How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. However, there are several things to look for to make sure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask for referrals from friends, family members and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than usual, or if you’ve heard strange sounds. If you’ve not replaced your filter for some time, it may be clogged and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t take the time to check it, this could cause high costs and even damage to the unit.
The process of changing your filter is a simple task that will help maintain the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It is recommended to change your filter each month, and ensure it is the right size for the unit you have. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace it if it gets dirty.
Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working properly.
Also, ensure that 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 unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan running to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an issue. A furnace that is older is likely to need more repairs and run inefficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. It’s a good idea seek out an experienced professional to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re increasing the thermostat to get the same level of heat as you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may suggest that your air filter is in need of replacing. Over time, dirty filters may cause your furnace to work harder than it should.
If your furnace is making odd noises it hasn’t experienced before, you must contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a significant issue if the wiring of your thermostat is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then turn the breaker on again.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and turned the breaker on then you should be able to see whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank, or does not show any data at all it means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying an untidy towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a normal thermometer from your household on top of it. Then, you can leave it there for around 20 minutes to examine the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than the one on the thermometer, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are similar the thermostat is probably functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it’s a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue goes away by itself. However, if it keeps happening, you should take action immediately. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is tripping repeatedly, as it indicates a larger problem at hand.
There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are fairly simple to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can hinder 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 or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to make sure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that require a lot of power, such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, this is an indication that they are not being given enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to trip. It can happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s recommended to have a professional examine the area at any loose wires you discover.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to do with your furnace in any way and could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners who do not have the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork, however there is also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that can block airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts sit near the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before calling an repair service, be sure to check out their past work history. This information is usually available on their website or you can inquire with the service provider about their past and expertise when making an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you need.
A professional furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In some instances, the heat exchanger could need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to replace or repair. It’s a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you hear strange or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A technician with a good track record will be able to identify the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me fast. In addition they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to give you peace of assurance. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.