How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a variety of factors you can look for to make sure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve heard unusual noises. If you’ve not replaced your filter for some time, it may be clogged which could cause airflow issues which can cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t examine it, this can lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
Change your filter is a straightforward task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the life of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the right size for the unit you have. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace it if yours gets dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and the right size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job properly.
Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secure over the frame, and that the safety switch is turned on. 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.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. A system that is old will likely to need 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 seek out 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 turning up your thermostat to achieve the same level of heat you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could indicate that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises it has never made before, you must seek out repair assistance. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by turning off your breakers panel. Next, use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, and then switch the breaker off.
After you’ve connected the wires and turned the breaker on and off, you should be able to see whether your thermostat is operating correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank, or doesn’t show any information at all it means that your thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by attaching a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a regular household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from getting the power they need could be a risk. One time your furnace trips the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears by itself. If it’s still happening, you should address the issue right away. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are a few common reasons that your circuit breaker might stop working, and the majority of them are simple to fix. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another 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.
It is also advisable to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that require a lot of power, such as appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power being provided and that they should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to trip. This happens when a wire is hot, and causes an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s important to look for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to contact an expert to examine them.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to have to do with your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is a task that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other issues can impede the performance of your home. This can result in drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty odors. These are all indications that you need 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 which can impede airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts are near the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company prior to when you contact them. It is typically accessible on their website or you can inquire with the repair service provider about their history and experience when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to get the expertise you need by choosing a firm that has a long track record.
A skilled furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In some cases the heat exchanger may require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is faulty can be very high. It is a crucial component that heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it can lead to a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you notice any odd or unusual sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A technician with a good track record is able to spot the problem and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly. They may also offer a guarantee for their work, giving you peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You could be held accountable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.