How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. But, there are many things to look for to make sure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously worked with. They may have valuable feedback on the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t changed your filter for some time, it may be blocked and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, lower your energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are located along the edges of the filter you have in place; simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace it if it gets dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should examine your filters to determine whether they’re of the correct size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working correctly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If you don’t, your furnace won’t function. You may also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit or the fan turning back to cool air rather than heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could also be a factor. A furnace that is older is likely to require more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. Consulting 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 turn up the thermostat more than you did before for the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter may require replacement. Over time, dirty filters may cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t made before, it’s a sign that you should call for repair services. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they are operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires have not properly connected or have become disconnected, this could be a problem. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power to the thermostat using your breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine 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. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, then switch the breaker off.
You can check the display of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation you can find out if your thermostat may be defective by tying an old towel to the wall close to it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on top. Then, you can leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to examine the readings of your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing more heat than the thermometer, there could be an issue. If the readings match, your thermostat may be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issues that hinder them from getting the power they require can be dangerous. When your furnace goes off the breaker it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue goes away on its own. However, if it keeps happening, you need to address the issue right away. This is especially true when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may stop working, and the majority of them are simple to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty or dirty filter which can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure you replace your air filters on a regular basis and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there is not enough power being provided and they need to be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could be tripping is a loose wire. This can happen if a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge which can overheat the furnace. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It is recommended to have a professional inspect the panel at any loose wires you discover.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to do with your furnace in any way It could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup which can impede airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit close to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, make sure to check out their work history. You can usually find the information on their website or ask the repair company when you make an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some instances, the heat exchanger might require replacement if it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing an exchanger for heat that is faulty can be very high. It is an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help if you hear any strange or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.
A professional with experience will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they are likely to offer a warranty on their work to provide you with peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any injuries or damages that result from.