How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

When a home furnace experiences issues, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. There are a variety of aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is functioning properly.

Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can give valuable feedback about the business and its services.

1. Check Your Filters

It’s time to do an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or you’ve heard strange noises. If you’ve not replaced your filter for long, it could be blocked and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t examine it, it could lead to high bills and even damage to the unit.

Change your filter is a simple task that can ensure the health of your air in your home, save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It is recommended to change your filter every month and ensure that it is the right size for the unit you have. The dimensions of your furnace are located along one of the edges of the filter you have in place; simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can switch it out if the one you have is dirty.

Check your filters before calling an expert to ensure they are 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 performing its job properly.

Also, make sure that the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If it’s not, the system won’t operate and you may be experiencing odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan running to cool the air instead of heating it up.

Another thing to consider is that your furnace’s age could be an issue. An older system is likely to require more repairs and run inefficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. Contacting a professional can help you determine if it’s time for a new system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you notice that you are required to raise the thermostat higher than you previously did to achieve the same heat level or that it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter might require replacement. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to work harder over time.

If your furnace makes strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, you must call for repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, could indicate serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.

Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. This could be a major problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat by using your breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose and turn off the breaker.

You can examine the screen of your thermostat to determine whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the case, you can test to find out if your thermostat may be defective by tying a piece of paper towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on the top. After that, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to examine the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat shows a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are identical the thermostat is probably functioning correctly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from getting the power they need could be risky. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it can be fixed. If it continues you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is particularly true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It indicates a bigger problem.

There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker could be triggered. Most of them are simple to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can limit airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.

You might also want to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand, such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.

Another reason why your breaker could not be working is a loose wire. It can happen when the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. This is why it’s important to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It is recommended to get a professional to inspect the panel at any loose wires you discover.

It’s possible that the problem may not have anything to do with anything with your furnace instead, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by home owners without the right experience.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, leaking sections, and other problems can limit the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all clues that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.

The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris can cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is particularly dangerous if your ducts are located close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.

Before you call a repair company, be sure you look up their work history. It is typically accessible on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their history and experience when scheduling an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.

A skilled furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as needed. In some instances, the heat exchanger may require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.

A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive components of your system to repair or replace. It’s an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.

Call a professional If you notice any odd or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could be indicative of a serious issue that could impact its heating capabilities.

A technician with a great reputation will be able detect the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly. In addition they are likely to offer the warranty on their work to give you peace of peace of. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you could void the warranty and be responsible for any injury or damage that results as a result of your DIY efforts.