How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences problems, it can be a hassle and even risky. There are a few things you can do to make sure that your heating system functions correctly.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They may have valuable feedback on the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace is running more frequently than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises, it might be an opportunity to conduct a check. If you’ve not replaced your filter in long, it could be clogged and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. This can lead to high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter which will help you maintain the health of your air at home, reduce your energy costs and extend the life of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the right size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located along one of the edges of your filter. simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter in your inventory to change it out if yours is dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should check your filters to see 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, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If not, the system won’t operate and you may experience some odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could also be a factor. An older system will require more repairs and will run less effectively. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. A professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to turn up the thermostat higher than you previously did in order to reach the same temperature level or that it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter might require replacement. Over time, dirty filters can cause your furnace to perform more than it should.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t heard before, you should also contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, this could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Take off the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and make sure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, then turn off the breaker.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information at all it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall near the thermostat, then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. Then, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to verify the readings of both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are the same the thermostat is functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from receiving the power they require could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker, it’s an ideal idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away on its own. If it’s still occurring, you must take action immediately. This is particularly true if the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as it indicates an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker may trip. The majority of them are easy to fix. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Make sure to change your air filters frequently and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You might also want to make sure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, it’s an indication that they aren’t getting enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a loose wire. This can happen when a wire gets hot and creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s best to have a professional inspect the panel at any loose wires you discover.
It is possible that the problem is not at any time with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, however dirt and debris may also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly difficult if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check out the work history of any repair service before you call them. This information is usually available on their website or you can inquire with the repair service provider about their past and expertise when scheduling an appointment. You are more likely to get the experience you need by choosing a firm with a long history of success.
A qualified furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger and all other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also alter the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger could require replacement if it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s defective can be extremely costly. It’s a crucial component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it can lead to carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you hear strange or unusual sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.
A technician with a great reputation is able to spot the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me swiftly. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, which gives you peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
