How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. There are some things you can do to make sure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Request recommendations from your 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 your furnace is running more frequently than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises, it might be the time to do a quick inspection. If you’ve not replaced your filter in a while, it could be clogged which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t examine it, it could lead to high bills and even damage to the unit.
Change your filter is a simple task that can ensure the health of your air in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the life of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the correct size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located along one of the edges of your filter. simply take it off to get a precise reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter on hand to swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling an expert to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or other surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the bottom door is securely securing the frame. If you don’t, your furnace will not operate. There could be strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit, or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. A furnace that is older is likely to require repairs, and will run inefficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. A professional can assist you in determining the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to turn up the thermostat more than you used to to achieve the same heat level or that it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter could need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that you haven’t heard before, this is a sign that you should seek out repair services. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. This could be a serious problem if the wiring on your thermostat is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power supply to the thermostat by turning off your breakers panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure that they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose and switch the breaker off.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the breaker on and off, you should be able to see if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data whatsoever, your thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a faulty thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, test both the household thermometer and thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, it could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from receiving the power they need could be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips 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 when the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are a few typical reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working, and the majority of them are fairly simple to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter which can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Make sure to change your air filters regularly and ensure 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 and your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not getting enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker’s to trip. It can happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you find any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to contact an expert to inspect the wires.
It is possible that the problem is not at all with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that can hinder the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all clues to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the chance of dirt and debris buildup that restricts airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts sit near to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair service before you contact them. You can typically find the information on their website or ask the service provider when you schedule an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the knowledge you require by choosing a firm with many years of experience.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as the other components of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it is cracked or damaged.
A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to replace or repair. It’s a crucial component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it could result in a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you hear strange or unusual sounds coming from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A reliable technician will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They will also likely provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of mind. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you could void your warranty and be liable for any injury or damage that occurs as a result of your DIY efforts.