How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. There are a few ways to make sure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Request recommendations from your friends, family members and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable feedback on the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while, it could be blocked which could cause airflow issues which can cause the system to overwork itself. This could lead to higher energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which can help maintain a healthy air quality at home, reduce your expenses on energy and also extend the life of your system. It is recommended to change your filter every month, and ensure it’s the right size for the unit you have. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply measure it to get a precise reading. It’s recommended to keep a spare filter on hand to switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Check your filters before calling an expert to ensure they’re clean and the right size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the door on the bottom is secured to the frame. If not, the furnace will not function and you could encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is that your furnace’s age could be an element. An older system is likely to require more repairs and run inefficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. Contacting a professional can help you determine if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to raise the thermostat more than you previously did to achieve the same heat level, or it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter might need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises it has never made before, you must seek out repair assistance. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a cause for concern. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power to the thermostat by using your breaker panel. Take off the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on, you will be able to tell whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or does not display any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation you can determine if your thermostat is defective by tying the towel to the wall next to it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than the one on the thermometer, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical the thermostat is probably functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, and any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it can be fixed. If it’s still happening, you need to address the issue right away. This is especially true when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker might stop working. The majority of them are easy to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure to change your air filters frequently and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, this is an indication that they aren’t being given enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker’s to trip. It can happen when a wire is hot, and causes an electrical surge that could cause your furnace to overheat. This is why it’s important to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you find any issues, it’s best to call a professional to inspect the wires.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace in any way, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job for an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by home owners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other issues can impede the performance of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork, however there is also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup that can block airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Before you call an repair service, be sure you check their past work history. You will usually find the information on their website or talk to the technician when you schedule an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A professional furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as other parts of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as needed. In some instances the heat exchanger may have to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
A broken heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to replace or repair. It is an essential part which heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks, this can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that needs immediate attention.
If you hear any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair technician. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect your heating functionality.
A technician with a good track record will be able detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, thereby giving you peace of peace of. You may void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may also be responsible for any damages or injuries that result from.
