How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences problems, it can be a hassle and even risky. There are a few ways to make sure that your heating system works correctly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies that they have previously used. They can provide valuable details about the company’s services and customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than usual, or if you’ve heard unusual noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter in awhile and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t examine it, this can lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
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 longevity of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter each month and ensure it’s the correct size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are located along the edges of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. Keep a spare furnace filter handy to replace it if it gets dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should 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 dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If not, the furnace will not work and you may be experiencing odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan running to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is that your furnace’s age could be an element. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and will run less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. It’s a good idea seek out an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to raise the thermostat higher than you did before for the same heat level, or it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter could require replacement. Over time, dirty filters may cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace makes strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could indicate serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a major problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your breakers panel. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and inspect the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then turn off the breaker.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see whether it’s working as intended after you’ve connected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation you can determine if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching a piece of paper towel to the wall near it, and then putting an ordinary household thermometer on the top. Then, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be an issue. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be 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 could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it’s an ideal idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears on its own. If it doesn’t then you should take care to address the problem immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker is constantly tripping. This indicates a bigger issue.
There are several common reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are simple to fix. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You may also want to ensure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand like power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped, it is an indication that there isn’t enough power and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a wire that is loose. This happens when a wire becomes hot, and it creates a surge of electricity which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s best to have a professional examine the area if you find any.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to have to do with your furnace It could be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is a job which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that limit your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that restricts airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts are close to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure to check out their work history. This information is usually available on their website, or you can ask the service provider about their background and experience when you schedule an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger as well as the other components of your furnace for issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger will have to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components of your system to replace or repair. It is an essential part which heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, this can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional if you hear any strange or strange noises emanating from your furnace. The sounds coming from your furnace like squeaking or banging could be a sign of a serious issue that could compromise the efficiency of heating.
A reputable technician will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They may also offer a guarantee for their work, giving you peace of mind. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
