How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous when the furnace fails to function properly. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable information about the company’s services and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is running more frequently than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds it’s the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. This could lead to higher energy bills and even damage the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter, which can help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, reduce your expenses on energy and also extend the lifespan of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter once a month, and ensure it is the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located on the outside of your filter. simply measure it to get an accurate reading. Keep a spare furnace filter handy to replace it when yours becomes dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they are clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working properly.
Also, make sure that the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame, and that the safety switch is switched on. If you don’t, your furnace won’t function. There could be odd symptoms like an overheated unit, or the fan cycling back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will operate less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. Contacting a professional can assist you in determining if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to crank up the thermostat more than you previously did to achieve the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter might require replacement. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it has never made before, you should also seek out repair assistance. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. If your thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a problem. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat with your circuit breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure that they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose and turn the breaker on again.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the switch on then you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or does not display any data at all, your thermostat has lost its power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a faulty thermostat by tying an untidy towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat shows a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are similar the thermostat is probably functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issue that blocks them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. When your furnace goes off the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and check if the problem goes away on its own. However, if it keeps happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. This indicates a bigger problem.
There are a variety of reasons that your circuit breaker may stop working. The majority of them are simple to repair. One is a dirty air filter, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power available and they need to be given their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to trip. This could happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s important to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to get a professional to examine the area if you find any.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and should not be attempted by home owners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris may also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts sit near the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call an repair service, be sure to check out their past work history. You can usually find the information on their website or talk to the service provider 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 skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as all other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to repair or replace. It’s a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks, this can cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional if you hear any strange or strange noises coming from your furnace. The sounds of your furnace like banging and squeaking could indicate a serious problem that could impact the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A technician with a good track record is able to spot the problem and plan your furnace repair near me swiftly. In addition they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to give you peace of peace of. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you could void the warranty and be responsible for any damage or injury that results as a result of your DIY efforts.
