How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences problems, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. But, there are many things to look for to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have previously used. They can provide valuable information about the services offered by the company and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more frequently than usual or you’ve been hearing strange sounds, it might be the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while it could be blocked and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t examine it, this could cause high costs and even damage to the unit.
It’s simple to change your filter, which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, lower your energy costs and extend the life of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter once a month and make sure it’s the correct size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along 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 to switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Check your filters before calling an expert to ensure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job properly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the door on the bottom is secured to the frame. If it’s not, the system won’t operate and you may encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace could be another factor. An older system is likely to require repairs, and will run inefficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. It’s a good idea to seek out an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to crank up the thermostat more than you used to for the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it has never made before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, there could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat using your circuit breaker box. Then take a screwdriver remove the thermostat’s cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, and then turn off the breaker.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s working as intended after you’ve connected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat shows an increase in temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issue that blocks them from getting the power they require could be a risk. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker. See whether it can be fixed. If it continues to be happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is especially true when the breaker keeps tripping. It could indicate a larger issue.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker could trip, and most of them are relatively easy to fix. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which could also hinder airflow. Be sure to change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking 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 tripped it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power available and they need to be given their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to trip. This could happen when the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge that could cause the furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you find any, it’s a good idea to get an expert to take a look at the wires.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to do with your furnace in any way, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a 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 may develop leaks, broken 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 that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the chance of dirt and debris buildup that restricts airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Before calling a repair company, make sure to check out their past work history. You can typically find this information on their website, or ask the repair company when you schedule an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you need.
A skilled furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger might need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to fix or replace. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it could cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could impact the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they are likely to offer an assurance on their work to provide you with peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You could be held accountable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.