How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if your furnace is not working properly. There are some things you can do to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask your friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously used. They can give you valuable information about the company’s services and customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is running a lot more than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises it’s time for a quick check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in some time, it may be clogged and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter every month and make sure it’s the right size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand so you can change it out if yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If you don’t do this, the system will not function properly. You might also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. A furnace that is older is likely to need more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up your thermostat to achieve the same level of heat you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could suggest that your air filter is in need of replacing. Over time, dirty filters could make your furnace perform more than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises it has never made before, it is time to contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they are operating properly. 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 shut off power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Then you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and make sure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, and then turn the breaker on again.
You can check the display 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 data whatsoever, your thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by attaching an untidy towel to the wall next to your thermostat, and then placing a regular household thermometer on top it. After that, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to examine the readings of both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, it could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are similar the thermostat is working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from receiving the power they require can be risky. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. If it continues then you should take care to deal with the issue immediately. This is particularly true if the breaker trips repeatedly. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are a few typical reasons that your circuit breaker might stop working, and the majority of them are fairly simple to fix. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which could also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
It is also advisable to check that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that require a lot of power, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, it’s an indication that they are not getting enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might keep tripping is a loose wire. This happens when a wire becomes hot and creates an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. If you find any, it’s a good idea to contact an expert to examine the wires.
It’s possible that the issue has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts sit near the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before calling a repair company, make sure you look up their work history. This is typically available on their website or you can ask the repair company about their background and experience when making an appointment. You are more likely to find the expertise you need by choosing a firm that has a long track record.
A qualified furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as all other components of your system for problems. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing an exchanger for heat that is damaged can be quite high. It is an essential part which heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it could lead to the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could be a sign of a serious issue that could affect its heating capabilities.
A professional with experience will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they’ll likely provide the warranty on their work to provide you with peace of peace of. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be liable for any injury or damage that results as a result of your DIY efforts.