How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. However, there are several aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is functioning correctly.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can provide valuable details regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or you’ve heard unusual sounds. If you haven’t changed your filter in awhile it could be blocked and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This can lead to high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is a simple task that can ensure the health of your air in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter each month and ensure it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along the edges of your current filter; simply take it off to get a precise reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Before calling for a professional, you should examine your filters to determine whether they’re of the correct size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you see a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If it’s not, the system will not function and you could experience some strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be a factor. An older system will require more maintenance and will run less effectively. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. It’s a good idea to contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up the thermostat to get the same level of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could be a sign that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, it is time to contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a serious problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat with your breakers box. Next, use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s working as intended after you have reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not display 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 taping an untidy towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat displays more heat than the thermometer, it could be a problem. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issue that blocks them from receiving the power they need could be a risk. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see if it resolves itself. If it persists you must deal with the issue immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as it indicates a larger problem at hand.
There are a variety of reasons that your circuit breaker may trip. Most of them are simple to fix. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power being provided and that the appliances should be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may keep tripping is a wire that is loose. It can happen when the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is the reason it’s crucial to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to get a professional to take a look at any loose wires you discover.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to have to do with your furnace in any way, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and should not be attempted by home owners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This can cause drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that can block airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit near to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Review the work history of any repair service before you contact them. You will usually find this information on their website, or ask the repair company when you make an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace for issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as required. In some cases the heat exchanger may need to be replaced when it has been damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is defective can be extremely costly. It is an essential component that is responsible for heating the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks, this can cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
Contact a professional if you hear any strange or strange sounds coming from your furnace. The sounds coming from your furnace like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could impact the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A reputable technician will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they are likely to offer a warranty on their work to give you peace of assurance. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you might void the warranty and be responsible for any damage or injury that may occur because of your DIY efforts.
