Posts Tagged ‘Heating Repair’

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Roswell Heating Repair Tip: Furnace Control Boards

Monday, February 6th, 2012

One way to be a truly responsible Roswell homeowner is to familiarize yourself with the major systems and appliances in your home. By having at least some understanding of how, say, your refrigerator or toilet work, you gain understanding of how to use them efficiently and detect when something goes wrong.

The same is true of your furnace, which can appear to be a complicated piece of machinery. In order to help you get acquainted with your furnace, we will discuss one of its main control components, the furnace control board.

As the name suggests, furnace control boards are responsible for governing the operation of the furnace. At a minimum, a simple furnace control will control the furnace ignitor (e.g., a spark generator or glow coil), the gas valve and the furnace thermocouple, also called a flame sensor.

More complex furnace control boards will also have control over the blowers and/or the built-in diagnostic system.

To simplify things, you can think of the furnace control board as being a driver and the furnace as its car. Just as the driver oversees all the functions and operation of the car from ignition to shutting off the engine, likewise does the control board for the furnace.

A typical operation sequence for a furnace control board goes something like this:

  1.  The control board receives a signal from the thermostat that the temperature is too low.
  2. It starts the ignition system, whether that be a spark generator, glow coil or pilot light.
  3. Once the ignitor is hot, the furnace control board initiates the flow of gas through the burners, where it is ignited.
  4. The control board keeps the furnace running until it is signaled by the thermostat that the temperature is now high enough, or until it detects something is wrong.

(An example of a malfunction where the control board would get involved is a thermocouple that is not detecting enough heat. In this case, the control board would shut off the gas flow to prevent a leak into the home.)

Furnace control boards are an essential part of your Roswell home’s HVAC system. And now, as a responsible homeowner, you know just how important. If you suspect a problem with your furnace control board, give Triad Mechanical a call!

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Lawrenceville Heating Repair – Review from Ron C.

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

When you hire a heating and air conditioning contractor, getting someone who takes pride in their work makes a big difference. A good service technician will not only fix the problem, but also answer any questions you might have and offer you options before beginning work. For example, if you have an older heating system that needs frequent repairs, replacing it might actually make the most sense financially. After all, you are going to need to replace it eventually anyway, and the costs of those repairs can really add up. A good contractor will discuss these options with you so you have the knowledge and expert advice you need to make the right decision for your home.

We pride ourselves on providing “Value You Can Trust!” and our technicians are some of the best in the industry.  We know that each situation is different, and we try to find the right solution for YOU. Here is what Ron C. in Lawrenceville wrote to us about his experience with our team:

Triad took the time to listen to my problem, talked about the options before we even made a commitment of the service call.

- Ron C. in Lawrenceville

We always try to answer your questions and make sure that you are completely satisfied with any service we provide. Good customer service is not just about getting the job done right, it is also about making sure that you are happy with the work that is done in your home.

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Nicholson Heating Repair Question: What Are Flue Gas Spill Switches?

Monday, January 30th, 2012

While some components of a heating system make sense to the average Nicholson homeowner – think blower fan, thermostat and air ducts – others are more esoteric and prone to bouts of head scratching.

So, you may find yourself asking “what the heck is a flue gas spill switch?” Read on for the answer.

As you know, gas heating appliances produce heat by means of combustion. The gas line feeds gas into the appliance, the gas is ignited, and the burning gas produces heat. It’s a simple concept that goes all the way back to our caveman ancestors building fires to keep warm, and it is the same process in gas furnaces, boilers and water heaters.

In addition to producing the cozy heat we love in the winter time, this combustion process also releases gases. Known collectively as “flue gases,” some of these – carbon monoxide being the most notorious – can be very toxic. This why we have flues or chimneys in our homes– to give these gases a means of egress.

A flue gas spill switch is designed to shut down the furnace if these gases start seeping out. It is made up of a sensor or series of sensors that detect heat outside the flue, not unlike the flame sensor in your furnace. If flue gases start to escape and pass by the sensor, the sensor heats up and signals the furnace to shut down. This cuts off the power and gas, so that no more flue gases can leak into the home and create a health concern.

If your furnace has been abruptly shutting down, it could be your flue gas spill switch trying to tell you that you have a leaky or cracked flue. If this is the case, you want to have it repaired right away. The constant off and on is not good for the furnace, and more importantly, those flue gases can be exceptionally hazardous to your family’s health.

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Johns Creek Heating Repair – Review from Mike G.

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Customer service is one of the most important aspects of any business. With a heating and air conditioning contractor, is it essential. If you have something wrong with your heating equipment, you don’t just want it fixed fast, you want it fixed by someone who is on time, respectful, and courteous of your home and family. Our relationships with our customers are very important to us, and we do our very best to ensure that you are satisfied with any service we perform.

All of our technicians receive ongoing training so you can be sure that they have the expertise necessary to fix any problem. We pride ourselves on being able to fix your equipment right the first time. Here is what Mike G. in Johns Creek wrote to us about his heating repair:

I was impressed by the good customer service I received in scheduling my service call and the knowledgeable technician that was sent out. Very friendly and reliable. Good people; good pricing.

