How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing problems, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your heating system works correctly.
Ask for referrals from friends, family and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can give valuable feedback about the business and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace has been operating more frequently than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises, it might be time for a quick check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it could be clogged and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t check it, this can lead to high bills and even damage to the unit.
It’s easy 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 generally recommended to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions for your furnace are printed along the edges of your current filter; simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory to switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Before contacting an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t doing its job properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is securely securing the frame. If you don’t do this, the system will not operate. You may also experience odd symptoms like an overheated furnace, or the fan reversing back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is that the age of your furnace could be an element. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and run less effectively. This is due to parts such as the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s a good idea to contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not increasing your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may indicate that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t before, this is a sign that you should call for repair services. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. If the thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have been disconnected, it could be a cause for concern. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power supply to the thermostat using your breaker panel. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and inspect the wiring. Locate 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 and turn the breaker on again.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the switch on then you should be able to determine if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, it 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 then you can see if your thermostat is faulty by taping an old towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After that, leave it there for around 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be a problem. If the readings are similar the thermostat is probably functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from receiving the power they require can be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker it’s recommended to reset it and see whether the issue goes away on its own. If it persists, you should address the problem immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker could stop working. The majority of them are simple to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter that can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters frequently and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, this is an indication that they are not receiving enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to go off. This happens when a wire is hot and creates an electric current that can overheat your furnace. It is important to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. It is recommended to get a professional to examine the area at any loose wires you discover.
It’s possible that the issue may not have anything to do with anything with your furnace instead, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a task that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This can result in drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup that restricts airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Check out the work history of any repair company prior to when you call them. This is typically available on their website or you can inquire with the service provider about their past and expertise when making an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as the other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is damaged can be quite high. It’s an essential component 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 a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you notice any odd or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.
A reliable technician can identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they are likely to offer the warranty on their work to provide you with peace of mind. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you could void your warranty and be held accountable for any injury or damage that may occur as a result of your DIY efforts.