How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it could be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a variety of things to look for to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than usual, or if you’ve heard strange sounds. If you haven’t changed 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 result in high costs for energy and can even harm the system itself if left unchecked.
Change your filter is a straightforward task that can ensure the health of your air in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are located along the edges of your current filter; simply take it off to get an accurate reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so that you can change it if yours gets dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and of the right size. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If you don’t do this, the system will not operate. There could be strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit, or the fan cycling back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that the age of your furnace could be a factor. An older system is likely to require more repairs and perform less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings start to 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’ve noticed that you’re not raising your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat as you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, it is time to call for repair service. Scraping, squeaking and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires are 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, shut off the power supply to the thermostat using your breakers panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then switch the breaker off.
You can check the display of your thermostat to see whether it’s working as intended after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, it 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 situation you can determine if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching a piece of paper towel to the wall near it, and then putting an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If your thermostat is showing more heat than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are consistent your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, therefore any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they need could be risky. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it’s a good idea to reset it and check if the problem goes away on its own. If it persists you must deal with the issue immediately. This is especially relevant if the breaker is going off repeatedly, as it indicates an issue that is more serious.
There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker may trip. The majority of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts that can also restrict 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.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, this is an indication that they are not being given enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to trip. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is the reason it’s crucial to look for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to contact an expert to inspect them.
It is possible that the issue is not at anything with your furnace it is more likely that your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This can cause drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, however dirt and debris may also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is especially dangerous when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can 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 expertise that you need.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger as well as the other components of your furnace to determine if there are any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In some instances the heat exchanger might require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to fix or replace. It is an essential component which heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking it can lead to carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you hear strange or unfamiliar noises coming from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect your heating functionality.
A technician with a great reputation will be able detect the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. In addition they are likely to offer an assurance on their work to give you peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could be held accountable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.