- Mike G. in Johns Creek

Thank you Mike! Remember that it is always best to take care of problems with your heating system early, an simple fix now can prevent a full breakdown later!

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Atlanta Furnace Repair: Testimonial from Don D.

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

When your heating breaks, you want to have the number of a heating and air conditioning contractor that you can trust. You don’t just need your furnace fixed quickly, you want to make sure that it is not going to break again and that you know exactly what went wrong. A good technician will walk you through the repair process and take preventative measures so your heating system will not fail again.

When you have a heating problem in the winter, it is also important to have a contractor that will come out day or night. That is why Triad, as part of our commitment to customer service, offers 24/7 emergency service. Here is what Don D. in Atlanta wrote to us about his furnace repair:

I called on Triad to fix the furnace in our new home. They were prompt, reliable and had reasonable rates. They stand behind their work. I ended up buying a service contract for both units in my home and I now see them twice a year for regular maintenance of the two systems. Very, very happy and trustworthy!

- Don D.

Thanks Don! Regular maintenance will cut down on future repairs and keep your system running as efficiently as possible. It is one of the easiest things you can do to make sure that your furnace will last for years to come!

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Lawrenceville Heating Repair – Testimonial from Doug S.

Friday, December 16th, 2011

If you suspect that something is wrong with your heating system, you should call someone right away. While the repair might be small, fixing small problems now can prevent big problems (and expense) later on. Be sure to pay attention if your heating system starts making unusual noises, your heating bills go up, or if you have uneven heating; experiencing any of these symptoms is a good reason to call for repair.

And if your heating system does need repair, you don’t want to wait for service. You just want your heat back on as soon as possible. That is why it is so important to have a reliable heating contractor’s number, so you know who to contact in an emergency. Triad Mechanical always responds quickly to any heating emergency, here is what Doug S. in Lawrenceville wrote to use about his heating repair:

Called Triad because our heat stopped working on the first floor of our home. A technician was sent out the same day and he was great. He fixed our problem (we ended up needing a new condensate pump) and was very helpful in letting us know of the different services Triad offers if we decided to purchase one of the membership plans. I would definitely recommend them.

- Doug S. in Lawrenceville

Thanks Doug! A great way to make sure you have fewer repairs in the future is to perform annual maintenance on your heating system. Signing up for our Value Care Club is a great way to make sure your heating system receives regular tune-ups and runs at peak efficiency.

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Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air? A Solution from a Commerce HVAC Contractor

Friday, December 9th, 2011

One of the most impressive things about a heat pump is that it can both cool and heat your Commerce home. But, if something goes wrong and your heat pump is suddenly trying to cool your home in the middle of the winter, you have a problem. Here are some possible causes of the issue and what you can do about them.

Defective Reversing Valve

The reversing valve is responsible for changing the flow of refrigerant between seasons so your heat pump can both heat and cool your home. So, if it breaks, you can imagine what happens next – you won’t switch into heating mode and your heat pump will try to air condition your home.

Defective reversing valves are hard to diagnose because the symptoms are largely the same as those of a defective compressor or condenser valve. However, because of how they are installed and where they are located, you will need a heating contractor to inspect this problem no matter what.

Low on Refrigerant

Your heat pump should never run low on refrigerant because it shouldn’t leak, but if it does and the refrigerant gets low or if your device is simply very old, this may be a problem. Low refrigerant means that the device cannot transfer enough heat between the outdoor air and the inside air and the air that gets blown through your ducts by the air handler isn’t heated as much as is necessary to warm your house.

The problem is relatively easy to fix, though you should also have your repairman check for leaks and a possible cause of the refrigerant being low in the first place.

Not Running at All

The final problem is one you should be able to notice quite easily. If the heat pump isn’t working at all but the air handler and blower are working fine, then the device will simply blow cold air from outside or possibly even just recycled cold air from inside. In either case, the heat pump isn’t running to heat the air and therefore, you’re getting whatever temperature it is outside.

This can be caused by a number of problems so it’s important to call for an HVAC contractor to inspect it immediately.

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Troubleshooting Your Heat Pump Problems in Buckhead

Monday, December 5th, 2011

If your Buckhead home’s heat pump isn’t working properly, there are a number of things that might be wrong. But, where do you start and how do you solve these problems quickly and inexpensively? Here are some tips for common heat pump problems.

Low Air Flow

Your heat pump is designed to provide steady air flow to the entire house. When it was originally installed, the technician sized it to do so. If it suddenly stops providing enough air flow to your entire house or if the air flow it provides isn’t as comfortable as you’re used to, something is probably wrong.

More specifically, there is likely an issue with the heat pump itself since the device will compensate for most external problems by running longer and harder. A quick inspection will often rule out serious problems, so you should have someone inspect your device as soon as you notice a problem.

