How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous when the furnace fails to function properly. But, there are many things to look for to make sure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies they have previously worked with. They may have valuable feedback about the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is operating more frequently than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange noises it’s time for a quick check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it could be clogged, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t examine it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
Change your filter is a straightforward task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the right size for the unit you have. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter in your inventory to change it out if yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you see lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the door on the bottom is securely securing the frame. If not, the furnace will not function and you could encounter unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that the age of your furnace could be an element. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and run less effectively. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. It’s a good idea seek out an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not turning up your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could suggest that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s a sign that you should call for repair services. The sound of squeaking or banging, and even scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they are operating correctly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power supply to the thermostat by turning off your breakers panel. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, and then turn off the breaker.
You can check the display of your thermostat to see whether it’s working as intended after you’ve connected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not display any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by taping an untidy towel to the wall near the thermostat, then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. After that, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to check the readings of your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are similar, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, and any issue that blocks them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker and see whether it gets resolved. However, if it keeps occurring, you must take action immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps running into trouble, since this suggests that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker may trip. The majority of them are easy to fix. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Make sure that you replace your air filters on a regular basis and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there is not enough power and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may keep tripping is a wire that is loose. It can happen when a wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to inspect the panel at any loose wires you discover.
It is possible that the problem may not have anything to do with all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other problems can limit the performance of your home. This can cause drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty smells. These are all clues to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before you call a repair company, make sure to check out their history of work. This information is usually available on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their background and experience when you schedule an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger and all other parts of your furnace for issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as needed. In some instances the heat exchanger might require replacement in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is defective can be extremely costly. It is an essential component which heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaking, it can result in an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you notice any odd or unfamiliar noises emanating from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to give you peace of assurance. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be held accountable for any harm or injury that occurs because of your DIY efforts.
