How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. However, there are several factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is functioning properly.
Request recommendations from your friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable details about the company’s services and customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for 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 replaced your filter in long, it could be clogged which could cause airflow issues which can cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high costs for energy and can even harm the system itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter, which can help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, reduce your energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure it’s the correct size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so that you can change it if yours gets dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they are clean and the correct size. If you see 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 switched on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If you don’t, your furnace won’t function. There could be strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit, or the fan cycling back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. A system that is old will likely to need repairs, and will operate less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. Contacting a professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re raising the thermostat to reach the same amount of heat as you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises it has never made before, it is time to contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, and even scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a major problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t connected correctly or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then turn off the breaker.
After you’ve connected the wires and turned the breaker on and off, you should be able to see if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or doesn’t show any data whatsoever it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test to find out if your thermostat may be not working properly by attaching an old towel to the wall near it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on top. Then, you can leave it there for around 20 minutes to examine the temperature readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are similar the thermostat is probably functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they require can be a risk. When your furnace goes off the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue goes away by itself. If it continues to be occurring, you must take action immediately. This is especially true if the breaker trips repeatedly. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker may be triggered. Most of them are easy to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filters frequently 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 keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there isn’t enough power being provided and that they should be given their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could be tripping is a loose wire. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It is recommended to have a professional take a look for any.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at anything with your furnace it is more likely that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners who do not have the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that limit your home’s performance. This can cause drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty smells. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that restricts airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before you call a repair company, be sure to check out their past work history. You will usually find this information on their website or talk to the technician when you make an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the expertise you need if you choose a company with many years of experience.
A qualified furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate the 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 will require replacement when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is damaged can be quite high. It is an essential part that heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaking, it can result in the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
If you notice any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. Scraping, squeaking, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A reliable technician will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally, they will likely offer the warranty on their work to ensure your peace of peace of. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you could void your warranty and be liable for any damage or injury that results due to your DIY efforts.