How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have used before. They can give you valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than usual, or if you’ve heard unusual sounds. If you’ve not replaced your filter in some time, it may be blocked which could cause airflow issues which can cause the system to overload itself. This could lead to higher energy bills and even damage the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter, which can help maintain the health of your air at home, cut down on energy costs and extend the longevity of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter each month and make sure it’s the right size for the unit you have. The dimensions for your furnace are printed along the edges of your filter. simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter in your inventory to switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Before contacting a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.
Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. You may also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit, or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that your furnace’s age could be an issue. An older system is likely to need repairs, and will run inefficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not increasing the thermostat to reach the same amount of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, it is time to call for repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, can indicate serious problems. 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. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly 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 breaker box. Next take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker off.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the breaker on then you should be able to see whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or does not display any information at all, your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case you can determine if your thermostat is faulty by taping a piece of paper towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issues that hinder them from getting the power they require could be a risk. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker and see if it resolves itself. If it continues to be happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is particularly true if the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker may trip. Most of them are easy to repair. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can hinder airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there isn’t enough power being provided and that they should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to go off. This can happen if the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It’s best to get a professional to take a look if you find any.
It’s possible that the problem is not at all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel needs repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures, and musty smells. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris can block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Before you call a repair company, make sure to check out their work history. You can usually find this information on their website, or ask the technician when you make an appointment. You are more likely to get the expertise you need by choosing a firm that has a long track record.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as all other parts of your furnace for issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some cases the heat exchanger could require replacement if it has been damaged or cracked.
A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive components in your system to repair or replace. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide that needs immediate attention.
Call a professional If you notice any odd or strange noises coming from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect the efficiency of your heating system.
A reliable technician will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they are likely to offer an assurance on their work to give you peace of peace of. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.