How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when the furnace fails to function properly. However, there are several factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have previously used. They can provide valuable information about the services offered by the company and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more frequently than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds, it might be the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter in awhile it could be blocked and causing problems with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This could lead to higher energy bills and even damage the unit itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is a straightforward task that will help maintain the health of your air in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the life of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter monthly and ensure it’s the right size for your system. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand to swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and the correct size. If you see a lot of 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 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 a fan that is cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and run less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s recommended to seek out an experienced professional to determine whether or not 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 to achieve the same heat level or that it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter might need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it hasn’t experienced before, it is time to call for repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. If the thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have been disconnected, it could be a cause for concern. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat by using your breakers box. Remove the thermostat cover with an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker off.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on, you should be able to determine if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a regular thermometer from your household on top of it. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to check the readings of both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are the same the thermostat is probably functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they need could be a risk. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. However, if it keeps happening, you should address the issue right away. This is true, especially when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker might stop working, and the majority of them are relatively easy to fix. One is a dirty air filter, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can limit airflow. Make sure you change your air filter frequently, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there is not enough power available and they need to be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might be tripping is a wire that is loose. This can happen when a wire gets hot, and it creates a surge of electricity that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s important to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s best to have a professional inspect the panel if you find any.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to do with your furnace in any way It could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, however dirt and debris may also clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Find out the history of work of any repair company before you contact them. It is typically accessible on their website, or you can ask the repair company about their past and expertise when making an appointment. You are more likely to find the experience you need when you select a company with many years of experience.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger and the other components of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger may have to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is defective can be extremely costly. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it can lead to carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, it’s time to call a repair specialist. Scraping, squeaking, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A technician with a good track record is able to spot the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. Additionally they are likely to offer an assurance on their work to provide you with peace of mind. It is possible to void the warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You may be held accountable for any injuries or damages that result from.
