How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing problems, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can provide valuable details about the company’s services and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or you’ve heard strange sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing problems with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, this can cause high costs and even damage to the unit.
It’s easy to change your filter which will help you maintain the health of your air at home, reduce your energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It is recommended to change your filter once a month, and ensure it’s the right size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Before calling for an expert, examine your filters to determine whether they’re in the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working correctly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the door on the bottom is securely securing the frame. 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.
Another thing to think about is that your furnace’s age could be an element. An older system will require more maintenance and run less efficiently. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. Contacting a professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up the thermostat to reach the same amount of heat that you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could suggest that your air filter needs replacing. Over time, dirty filters may make your furnace work harder than it should.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t made before, this is an indication that you should seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat with your circuit breaker box. Next you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, then switch the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see if it is working properly after you’ve connected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by taping a paper towel to the wall near the thermostat, then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. Then, you can leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, it could be a problem. If the readings are consistent your thermostat’s readings, it could be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from receiving the power they need could be a risk. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker and see whether it gets resolved. If it persists you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is especially true when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty or dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they are not getting enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to trip. This can happen when a wire is hot, and causes a surge of electricity that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s important to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you find any, it’s a good idea to call an expert to examine them.
It’s possible that the problem may not have anything to do with all 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 should not be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can hinder the performance of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Find out the history of work of any repair company prior to when you call them. You can typically find the information on their website or talk to the technician when you make an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger and the other parts of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases, the heat exchanger will require replacement when it has cracked or damaged.
A broken heat exchanger is among the most expensive components in your system to replace or repair. It is an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you notice any odd or unusual sounds coming from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A technician with a great reputation will be able detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me fast. They’ll also likely offer a guarantee for their work, giving you peace of assurance. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be liable for any injury or damage that results as a result of your DIY efforts.
