How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it can be a hassle and even risky. But, there are many things to look for to ensure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair firms that they have previously used. They can give valuable feedback about the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than usual, or if you’ve heard strange sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter in some time, it may be clogged, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the system itself if left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter, which can help you maintain the health of your air at home, lower your energy bills and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter monthly and make sure it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and of the right size. If you see lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.
Also, ensure that 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, 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.
The condition of your furnace could be a factor. An older system will require more maintenance and will operate less effectively. 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 notice that you have to turn up the thermostat higher than you did before in order to reach the same temperature level or that it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter might need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t made before, this is also an indication that you should seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating properly. This could be a serious problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker box. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then turn the breaker on again.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and turned the breaker on then you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is functioning correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank, or does not display any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by attaching a paper towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a regular household thermometer on top it. Then, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to verify the temperature readings on both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If your thermostat displays more heat than the thermometer, it could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are similar, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from getting the power they require can be risky. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker. See whether it can be fixed. If it continues then you should take care to deal with the issue immediately. This is true, especially if the breaker trips repeatedly. This indicates a bigger issue.
There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are simple to fix. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to check whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that require a lot of power like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could be tripping is a wire that is loose. This could happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you find any, it’s a good idea to call a professional to examine the wires.
It is possible that the issue may not have anything to do with anything with your furnace it is more likely that your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other problems can limit the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and odors that are musty. These are all clues to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris may also block ductwork and limit airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit close to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check out the work history of any repair service before you call them. This information is usually available on their website or you can ask the service provider about their past and expertise when you schedule an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the experience you need when you select a company with many years of experience.
A professional furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
A broken heat exchanger is among the most expensive parts in your system to replace or repair. It is an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks, this can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, it’s time to call a repair specialist. Scraping, squeaking, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.
A technician with a good reputation will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, which gives you peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any damages or injuries that result from.