Exceptional Furnace Repair Service in Centralia Washington

If your furnace isn’t working properly, you may want to try a few basic fixes, such as making sure the circuit breaker is turned on or checking the thermostat batteries. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to call our heating repair experts.

If you’re considering replacing your Centralia home or business’s old energy-inefficient HVAC system, a ductless heat pump could be the solution.

1. Clogged Condensation Pipes

Centralia is a small town, a little more than two hours’ drive from Portland and Seattle. This Lewis County city sits along Interstate 5 midway between them, and enjoys a warm summer and cooler winter climate.

Founded in 1875, the city’s heritage is evident in its architecture and landscape. The downtown area is home to a number of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) sites, including the Hubbard Bungalow and the George E. Birge House. There are also murals around town, which depict a variety of topics including Buffalo Bill and the 1919 Armistice Day Centralia Massacre.

In addition to its history, the city is making a push to diversify its economy. While the city’s mainstay coal plant is still churning out electricity, local resident Bob Guenther would like to see Centralia become a leader in renewable energy.

Fortunately, residents of Centralia have plenty of green-energy alternatives that are available. Among these are ductless air conditioning systems (also known as mini-splits). These energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions allow residents to control temperature in multiple zones without the need for ductwork. Plus, these systems can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing green-energy sources instead of fossil fuels. The best part is, many ductless heat pump manufacturers and utilities offer excellent rebate incentives for Centralia homeowners to invest in these innovative HVAC solutions.

2. Furnace Stops Producing Heat

It is not uncommon for a furnace to stop working during the winter, especially in an older home. In many cases, these issues can be solved by resetting the thermostat or changing the filter, but they can also be signs of more serious problems that require professional attention.

If the furnace turns on, but no heat is produced, it may be a sign that there is a gas issue. Make sure that the fuel valve is open and that there is enough liquid propane or oil in your tank to operate the system. The furnace may also be unable to ignite due to a malfunctioning flame sensor or ignitor switch. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to locate and inspect these components. If the flame sensor is coated with dirt, clogged, or worn out, it will keep turning off the burner and prevent the system from producing heat.

It is possible that the fan switch on the furnace is set to “on” instead of “auto.” If this is the case, your system will blow both hot and cold air until the thermostat setting is reached. The best way to check for this is to turn the thermostat up and listen for a click. If you do not hear a click, the thermostat is likely malfunctioning and should be replaced by an experienced HVAC technician.

3. The Pilot Light Is Not Working

The pilot light is a key piece of your furnace that generates the tiny blue flame that keeps your home warm. If it goes out, your furnace will not be able to ignite the gas needed for heat. So, if you’re noticing that your pilot light has gone out, it’s time to call a professional for help.

There are a few reasons your pilot light might not be working:

Soot or carbon deposits have built up on the pilot light tube. Simply sweeping the pilot light tube clean may fix this problem.

The thermocouple isn’t functioning correctly. This copper rod (also known as the flame sensor) directly interfaces with the pilot light. It’s designed to sense the presence of the flame, and send an electric signal to keep your gas valve open. If it doesn’t detect the flame, it will trigger a safety switch that will shut off your gas supply.

A problem with your natural gas line. It’s possible that your neighborhood’s gas grid is nearing capacity, and the slightest hiccup in the system could make your pilot light go out. This is something that’s best left to the professionals, so you’ll want to contact your gas company for assistance if this is the case.

4. The Fan Is Not Working

When the fan on an AC unit stops spinning, it may be due to one of several elements. A professional will need to look at the capacitor, motor and other parts of the fan. However, a few easy fixes could be possible before calling in a professional.

First, check the circuit breaker. It may have gotten tripped from overheating, and flipping the switch back on might make it work again.

If the breaker isn’t the problem, try plugging in the fan in different outlets. Sometimes, vibrations from the fan motor can loosen a plug over time. If the fan is still not working, try using a multimeter to test for power.

The fan motor doesn’t need a lot of energy once it’s running, but starting it requires a huge jolt of electricity. This is where the capacitor comes in; it stores up this electricity until the motor needs it to start. Using a voltmeter, you can determine if the capacitor is bad and needs to be replaced.

The fan blades themselves can also get stuck, or a motor might have bearing problems. These are easier to diagnose than the other fan components, but they should not be tampered with by novices. The dangers of getting hit by a fast-spinning fan blade or electrocuting yourself are too great to take any chances with.