7 Common Furnace Problems Best Left to the Professionals

professional handling furnace problems

If your furnace starts acting up, it can be tempting to try to fix the problem yourself. After all, it’s just a machine, right?

Wrong.

While furnaces are relatively simple machines, they’re also very complex and delicate. One wrong move while trying to fix a furnace can cause serious damage, or even start a fire.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on the seven most common furnace problems you shouldn’t try to fix on your own. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly when to call in a professional for help.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

1. Cracked Heat Exchanger

One of the most common and potentially dangerous furnace problems is a cracked heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a key component of your furnace, and its job is to transfer heat from the burning gas to the air that’s circulated throughout your home. 

If the heat exchanger cracks, it can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. So, if you think your heat exchanger might be cracked, it’s important to call in a professional right away. 

2. Faulty Gas Valve

Another common furnace problem is a faulty gas valve. The gas valve is responsible for regulating the flow of gas to the burners. If the gas valve is faulty, it can cause the furnace to overheat, which can be dangerous. 

If you think your gas valve might be faulty, it’s important to call in a professional right away. 

3. Problem with the Blower Motor

If your furnace is having trouble starting up, or if the blower motor is making strange noises, it could be a sign of a problem with the blower motor. The blower motor is responsible for circulating the air through the furnace. 

If the blower motor is having trouble, it could be because of a problem with the bearings, the motor itself, or the belt that connects the motor to the blower. 

4. Clogged Filter

A clogged filter is one of the most common furnace problems. The filter is responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other particles that could damage the furnace. 

If the filter is clogged, it can restrict the airflow to the furnace, causing it to overheat. It can also cause the furnace to run less efficiently, which will increase your energy bills. 

5. Tripped Circuit Breaker

If your furnace keeps shutting off, it could be because the circuit breaker has been tripped. This is a safety feature that prevents the furnace from overheating. To reset the breaker, simply flip it to the “off” position and then back to “on.” If the breaker trips again, there could be a more serious problem with your furnace. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional for help.

6. Frozen Condensate Line 

A frozen condensate line is another common furnace problem. The condensate line is responsible for carrying away water that condenses on the heat exchanger. If the line freezes, it can cause water to back up and flood the furnace. If you suspect that the condensate line is frozen, you’ll need to thaw it out. To do this, you can use a hair dryer or a heat lamp. Once the line is thawed, you’ll need to check for leaks and repair any that you find.

7. Damaged Thermostat 

A damaged thermostat is another common furnace problem. The thermostat is responsible for controlling the furnace, so if it’s damaged, the furnace may not operate properly. If the thermostat is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. This is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself, but you’ll need to ensure that you get the right thermostat for your furnace.

Conclusion

There are a few common furnace problems that you shouldn’t try to fix on your own. These problems can be dangerous and may cause further damage to your furnace. If you’re not sure how to fix the problem, it’s best to call a professional.

Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned and -operated company that provides services to the Durham region, the GTA, and the surrounding regions. We install, repair, and maintain furnaces and air conditioners from all major manufacturers. Since we are available 24/7, we can handle your emergency requests swiftly and effectively. Contact us for furnace maintenance

The Basics of Changing Your Furnace’s Humidifier Filters

technician changing furnace filter

In any home, the right temperature matters because it helps make the environment comfortable. Using an air conditioner is relatively straightforward for cooling, but using a furnace for heating is often tricky because it’s difficult to gauge how much heat is needed to warm the home. However, furnace performance can help with this, especially since it’s easy to spot issues in one.

A few things can cause a furnace to underperform, and they usually have to do with the furnace itself or the ductwork. However, some parts do more work than the others, such as the humidifier filters. These filters are responsible for removing impurities from the air, so keeping them clean and in working condition is essential. However, few homeowners know how to change them, much less when to do the task. For this reason, we’ll discuss the details in this article.

