How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. However, there are several things to look for to make sure that your heating system is functioning correctly.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable details regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more frequently than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange sounds it’s an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while it could be blocked and causing issues with airflow, which could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t examine it, it could lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that can help maintain the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s a good idea to change your filter once a month, and ensure it’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions for your furnace are printed on the outside of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get a precise reading. Keep a spare furnace filter handy so that you can change it when yours becomes dirty.
Before calling for an expert, examine your filters to determine whether they’re in the right size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If it’s not, the system will not work and you may encounter unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan running to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that your furnace’s age could be an element. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and run less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. A professional can help you determine the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re raising the thermostat to get the same amount of heat that you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could indicate 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 also a sign that you should contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. This could be a serious issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heat 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.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is functioning properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or does not display any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case you can see if your thermostat is defective by tying an old towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat displays a higher temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are identical the thermostat is working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker, and then see if it resolves itself. If it continues, you should take action immediately to fix the issue. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since it indicates a larger problem at hand.
There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker could be triggered. The majority of them are easy to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also restrict 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 an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to go off. This could happen when the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to inspect the panel for any.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to do with your furnace It could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and odors that are musty. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, however dirt and debris can cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before you call an repair service, be sure you check their work history. It is typically accessible on their website or you can ask the service provider about their past and expertise when scheduling an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A professional furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger as well as all other components of your system for problems. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger may need to be replaced when it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is defective can be extremely costly. It is a crucial component that heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks it could cause carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you notice any odd or unfamiliar sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could indicate a serious problem that could impact the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A technician with a good track record will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. They will also likely offer a guarantee on their work, giving you peace of mind. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you could void your warranty and be liable for any damage or injury that occurs due to your DIY efforts.