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 a variety of things to look for to ensure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can provide valuable details regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace has been running a lot more than usual, or you’ve been experiencing strange noises, it might be an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t replaced your filter for long, it could be clogged, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, lower your energy bills and prolong the longevity of your system. It is recommended to change your filter every month and make sure it is the right size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located along the edges of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so you can replace it if it gets dirty.
Check your filters before calling an expert to make sure they’re 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, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t, the system won’t function. You might also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated furnace, or the fan cycling back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an element. A system that is old will likely to require more repairs and to run inefficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. It’s recommended to consult a professional with experience to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to raise the thermostat higher than you used to in order to reach the same temperature level, or it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter might require replacement. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t made before, this is also an indication to contact a repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by using your breakers panel. Remove the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker back on.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to see whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not display any data at all it means that your thermostat has lost its power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a defective thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall next to your thermostat, and then placing a normal household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature reads higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings match, your thermostat may be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from obtaining the power they require could be dangerous. When your furnace goes off the breaker it’s recommended to reset it and see whether the issue goes away on its own. If it doesn’t you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is particularly true if the breaker trips repeatedly. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are relatively easy to repair. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can hinder airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
You might also want to ensure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that require a lot of power like appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power available and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This happens when a wire is hot, and causes an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It’s recommended to have a professional inspect the panel if you find any.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to be related to your furnace in any way, and it may simply be that 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 conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This can result in drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, but dirt and debris can also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is especially difficult if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, make sure you look up their work history. This information is usually available on their website, or you can ask the repair company about their background and experience when you schedule an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger and the other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger may require replacement in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to replace or repair. It is a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it can result in a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help if you hear any strange or unusual noises emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging could indicate a serious problem that could compromise the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a good track record will be able detect the problem and arrange your furnace repair near me swiftly. Additionally they’ll likely provide the warranty on their work to ensure your peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.