How a Furnace Works

A furnace is a mechanical device that uses a heat source to warm the air in the home. The heat source is usually a gas, electricity, or oil, and it’s contained in a combustion chamber. The heat is then transferred to the air through a heat exchanger that is usually made of metal.

The air is then forced through the ductwork into the house’s rooms. As the air enters the furnace, it passes through a filter that catches any impurities in the air. The air is then forced through the heat exchanger, which transfers heat to the air through the ductwork into the house’s rooms.

The Role of the Humidifier Filter

The furnace’s humidifier filter is located in the humidifier, a device that adds moisture to the air. The humidifier filter is responsible for removing impurities from the water used to moisten the air. Aside from catching particles, the humidifier filter also prevents the growth of bacteria and mould in the humidifier.

Many things can cause the humidifier filter to wear down, such as exposure to dust, chemicals, water, and excessive heat. The last one is particularly troublesome because it can cause the filter to warp. A warped humidifier filter can cause the furnace to work harder and use more energy, leading to higher utility bills.

The Role of the Evaporator Pad

The evaporator pad is also located in the humidifier and is responsible for absorbing the water to moisten the air. It is usually made of foam material, and its typical lifespan is about one year. The evaporator pad can also become warped over time, making it difficult for water to absorb.

As a result, water can leak from the humidifier, causing damage to the furnace and potentially leading to mould growth. Warped evaporator pads can also cause the furnace to work harder and use more energy, leading to higher utility bills.

When to Change Your Furnace’s Humidifier Filter

For any furnace, changing its humidifier filter should be done at least once a year. This is because the filter can become clogged with dust and other particles, making it difficult for the humidifier to function correctly.

If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to change the filter more often. In this case, you may need to change the humidifier filter every three months.

How to Change the Humidifier Filter

To change your furnace’s humidifier filter, you’ll need to turn off the furnace. You must also disconnect the water tube and replace the humidifier filter or evaporator pad with new ones.

Once done, replace the filter or evaporator pad, reattach the water tube, and then the cover. Finally, turn the furnace on to see if the new filter or evaporator pad is working correctly.

Conclusion

A furnace’s humidifier filter is crucial because it improves your home’s air quality by reducing the amount of dust and other allergens in the air. Since a furnace’s humidifier filter is constantly working to improve the air quality in your home, you must change it regularly to ensure it works properly. All that matters is doing it correctly to prevent further problems.

Climate Experts provides top-quality services for furnace repair in Pickering. Our professional heating and cooling technicians will ensure your home is adequately ventilated, all for fair prices. Visit our website today to request a free estimate!

The Common Reasons Water Heater Leaks from the Bottom

repairman fixing water heater

Water heaters are a vital part of any home, providing hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. However, water heaters can develop leaks over time. A water heater leaking from the bottom often indicates that the tank has corroded and needs to be replaced.

There are a few reasons water heaters leak from the bottom. 

Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Valve

One of the most common reasons for a water heater to leak from the bottom is a faulty or damaged Temperature & Pressure (T&P) valve. The T&P valve is a safety feature that helps to release excess pressure and temperature from the water heater. If the T&P valve is damaged, it may not be able to release pressure, causing the water heater to leak properly.

Drain Valve

Another common reason for a water heater to leak from the bottom is a faulty or damaged drain valve. The drain valve is a valve that is used to release water from the water heater. If the drain valve is damaged, it may not be able to properly release water, causing the water heater to leak.

Issue Inside the Tank

One of the most common reasons for a water heater to leak from the bottom is an issue with the tank itself. The tank is the part of the water heater that holds the water. If there is an issue with the tank, it may not be able to hold the water properly, causing the water heater to leak.

Inlet and Outlet Connections

The water supply lines that provide cold water to the tank and hot water to the plumbing system can sometimes become loose and cause leaks. Tightening the connections is a simple fix that most people can do. However, if the leak persists, it may be necessary to replace the water lines.

What to Do If the Water Heater Is Leaking

  • Turn Off the Water Supply

The first thing you should do if your water heater is leaking is to turn off the water supply. The water supply lines are located above the tank and will have handles that allow you to turn them off. Once you have turned off the water supply, the water will stop flowing into the tank.

