How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous when your furnace is not working properly. However, there are several things to look for to make sure that your heating system is working effectively.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more frequently than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange noises it’s the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow, which can cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which will help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, cut down on expenses on energy and also extend the lifespan of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter each month, and ensure it’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions for your furnace are located along one of the edges of your current filter; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Before you call an expert, look over your filters to see if they’re the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. You might also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that your furnace’s age could be an issue. A system that is old will likely to need repairs, and will perform less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. 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 get the same level of heat you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could be a sign that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t before, it’s an indication that you should seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a significant problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker box. Next you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker back on.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve connected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation you can see if your thermostat is faulty by taping a piece of paper towel to the wall next to it, and then putting an ordinary household thermometer on the top. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to examine the readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical the thermostat is functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they require could be a risk. When your furnace goes off the breaker, it’s recommended to reset it and check if the problem goes away on its own. If it continues, you should take action immediately to fix the issue. This is especially relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this indicates that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker might trip. Most of them are simple to repair. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter that can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filters frequently and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being reset, this is an indication that they are not being given enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to trip. This happens when a wire becomes hot, and it creates an electric current that can overheat your furnace. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It’s best to have a professional take a look if you find any.
It is possible that the problem has nothing to do at anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that can hinder the performance of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures, and musty smells. These are all indications to 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 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. You can usually find this information on their website or ask the service provider when you schedule an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger, as well as the other components of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger may need to be replaced when it has been damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is damaged can be quite high. It is an essential component which heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaking, it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you notice any odd or unfamiliar sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A reliable technician will be able to detect the issue and schedule 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. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that may occur due to your DIY efforts.
