How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it can be a hassle and even risky. There are a few ways to make sure that your heating system functions correctly.
Ask for referrals from family, friends and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can give you valuable information about the company’s services and customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or you’ve heard strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while, it could be clogged, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the system itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter, which can help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, lower your energy costs and extend the longevity of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter every month and ensure it’s the correct size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get a precise reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory to switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Before you call an expert, examine your filters to determine if they’re the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you see a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.
Also, make sure that the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame and the safety switch is switched on. If not, the system won’t operate and you may experience some unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could also be a factor. An older furnace will require more repairs and will run less efficiently. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Contacting a professional can assist you in determining the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to crank up the thermostat more than you previously did in order to reach the same temperature level or it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter could need to be replaced. Over time, dirty filters can force your furnace to perform more than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, you must contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat is not connected properly or has become disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat by using your breakers panel. Next you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, and then turn off the breaker.
You can check the display of your thermostat to see if it is working properly after you’ve connected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data at all, your thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test to find out if your thermostat may be defective by tying a piece of paper towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on the top. After that, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to verify the readings of both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are similar, your thermostat is likely functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from receiving the power they require can be risky. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears by itself. If it continues then you should take care to take action immediately to fix the issue. This is especially relevant if the breaker is going off repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are a few typical 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 block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Be sure to change your air filter regularly, and make sure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power available and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may keep tripping is a loose wire. This could happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge that could cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to have a professional take a look at any loose wires you discover.
It is possible that the problem may not have anything to do with anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners who do not have the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can impede the performance of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all clues to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that can block airflow. This is particularly dangerous when your ducts are situated close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Check out the work history of any repair service before you contact them. You will usually find the 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 knowledge that you require.
A qualified furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases, the heat exchanger will have to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is faulty can be very high. It is a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks, this can cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help if you hear any strange or unfamiliar noises coming from your furnace. The sounds of your furnace such as squeaking and banging could indicate a serious problem that could compromise the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They will also likely offer a guarantee on their work, thereby giving you peace of assurance. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
