How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing problems, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that your heating system functions properly.
Ask for referrals from friends, family members and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They may have valuable feedback about the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange noises. If you’ve not replaced your filter for some time, it may be clogged and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overload itself. This could lead to higher costs for energy and can even harm the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter, which can help maintain a healthy air quality at home, reduce your energy bills and prolong the longevity of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the correct size for your unit. The dimensions for your furnace are located along one of the edges of your current filter; simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace 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 that they’re clean. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is securely securing the frame. If it’s not, the system will not work and you may be experiencing odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan running to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. A furnace that is older is likely to need more repairs and operate less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will 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 you’re raising the thermostat to get the same amount of heat as you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could indicate that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it hasn’t experienced before, you should also seek out repair assistance. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires have not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker panel. Take off the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then turn off the breaker.
You can check the display of your thermostat to determine if it is working properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or doesn’t show any data at all the thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test to determine if your thermostat is defective by tying a piece of paper towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads 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, and any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they need could be a risk. When your furnace goes off the breaker it is recommended to reset it and check whether the issue disappears on its own. If it continues you must address the problem immediately. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are a variety of reasons why your circuit breaker may trip. The majority of them are easy to repair. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure you replace your air filters on a regular basis and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You might also want to check that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that are in high demand like appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped, it is an indication that there is not enough power available and they need to be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could not be working is a loose wire. This happens when a wire becomes hot and creates an electric current which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to inspect the panel for any.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and should not be attempted by home owners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that can hinder the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and odors that are musty. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris may also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts sit close to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair service before you contact them. It is typically accessible on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their background and experience when making 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 the other components of your furnace for problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
A broken heat exchanger is among the most expensive parts in your system to replace or repair. 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 result in a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating functionality.
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 the warranty on their work to give you peace of assurance. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you could void the warranty and be responsible for any harm or injury that results as a result of your DIY efforts.