How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when the furnace fails to function properly. There are some ways to make sure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can provide valuable details regarding the company’s services as well as the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or if you’ve heard strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This can lead to high costs for energy and can even harm the unit itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that can ensure healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy costs and prolong the life of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter every month and ensure it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along one of the edges of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Before calling for an expert, look over your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the door on the bottom is secured to the frame. If not, the furnace will not work and you may encounter unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an element. A system that is old will likely to need repairs, and will run inefficiently. This is due to parts such as the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. Contacting a professional can help you determine if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re raising the thermostat to reach the same level of heat you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could be a sign that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, it is time to contact a repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, and even scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a major problem if your thermostat’s wiring is not connected properly or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat by using your breaker box. Take off 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 tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker back on.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the breaker on, you will be able to tell if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by taping an old towel to the wall next to your thermostat, and then placing a normal thermometer from your household on top of it. After 20 minutes, test both the household thermometer and thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than the one on the thermometer, it could indicate that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any problems that prevent them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker, it’s an ideal idea to reset it and check whether the issue goes away on its own. If it doesn’t you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is true, especially when the breaker is constantly tripping. It could indicate a larger problem.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker could stop working. The majority of them are simple to repair. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter that can block 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 no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You might also want to make sure that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being reset, this is an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to go off. This could happen when a wire gets hot and creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to examine the area for any.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This can cause drafty rooms, extreme temperatures 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 may also clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is especially difficult if the ducts are near to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check out the work history of any repair company prior to when you contact them. You will usually find the information on their website or talk to the repair company when you make an appointment. You are more likely to get the knowledge you require if you choose a company that has a long track record.
A skilled furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also alter the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger might require replacement if it has been damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is faulty can be very high. It is an essential part that is responsible for heating the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaking, it can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. Scraping, squeaking, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect the efficiency of your heating system.
A reliable technician will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of assurance. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you might void your warranty and be liable for any damage or injury that may occur as a result of your DIY efforts.