How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it can be a hassle and even risky. There are some ways to ensure that your heating system works properly.
Ask your friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have used before. They may have valuable feedback about the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is running a lot more than usual or you’ve been hearing strange sounds it’s an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t replaced your filter for some time, it may be clogged, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
Change your filter is a simple task that can help maintain the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure that it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. Keep an extra furnace filter on hand to replace it when yours becomes dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working properly.
Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If not, the system will not work and you may be experiencing odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. A system that is old will likely to require more repairs and to run inefficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. It’s a good idea contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to crank up the thermostat more than you previously did to achieve the same heat level, or it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter might require replacement. Over time, dirty filters could make your furnace work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s a sign that you should contact a repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, and even scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible 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 your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and look at the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to determine whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data whatsoever, your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by taping an old towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a normal household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are similar the thermostat is probably functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, therefore any issues that prevent them from getting the power they require can be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker, and then see if it resolves itself. If it persists you must address the problem immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps running into trouble, since it indicates a larger problem at hand.
There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are fairly simple to repair. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter which can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can limit airflow. Make sure to change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, it’s an indication that they are not getting enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker’s to trip. This can happen when a wire is hot and creates an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s recommended to have a professional inspect the panel if you find any.
It is possible that the issue may not have anything to do with all with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by home owners without the proper 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 can hinder the performance of your home. This can cause drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that can block airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Find out the history of work of any repair company prior to when you contact them. This information is usually available on their website or you can inquire with the repair service provider about their past and expertise when making an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you require.
A qualified furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases, the heat exchanger will require replacement when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it can result in an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. The sounds of your furnace like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could affect the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A technician with a good track record will be able detect the problem and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly. They’ll also likely offer a guarantee on their work, giving you peace of mind. It is possible to void the warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may also be liable for any damages or injuries that result from.