  • Turn Off Gas or Power

If your water heater is powered by gas or electricity, you will need to turn off the gas or power to the unit. For gas water heaters, there will be a knob on the side of the unit that you can turn to the “off” position. For electric water heaters, you will need to flip the switch on the circuit breaker that powers the unit.

  • Call a Professional

If you have a leaking water heater, it is best to call a professional to repair the unit. Water heaters can be very dangerous and you do not want to attempt to repair the unit yourself.

To Sum Up

There are a few reasons your water heater may be leaking from the bottom. Most likely, it is due to a problem with the pressure relief valve, the drain valve, or a crack in the tank. 

If you notice a leak, it’s important to shut off the power to the water heater and call a plumber as soon as possible. A water heater leak can cause serious damage to your home, and it’s best to have a professional take a look at it to determine the best course of action.

Climate Experts installs, services, and maintains all major brands of tankless water heaters in Pickering and air conditioners 24/7/ We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Get in touch with us. 

Top 5 Benefits of Having a New Furnace Installation

technician installing furnace

When the weather outside starts to get chilly, the last thing you want is for your furnace to quit working. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be time to start thinking about a new furnace installation.

There are many benefits to having a new furnace installed in your home. Here are just a few of them:

1. Improved Heating Efficiency

One of the biggest benefits of having a new furnace installed is improved heating efficiency. New furnaces are much more efficient than older models, meaning that they use less energy to generate the same amount of heat. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills, as well as reducing your carbon footprint.

2. Enhanced Comfort

Another big benefit of having a new furnace installed is the enhanced comfort it can provide. New furnaces are designed to evenly distribute heat throughout your home, meaning that you can say goodbye to cold spots and drafts. Additionally, newer furnaces are much quieter than older models so you can enjoy a peaceful home without the constant drone of a furnace.

3. Increased Lifespan

When you have a new furnace installed, you can also expect an increased lifespan for the unit. This is due to the fact that new furnaces are built with higher quality materials and components than older models. Additionally, new furnaces come with better warranties than older models, so you can be confident that your furnace will last for many years to come.

4. Increased Home Value

One of the best things about having a new furnace installed in your home is the fact that it can actually increase your home’s value. If you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future, a new furnace can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Additionally, if you plan on staying in your home for many years to come, a new furnace can be a great investment that will pay off in the long run.

5. Lower Maintenance Costs

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t enjoy paying for maintenance and repairs on your home’s HVAC system. However, it’s important to remember that maintaining your furnace can actually save you money in the long run. A new furnace will likely require less maintenance than an older model, which means you can save money on repairs and upkeep.

What Are the Things to Consider before a New Furnace Installation

When it comes to your home’s heating, there’s no question that you want to make sure you have a reliable and efficient system in place. And if you’re in the market for a new furnace, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before making your purchase. Here are a few things to consider before having a new furnace installed.

First, you’ll want to consider the size of the unit. Make sure to get a furnace that’s the right size for your home. If it’s too small, it won’t heat your home effectively. If it’s too large, it will use more energy than necessary, resulting in higher utility bills.

Next, you’ll want to think about the type of fuel you want to use. Furnaces can run on electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so do your research before making a decision.

Finally, you’ll want to consider the cost of the unit and the installation. Furnaces can range in price, so it’s important to get a few quotes before making a purchase. Be sure to factor in the cost of installation as well.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to having a new furnace installation in your home. If you are considering a new furnace installation, be sure to consult with a professional to find the best option for your home.

Looking for a reliable and affordable furnace installation in Pickering? Climate Experts has you covered! Our team of certified HVAC technicians are experts in furnace installation and can help you choose the right unit for your home or business. We understand that furnace installation can be a daunting task, which is why we offer a free in-home consultation to assess your needs and help you choose the best unit for your space. Let us take the stress out of furnace installation for you! Contact us today to get started!