working by yourself.
This is what you will find here:
- How to change a filter
- Troubleshooting guide for your Furnace.
- Troubleshooting guide for your Air Conditioner.
- Troubleshooting guide for your Boiler.
How To Change Your Filter.
- First, it Pays to do a little sweeping, since the area in front of the furnace can get dirty.
- Locate the service panel, usually on the furnace's lower front or side.
- Turn off the furnace, then gently pop open or pull down the panel door with your hands; tools usually aren't needed.
- Locate the filter--a framed-mesh rectangular screen inserted either horizontally or vertically near the intake-outtake blower.
- Slide the filter screen out.
- Check for brown, dusty buildup on the mesh screen (if you can't see through it it is a good indication that it's time for a new one).
- If you have a reusable plastic-frame or metal-frame filter, use a hose to rinse away the dust particles on the screen in the backyard or driveway. Let it dry, then return it to the furnace.
- If you have a disposable cardboard-frame filter, write down the size, then throw it away. Buy a new furnace filter of the same size (available at hardware and home supply stores).
Furnace Not Working? Here is how to fix it.
- Is the thermostat set to the “heat” mode or setting?
- Have you changed your thermostats batteries recently?
- Is the thermostat temperature setting turned up higher than the room temperature?
- Is the power switch next to or connected to the furnace turned on? (It looks like a light switch)
- Is the breaker in the power panel turned on?
- Is the furnace air filter clean?
- Are all of the furnace doors and panels on securely?
- Are all of your grilles and registers open and unobstructed?
- If your furnace is 20+ years old, is the pilot light on? If not, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to light the pilot.
Air Conditioner Not Working? This is what to do.
- Is the thermostat set to the “cool” mode or setting?
- Have you changed your thermostats batteries recently?
- Is the thermostat temperature setting turned down lower than the room temperature?
- Is the power switch next to or connected to the furnace or air handler turned on? (It looks like a light switch)
- Are the furnace, air handler and air conditioner breakers turned on in the power panel?
- Is the furnace or air handler air filter clean?
- Are all of the furnace or air handler doors and panels on securely?
- Are all of your grilles and registers open and unobstructed?
- Is the thermostat set for 70°F or above? Air conditioning systems are not normally designed to cool below 70°F without freezing up. (See below)
- At the thermostat, turn the system mode switch to the “off” position and turn the fan mode switch to the “on” position
- Let the fan run for 2 to 4 hours.
- While the system is thawing, double check all of the items from the checklist above.
- After the system has thawed, return your thermostat to its normal settings. (above 70°F)
Boiler Not Working? Try this first.
- Is the thermostat set to the “heat”mode or setting?
- Is the thermostat temperature setting turned up higher than the room temperature?
- Is the power switch next to or connected to the boiler turned on? (It looks like a light switch)
- Is the breaker in the power panel turned on?
- Are all of the boiler doors and panels on securely?
- Are all of your radiator louvers open and unobstructed?
- If your boiler is 20+ years old, is the pilot light on? If not, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to light the pilot.
- Is there 12 lbs to 17 lbs of water pressure or 2 lbs of steam pressure in the system?
- Have the circulators been oiled?