How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. There are a variety of factors you can look for to make sure that your heating system is functioning effectively.

Ask for recommendations from friends, family members and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can give you valuable information about the services offered by the company and customer service.

1. Check Your Filters

If your furnace is running a lot more than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange noises It’s probably time for a quick check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in long, it could be clogged which could cause airflow issues which can cause the system to work harder than it should. This could lead to higher costs for energy and can even harm the unit itself if left unchecked.

It’s easy to change your filter, which will help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, reduce your energy costs and extend the longevity of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter every month, and ensure it’s the right size for your unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply measure it to get a precise reading. Keep a spare furnace filter handy to replace it when yours becomes dirty.

Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they’re clean and the right size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.

Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If not, the furnace will not work and you may encounter strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan running to cool air instead of heating it up.

The age of your furnace may also be a factor. An older system is likely to need more repairs and to 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 notice that you have to crank up the thermostat more than you previously did to achieve the same heat level or that it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter might need to be replaced. Over time, dirty filters may cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.

If your furnace is making strange noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s an indication that you should contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.

Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure they’re operating properly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a problem. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your breakers panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, then turn off the breaker.

You can check the display of your thermostat to see if it is working properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not display any data at all it means that your thermostat has lost its power and is not able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the case you can find out if your thermostat may be faulty by taping a piece of paper towel to the wall next to it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning correctly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issue that blocks them from obtaining the power they require can be a risk. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it can be fixed. If it persists you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is particularly true if the breaker keeps running into trouble, since this indicates that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.

There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker may stop working. Most of them are simple to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also limit airflow. Be sure to change your air filter regularly, and make sure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.

Check to see if your furnace does not share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power and that they should be provided with their own circuit.

Another reason why your breaker could be tripping is a wire that is loose. It can happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that could cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It is recommended to have a professional take a look at any loose wires you discover.

It’s possible that the issue is not at anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job for an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without the right experience.

4. Check Your Ductwork

The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and odors that are musty. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.

Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the chance of dirt and debris accumulation that can block airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts are close to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Review the work history of any repair company before you contact them. It is typically accessible on their website, or you can ask the repair service provider about their background and experience when you schedule an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the knowledge you require if you choose a company that has a long track record.

A professional furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your system for problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger may require replacement if it is damaged or cracked.

A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive components in your system to fix or replace. It’s a crucial component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.

If you hear any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. The sounds coming from your furnace like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could affect the efficiency of heating.

A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to give you peace of assurance. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be held accountable for any harm or injury that results as a result of your DIY efforts.