Articles By Syndicated Columnist
Dan Thomas
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Improvement Inside And Out
Maintenance Procedures
For Heaters
Forces air systems distribute heat produces by the
furnace with
an electrically powered fan, called a blower. Air is forced into the structure
through a system of metal ducts. Gravity systems are based on the principle that
hot air rises and cold air settles; They cannot be used to distribute cool air
from an air conditioner. Warmed air rises and flows through ducts to registers
in the floors throughout the house. radiant heating systems function by warming
wither the walls, floors, or ceilings, or , more commonly, by warming radiators
or convectors in rooms. These objects then warm the air in the room.
Basic Maintenance Procedures
Check to make sure the unit is receiving power: look for blown fuses or
tripped circuit breakers at the main service panel.. Some furnaces have a
separate fused disconnect, usually at a different panel near the main service
panel. Other furnaces have fuses mounted in or on the unit.
If the unit has a reset button, wait 30 minutes to let the motor cool, and
then press the button. If the unit still doesn't start, wait 30 minutes and
press the reset button again ( Gas furnaces don't have a reset button.)
Furnace Filters
Clean or replace furnace filters at the beginning of the heating season and
when necessary throughout the season ( monthly or every other month). Take out
the filter and hold it to the light: if it looks clogged or dust has
accumulated on the surface, replace it, despite the length of time it's been
in use.
Use a new filter of exactly the same kind, material, and size as the old
filter: don't try to substitute. Clean permanent filters according to the
manufacturer's instructions. With steam systems, follow the manufacturer's
maintenance procedures. If you don't have instructions, hire a furnace
professional to do this for you and take notes on how it's done so you can do
it yourself the next time.
Safety Procedures with Heating Systems
Before doing any work on any heating or cooling, system, make sure all
power to the system is turned off. At the service panel, remove the fuse or
trip the circuit breaker that controls the power to the unit, If you're not
sure which circuit that is, remove the main fuse or trip the main circuit
breaker to cut off all power to the house. Some furnaces have a separate
disconnect switch. If so, remove the fuse or trip the circuit breaker.
If the fuse blows or the circuit trips repeatedly when the furnace or air
conditioner turns on there is a problem in the electrical system. Do not try
to fix furnace , call a professional. If the unit uses gas and there is a
smell of gas in your home, do not try to shut off the gas or turn any lights
on or off. Get out of the house, leaving the door open, and go to a telephone,
call the gas company or the fire department.
