How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if your furnace is not working properly. There are a variety of aspects to consider to make sure that your heating system is functioning effectively.
Request recommendations from your 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 experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace has been operating 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 replaced your filter for some time, it may be blocked and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t examine it, this could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
Changing your filter is a simple task that will help maintain healthy air quality within your home, cut down on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter every month and ensure that it is the right size for the unit. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. Keep a spare furnace filter handy so that you can change it if it gets dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. There could be some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling back to cool air rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace could be another factor. A furnace that is older is likely to need more repairs and perform less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. Contacting a professional can assist you in determining if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re turning up the thermostat to reach the same level of heat you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may be a sign that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t made before, this is an indication to seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires have not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a cause for concern. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by turning off your breaker panel. Next you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then turn the breaker on again.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the breaker on, you should be able to see whether your thermostat is functioning correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, this indicates 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 defective thermostat by attaching an untidy towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a normal household thermometer on top of it. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to verify the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat shows more heat than the thermometer, it could be a problem. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue disappears by itself. If it doesn’t you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is especially relevant if the breaker is going off repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker could trip. Most of them are simple to fix. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filters regularly and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being reset, this is an indication that they’re not being given enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a wire that is loose. This can happen if the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you discover any, it’s a good idea to get an expert to inspect them.
It’s possible that the issue has nothing to do at all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel requires repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork, however there is also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that restricts airflow. This can be especially difficult if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call an repair service, be sure to check out their history of work. You can typically find this information on their website or ask the repair company when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to find the expertise you need if you choose a company that has a long track record.
A qualified furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as needed. In some cases the heat exchanger could need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is faulty can be very high. It is an essential part that is responsible for heating the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it can lead to carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.
A technician with a great reputation is able to spot the problem and arrange your furnace repair near me fast. Additionally they’ll likely provide the warranty 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 may also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
