How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. There are a few ways to make sure that your heating system works effectively.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They may have valuable feedback about the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace has been running a lot more 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 in some time, it may be clogged which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to overload itself. If you don’t examine it, this could cause high costs and even damage to the system.
Changing your filter is a straightforward task that can ensure the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter monthly and make sure it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions for your furnace are located on the outside of your current filter; simply take it off to get a precise reading. It’s important to keep a spare filter on hand so you can change it out if yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and of the right size. 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 over the frame. If it’s not, the system won’t operate and you may experience some strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is that the age of your furnace could be an issue. A furnace that is older is likely to need more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up your thermostat to achieve the same level of heat that 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 needs replacing. Over time, dirty filters could make your furnace work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, you should also seek out repair assistance. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they are operating properly. This could be a major problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by using your breaker panel. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and look at the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, then turn the breaker on again.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on and off, you should be able to see if your thermostat is working properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or doesn’t show any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a normal household thermometer on top of it. Then, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If your thermostat displays more heat than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from getting the power they require can be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker, and then see whether it can be fixed. If it doesn’t, you should deal with the issue immediately. This is true, especially when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are simple to repair. One is a dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Make sure you replace your air filters on a regular basis and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You might also want to ensure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, this is an indication that they aren’t being given enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may be tripping is a loose wire. It can happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge which can overheat the furnace. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you spot any issues, it’s best to call an expert to inspect the wires.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to have to do with your furnace in any way It could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common problem with ductwork, but there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup that can block airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure to check out their work history. You can typically find the information on their website, or ask the repair company when you schedule an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the knowledge 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 lubricate moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to replace or repair. It is an essential component that heats 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 unfamiliar noises from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. The sounds of your furnace such as squeaking and banging could be a sign of a serious issue that could impact the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a good reputation is able to spot the problem and plan your furnace repair near me swiftly. In addition, they will likely offer a warranty on their work to give you peace of peace of. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
