How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your heating system works effectively.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable information about the company’s services and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is running a lot more than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises it’s time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter in some time, it may be clogged which could cause airflow issues which can cause the system to overwork itself. This can lead to high costs for energy and can even harm the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter which will help you maintain the health of your air at home, reduce your expenses on energy and also extend the longevity of your system. It’s recommended to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the correct size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located on the outside of your filter. simply measure it to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand so you can change it out if 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 of dust on your furniture or surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.
Also, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame, and that the safety switch is on. If not, the furnace won’t operate and you may encounter strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. An older system is likely to require more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. It’s a good idea seek out an experienced professional to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re increasing your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters can make your furnace work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t made before, this is also an indication that you should call for repair services. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems 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 that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check 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. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not display any data whatsoever it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a regular household thermometer on top it. Then, you can leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to verify the readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than that of the thermometer, it could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical the thermostat is working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issues that hinder them from getting the power they require can be a risk. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker and see whether it can be fixed. If it persists then you should take care to address the problem immediately. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this suggests that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are a variety of reasons that your circuit breaker could stop working. Most of them are easy to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Make sure to change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker’s to trip. This happens when a wire becomes hot, and it creates an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you discover any issues, it’s best to call an expert to inspect them.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to be related to your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all clues that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is particularly risky in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Check out the work history of any repair service before you contact them. You can typically find this information on their website or ask the repair company when you make an appointment. You are more likely to find the experience you need by choosing a firm that has a long track record.
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 adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger might have to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to repair or replace. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, this can cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. Scraping, squeaking and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect the efficiency of your heating system.
A professional with experience will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely offer a guarantee for their work, thereby giving you peace of mind. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you might void your warranty and be liable for any harm or injury that results because of your DIY efforts.