How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. There are some steps you can take to ensure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Ask your friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously used. They can give you valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than usual, or if you’ve heard unusual noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter in long, it could be blocked which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t examine it, this could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
It’s simple to change your filter which can help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, reduce your energy bills and prolong the life of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the correct size for your unit. The dimensions for your furnace are printed along one of the edges of your filter. simply measure it to get a precise reading. Keep a spare furnace filter handy so you can replace it if it gets dirty.
Before calling for a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you see an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the door on the bottom is securely securing the frame. If you don’t, your furnace won’t function. There could be some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit, or the fan turning back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an issue. An older system is likely to require more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. It’s a good idea to contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not increasing the thermostat to get the same level of heat that you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could be a sign that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters may cause your furnace to perform more than it should.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t before, this is a sign that you should contact a repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they are operating correctly. This could be a serious problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat with your breaker box. Then take a screwdriver take off the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, then turn the breaker on again.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation you can determine if your thermostat is faulty by taping a piece of paper towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After that, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to examine the temperature readings on both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away on its own. If it doesn’t, you should address the problem immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are fairly simple to fix. One of them is a dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power and that they should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to trip. It can happen when a wire gets hot, and causes an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It’s best to have a professional take a look if you find any.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to do with your furnace in any way and could be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and should not be attempted by home owners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork, however there’s also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup that restricts airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before calling a repair company, make sure you look up their work history. You can usually find the information on their website, or ask the service provider when you make an appointment. You are more likely to get the experience you need if you choose a company with a long history of success.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In some cases the heat exchanger may need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It’s a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, this can cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
Contact a professional if you hear any strange or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds of your furnace like banging and squeaking could indicate a serious problem that could compromise the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A technician with a good track record is able to spot the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly. In addition they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to ensure your peace of peace of. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you could void the warranty and be responsible for any injury or damage that may occur due to your DIY efforts.
