How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. However, there are several things to look for to make sure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family members and colleagues on furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can give valuable feedback about the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or you’ve noticed strange sounds. If you’ve not replaced your filter in some time, it may be clogged which could cause airflow issues which could 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 it is left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which can help maintain a healthy air quality at home, cut down on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter every month and make sure it’s the correct size for your system. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. It’s important to keep a spare filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Before you call an expert, check your filters to see 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, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t, the system will not function properly. You may also experience odd symptoms like an overheated unit, or the fan reversing back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that the age of your furnace could be a factor. A furnace that is older is likely to require more repairs and operate less efficiently. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. It’s a good idea contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to turn up the thermostat more than you previously did for the same heat level, or it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter may require replacement. Over time, dirty filters may make your furnace work harder than it should.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, you must call for repair service. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they are operating correctly. This could be a significant problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat by using your breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation you can find out if your thermostat may be defective by tying an old towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If your thermostat is showing a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are similar, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any problems that prevent them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue goes away by itself. If it persists you must address the problem immediately. This is especially relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this indicates that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are a few common reasons that your circuit breaker might stop working, and the majority of them are relatively easy to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances like appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being reset, this is an indication that they are not receiving enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may not be working is a loose wire. This can happen if the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you spot any, it’s a good idea to call an expert to examine them.
It’s possible that the issue is not at anything with your furnace instead, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other problems can limit the performance of your home. This can cause drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork, however there is also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that can block airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Before you call a repair company, make sure you check their work history. You can usually find the information on their website, or ask the technician when you schedule an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger could need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is defective can be extremely costly. It’s an essential component that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking it could cause carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should call a repair specialist. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging could indicate a serious problem that could impact its heating capabilities.
A technician with a great reputation will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You may be held accountable for any injuries or damages that result from.