How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it could be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a few things you can do to make sure that your heating system functions effectively.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable information about the company’s services and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or if you’ve heard unusual sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which can cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t check it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the unit.
It’s simple to change your filter, which can help you maintain the health of your air at home, cut down on energy bills and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure it’s the correct size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are located along the edges of your filter. simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you notice an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If you don’t, your furnace will not operate. You may also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated furnace, or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace could also be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and run less effectively. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s recommended to seek out an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to turn up the thermostat more than you used to for the same heat level or that it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter might require replacement. Over time, dirty filters can force your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, you should also seek out repair assistance. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a serious problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat with your breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose and turn off the breaker.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to determine whether it’s working as intended after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not show any information at all it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall near the thermostat, then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature reads higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any problems that prevent them from getting the power they require could be a risk. When your furnace goes off the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue goes away on its own. If it persists, you should address the problem immediately. This is true, especially if the breaker trips repeatedly. This indicates a bigger issue.
There are several common reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are fairly simple to repair. One of the most common causes is a dirty or dirty filter that can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Make sure to change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power and they need to be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This can happen if the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It is recommended to get a professional to take a look at any loose wires you discover.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to do with your furnace in any way and could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a task that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This can cause drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all clues to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common problem with ductwork, but there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup that can block airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit close to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company prior to when you contact them. This is typically available on their website or you can ask the service provider about their history and experience when making an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger and the other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as needed. In some cases the heat exchanger may need to be replaced when it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is defective can be extremely costly. It is an essential component which heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks it can lead to a carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help if you hear any strange or unusual sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes such as squeaking and banging could indicate a serious problem that could affect the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A technician with a good track record will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly. In addition they are likely to offer an assurance on their work to provide you with peace of peace of. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may be held accountable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.