How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be a hassle and even risky. There are some ways to ensure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can provide valuable feedback on the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange sounds. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while, it could be clogged, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the system itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is a straightforward task that will help maintain the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy costs and prolong the life of your system. It’s recommended to change your filter each month and make sure it’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions for your furnace are located along the edges of the filter you have in place; simply take it off to get a precise reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter on hand so you can replace it if it gets dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If you don’t, your furnace won’t function. You might also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan reversing back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an element. An older system is likely to require repairs, and will perform less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. It’s recommended to seek out an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to crank up the thermostat higher than you did before for the same heat level or that it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, you should also contact a repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires have not properly connected or have become disconnected, this could be a cause for concern. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat with your breakers box. 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 they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose and turn the breaker on again.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to see whether it’s working as intended after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation then you can determine if your thermostat is defective by tying the towel to the wall close to it, and then putting an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature reads higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings match the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from getting the power they need could be risky. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See if it resolves itself. If it continues to be happening, you need to fix the issue immediately. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. This indicates a bigger issue.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker might stop working. Most of them are easy to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which could also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power available and they need to be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker’s to trip. This happens when a wire gets hot, and causes an electrical surge that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s essential to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you find any issues, it’s best to get an expert to take a look at the wires.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to be related to your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by home owners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other problems can limit the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications 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 debris and dirt buildup that restricts airflow. This is particularly difficult if the ducts are near to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company before you call them. You can typically find the information on their website or talk to the repair company to confirm an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you need.
A qualified furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In certain instances the heat exchanger may require replacement in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is among the most expensive parts in your system to replace or repair. 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, it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional if you hear any strange or unfamiliar noises coming from your furnace. The sounds of your furnace such as squeaking and banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could affect its heating capabilities.
A technician with a good reputation will be able detect the problem and plan your furnace repair near me fast. They may also offer a guarantee for their work, thereby giving you peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.