Services

• Troubleshooting
• Plumbing Troubleshooting
• Drains Troubleshooting
• Heating Troubleshooting
• A/C Troubleshooting
• Emergency Service
• Cash for Caulkers
• Home Star Program
• Backup Sump Pump

Heating Troubleshooting

Why am I not getting enough heat?

First be sure the thermostat is set properly. Try raising the temperature setting by five degrees, then wait a few minutes to see if your system kicks on. Be sure your room heating registers and vents are fully open and not obstructed by furniture or drapes. Next check the filter. If it's clogged and dirty it should be replaced, as this can impede your airflow and cause less heat to enter your home, not to mention running up energy costs. If these simple steps don't work, call Sobieski Services and we'll send a technician out to diagnose the problem and guide you to the right solution.

---

I hear the furnace motor running, but air doesn't seem to be blowing out of my heat vents. Why?

The motor in your furnace is connected to your blower assembly by a rubber belt. These belts wear out over time. It's possible your belt has cracked and broken, or has simply stretched and isn't making good contact anymore. If you're a bit handy, you might be able to replace this belt yourself. If you can remove the panel covering your blower assembly, you might be able to access the area where the drive belt is, read the number on it, order a replacement, and replace the belt yourself. However, be sure to read and follow the maintenance manual that came with your system before you begin. And be sure to turn off the master power switch or circuit breaker to your system so you avoid the possibility of an electric shock. Also close gas valves to shut off the gas supply to your furnace. Be careful when working around sheet metal as it can have sharp edges or barbs that can cause a nasty cut. If in doubt, call Sobieski Services and we'll send one of our technicians to quickly diagnose the problem and guide you to the right solution.

---

My furnace seems to go on and off an awful lot. Why does it do this?

This is known as "short cycling" and is a potentially costly problem if allowed to continue. Several things can cause it:

• If you're lucky, it could just be a faulty thermostat, which is easily replaced. (Think about upgrading to some of the newer thermostats to help conserve energy and lower your utility bills.)
• Sometimes short cycling can be a sign of a system that is too big for your home.
• If you have a heat pump or electric-resistance furnace, short cycling could be caused by a unit that is overheating due to a clogged filter or a blower unit that is malfunctioning. Check the filter and replace it if it looks dirty.

The technicians at Sobieski Services can help diagnose your problem and return your system to its proper functioning.

---

Some rooms in my house seem to get really cold before the heat comes back on. Why do I have these wide temperature swings?

When room temperatures swing more than about three degrees between when the furnace goes off and on again, it generally means the furnace isn't cycling on often enough. This could be simply a faulty thermostat, which is easily replaced. If so, you can often find a replacement at your local hardware store (that's a great time to think about upgrading to some of the newer thermostats that can help conserve energy and lower your utility bills.)

You could also consider making adjustments to your heating system's "heat anticipator" setting. Check the manuals that came with your system for more information on that.

However, if you tend to notice swings in temperature especially from room to room, you might consider running the heating system's fan at all times (change your fan setting to "always on"). This could help level out the temperatures throughout your home and distribute heat and air more evenly.

Or you could consider a residential zoning system. There have been significant advances in affordable and cost-effective residential zoning systems, which can dramatically improve the temperature control and comfort of your home. Ask us about our zoning solutions!

---

I hear a squealing noise coming from my forced-air furnace. What's that about?

Squealing sounds from a forced-air furnace generally occur when the belt that connects the motor to the fan begins to slip. This could mean the belt is improperly aligned or worn and needs to be replaced. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual. If you don't have one, contact the manufacturer and ask for one, or check the manufacturer's website on the Internet. But if you hear more of a grinding type of sound, shut your furnace off and call Sobieski Services right away! It could be that the motor's bearings are shot and your motor will need to be replaced.

---

I hear noises coming from my air ducts. How can I quiet them?

Many heating ducts are made from sheet metal, so they conduct noise quite readily from the air-handling unit to your rooms. To break the conduction of sound, you can have Sobieski Services insert flexible insulation ductwork between the furnace or air conditioner and the ductwork runs. If you hear pinging or popping sounds, this may be caused by thermal expansion or by air blowing past a loose flap of metal. Track along the duct run, listening for the sound. If you find it, make a small dent in the sheet metal. This will provide a more rigid surface that's less likely to move as it heats up and cools down.

---

How can you clean ducts?

First, we decontaminate the HVAC system. A thorough source-removal cleaning of the ductwork and other critical HVAC components will help eliminate the food sources (dirt and dust) for bad microbial growth that may be living in your duct work. A dirty HVAC system is an ideal breeding ground for molds, fungi and other microbial pests. Sobieski Services uses high-performance duct cleaning systems, like The RotoBrush aiR+ ®, the number one choice for HVAC professionals. This state-of-the-art technology will scrub your ductwork clean and vacuum out the dust, dirt and contaminants that could be seriously affecting the efficiency of your system and your family's health!

Second, we protect against recontamination of the indoor environment. Sobieski Services has solutions to help keep your entire home free of microbial pests and dust. Unlike portable in-room air purifiers sold in gimmick stores, our solutions treat contaminants at the source. These items include electronic and pleated air cleaners, humidifiers, germicidal ultraviolet light, and outdoor fresh air recovery ventilators. One of our Indoor Air Quality Specialists can help you decide the right systems for your home within your budget.

Always remember... safety first! If you're not sure how to fix a problem let our trained technicians do the job for you.

---

Want all these questions answered by a qualified professional?

Sobieski Services offers a complete home "tune and check" inspection program. Our service technicians will inspect your entire heating and air conditioning system, evaluate the overall condition, look for existing or potential problems, and get your system performing according to manufacturer's specifications.

And if you are a Sobieski Services Home Care Club member, remember that you always receive 15% off our standard rates for all plumbing, heating and cooling services. And as a Home Care Club member, you also get priority service-you'll go to the top of our list when you call, even during peak heating and cooling periods!