How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. However, there are several aspects to consider to make sure that your heating system is functioning properly.
Ask for referrals from friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable information about the company’s services and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is operating more frequently than usual, or you’ve been experiencing strange noises, it might be an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t changed your filter for some time, it may be clogged and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, this can cause high costs and even damage to the unit.
It’s easy to change your filter which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, reduce your expenses on energy and also extend the lifespan of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter every month and make sure it’s the correct size for your unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t doing its job properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If you don’t, your furnace will not operate. You may also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated furnace, or the fan cycling back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could be a factor. A system that is old will likely to require more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. A professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to crank up the thermostat higher than you previously did to achieve the same heat level, or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter could require replacement. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, it is time to call for repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires have not connected properly or have been disconnected, it could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by turning off your circuit breaker panel. Then you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose and turn off the breaker.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to determine if it is working properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data, this 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 scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by attaching an untidy towel to the wall next to your thermostat, and then placing a normal household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If your thermostat shows a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are identical the thermostat is 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 dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker and see if it resolves itself. However, if it keeps happening, you should take action immediately. This is particularly true if the breaker trips repeatedly. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker might trip. Most of them are simple to fix. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You might also want to make sure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power available and that they should be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a wire that is loose. It can happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s important to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you spot any, it’s a good idea to get an expert to take a look at the wires.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to have to do with your furnace in any way, and it may simply be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common problem with ductwork, but there is also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly risky if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before you call an repair service, be sure to check out their past work history. This information is usually available on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their past and expertise when making an appointment. You are more likely to find the knowledge you require if you choose a company with many years of experience.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger and the other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s defective can be extremely costly. It’s a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking, this can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.
A technician with a great reputation will be able to identify the problem and arrange your furnace repair near me fast. In addition, they will likely offer an assurance on their work to provide you with peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any injuries or damages that result from.
