How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if your furnace is not working properly. However, there are several factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is working properly.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable information about the company’s services and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace is running a lot more than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds, it might be the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter in awhile and it’s clogged, it could be and causing problems with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the system itself if left unchecked.
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 lifespan of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter each month and make sure it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get an exact reading. It’s important to keep a spare filter on hand to change it out if yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces It’s a sign 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 secured to the frame. If not, the furnace will not work and you may be experiencing odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be a factor. An older system is likely to need more repairs and to run inefficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. It’s recommended to consult a professional with experience to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up the thermostat to get the same amount of heat that you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could indicate that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, it is time to call for repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they are operating correctly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker box. Next take a screwdriver remove the thermostat 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 seem loose and turn the breaker on again.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test to find out if your thermostat may be faulty by taping the towel to the wall near it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, it could indicate that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issues that prevent them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it’s recommended to reset it and see if the problem goes away by itself. However, if it keeps happening, you should address the issue right away. This is particularly true if the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as it indicates a larger problem at hand.
There are a few common reasons that your circuit breaker might trip, and most of them are simple to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filter regularly and ensure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
You might also want to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand like appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power available and that the appliances should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to trip. This could happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s important to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It’s best to have a professional take a look for any.
It’s possible that the issue may not have anything to do with any time with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This can cause drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can block ductwork and limit airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts are near the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure you look up their work history. You will usually find the information on their website or talk to the service provider to confirm an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.
A professional furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger may have to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive parts in your system to repair or replace. It is a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it could cause a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help If you notice any odd or unfamiliar sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking and hissing are all signs of serious issues that could affect the efficiency of your heating system.
A technician with a good reputation will be able detect the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. They’ll also likely offer a guarantee on their work, which gives you peace of assurance. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you might void your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that results as a result of your DIY efforts.