How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences issues, it could be inconvenient and even dangerous. However, there are several things to look for to ensure that your heating system is functioning effectively.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can give you valuable information about the services offered by the company and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve heard unusual noises. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t examine it, it could lead to high bills and even damage to the unit.
It’s simple to change your filter, which can help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on expenses on energy and also extend the longevity of your system. It’s a good idea to change your filter once a month and make sure it’s the correct size for the unit you have. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand to switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot 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 secure over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. You might also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated furnace, or the fan turning back to cool air rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace could be another factor. A system that is old will likely to need more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is due to parts such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Consulting a professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to raise the thermostat higher than you used to to achieve the same heat level or that it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that you haven’t heard before, this is a sign that you should contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, and even scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a serious problem if your thermostat’s wiring is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat with your breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure that they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve connected the wires and turned 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 see if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching the towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings match, your thermostat may be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from receiving the power they require could be risky. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker. See if it resolves itself. However, if it keeps occurring, you must address the issue right away. This is especially true if the breaker trips repeatedly. It could indicate a larger problem.
There are a few typical reasons that your circuit breaker might be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to repair. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis and ensure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there is not enough power and that they should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to trip. This can happen when a wire is hot, and causes an electrical surge that could cause your furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s best to get a professional to examine the area at any loose wires you discover.
It’s possible that the problem is not at all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This can result in drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all signs to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, however dirt and debris can clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is particularly dangerous in the case of ducts that are close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Before calling a repair company, make sure you look up their past work history. You can usually find this information on their website, or ask the repair company to confirm an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you need.
A qualified furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if needed. In certain instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is damaged can be quite high. It’s a crucial component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it can result in a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help If you hear strange or strange noises coming from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing are all signs of serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A technician with a good reputation is able to spot the issue and plan your furnace repair near me fast. Additionally, they will likely offer an assurance on their work to provide you with peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You may also be responsible for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.