How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if your furnace is not working properly. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask for referrals from family, friends and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable information about the company’s services and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve heard unusual sounds. If you’ve not replaced your filter for a while, it could be blocked, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t check it, this can lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
It’s simple to change your filter which can help maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on expenses on energy and also extend the life of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter once a month, and ensure it is the right size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along one of the edges of your current filter; simply take it off to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand so you can change it out if yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and the correct size. If you see lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the door on the bottom is securely securing the frame. If it’s not, the system will not function and you could encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace could be a factor. A system that is old will likely to require more repairs and perform less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to crank up the thermostat more than you used to in order to reach the same temperature level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter may require replacement. Over time, dirty filters can force your furnace to work harder than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, it is time to call for repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, and even scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating properly. This could be a major problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power supply to the thermostat by turning off your breakers panel. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and look at the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then turn the breaker on again.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to determine 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, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation you can find out if your thermostat may be defective by tying an old towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat is showing more heat than the thermometer, it could be a problem. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from obtaining the power they require can be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker and see whether it can be fixed. If it continues to be happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is especially true if the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as it indicates an even bigger issue at hand.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker may be triggered. The majority of them are simple to fix. One is a dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can limit airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, this is an indication that they aren’t being given enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to go off. It can happen when a wire becomes hot, and it creates an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It is recommended to get a professional to inspect the panel if you find any.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to be related to your furnace in any way and could be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This can cause drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent problem with ductwork, but there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly difficult if the ducts are close to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check out the work history of any repair company before you call them. This information is usually available on their website or you can inquire with the service provider about their background and experience when making an appointment. You are more likely to find the knowledge you require when you select a company that has a long track record.
A skilled furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In certain instances the heat exchanger might have to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is among the most expensive parts in your system to fix or replace. It is a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it can cause the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help if you hear any strange or strange sounds coming from your furnace. The sounds coming from your furnace such as squeaking and banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could affect the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They will also likely offer a guarantee for their work, thereby giving you peace of mind. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could be held accountable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.