Leaky Duct

If there is an external problem, such as leaky ductwork, it tends not to be as noticeable right away. Often, when ducts are leaking, air flow problems will occur only in certain rooms of your home. Even then, the heat pump might be able to maintain the right temperature in those rooms – you’ll just have a higher energy bill because of the energy loss in the ductwork.

The best way to determine what is happening and how best to tackle the problem is to have someone test your ductwork for leaks, a relatively quick process.

High Energy Bill

If your energy bill suddenly increases dramatically, it is usually due to energy loss somewhere in the transfer between the heat pump and the rooms of your home. Leaky ducts can be the culprit, but so too can the air handler or the heat pump itself. If you notice a sudden increase in your energy bill, look for other symptoms like uneven heating or cooling in certain parts of your home or noises coming from the ductwork or your air handler.

No matter what other symptoms accompany the increase, you probably need repairs. Your home may still be comfortable now, but the heat pump can only make up for the problem for so long and in the interim, it is being put under excessive stress that reduces its lifespan.

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Is Your Furnace Making too Much Noise? A Tip from Dunwoody

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

The old saying that “It is better to be seen than heard” certainly applies to the mechanical equipment in your Dunwoody home. If you hear a squeaky noise or loud clattering you automatically suspect that something is wrong. And if that noise is coming from your furnace, you better pay attention to it. A noise is an obvious sign of a problem – minor or major – and it could result in mechanical failure that could leave your home cold and uncomfortable – and affect your home’s indoor air quality.

Today’s newer variable-speed furnaces keep a constant airflow through the ventilation system utilizing a low speed fan that consumes small amounts of electricity. Constant airflow brings in fresh air and keeps the room air from becoming stale or stagnant. Because of this constant operation, it is important to ensure the furnace is running at peak efficiency, which also means that it is running quietly.

Here are some common noises, possible reasons, and suggested repairs. As always, if you are in doubt about how to repair your furnace, call a local qualified heating contractor and schedule a service call.

  • Squealing noise – could be a worn out or slipping blower belt. Check for proper tension of the belt or replace the belt if it is worn out or cracked.
  • Squealing noise – could be worn out motor shaft bearings. Lubricate the blower motor at the proper points.
  • Rumbling noise – often caused by a poorly adjusted pilot light when the burners are turned off. Adjust the pilot as necessary.
  • Rumbling noise – often caused by dirty gas burners when the burners are switched on. This problem requires service from a qualified heating technician.
  • Buzzing noise – often caused when a blower motor mounting come loose. Tighten the mounting screws or use shims to fill gaps.
  • Hissing noise – indicates a possible air leak. This problem requires service from a qualified heating technician.
  • Ticking noise – possibly a leaky gas valve. This problem requires service from a qualified heating technician.
  • Rattling noise – could be a dirty fan blade. Wipe the fan blade or clean with degreaser.
  • Rattling, grinding, or whining – could be resistance to airflow that causes the motor to work harder. Check the vents in each room for dirt, debris, or obstructions and clear them.
  • Vibrating noise – may not be the furnace but loose or cracked seams in the ventilation system. Check the ductwork seams and hangers to ensure everything is tight. You may need duct tape or bracket hardware.

The best way to keep your furnace and ventilation system from making noises is to practice preventative maintenance. Have your furnace checked annually by a qualified heating contractor – and enjoy the peace and quiet.

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Why is My Furnace Turning On and Off? A Question from Statham

Monday, November 7th, 2011

One of the most annoying things your furnace can do is to constantly keep turning on and off. This on-off cycling keeps your Statham home from heating up properly. This action – called short cycling – also requires more electricity and drives up utility bills.

Short cycling is caused by an overheated furnace, which triggers safety mechanisms and shuts down the furnace. After a brief interval and cooling down, the furnace starts up again the cycle keeps repeating itself. Not only is it an annoyance, it can also signal more serious problems. A leaking heat exchanger can cause a furnace to overheat – and produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.

If a furnace is working too hard and overheating, it is usually because of airflow in and out. Your home’s ventilation system needs to be clear of dirt, dust, and debris. The more blockage in your ductwork and vents, the more friction is created, slowing down airflow and ultimately ending with an overworked furnace that continues to cycle on and off. And a blocked exhaust vent, such as a chimney or dedicated exhaust vent, can also cause a furnace to work harder. Check for things like leaves or bird’s nests.

The blockage may also be coming from a clogged furnace filter. You should clean or replace your furnace filter after a visual inspection reveals any type of build-up of dust or dirt. Do this at least every three-six months.

If you have a two-speed fan on your furnace, it is recommended that you run the fan in low speed during the cold months and high speed in the warm months. The reason? Warm air is lighter and takes less force to move.

There are other measures to take to prevent short cycling but these usually require a professional heating and cooling service technician to correct the problem. If in doubt, call your local qualified heating and cooling contractor and schedule a furnace inspection. Don’t make your furnace work any harder than it was designed for – and keep your home’s occupants comfortable and safe.

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