How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when the furnace fails to function properly. But, there are many factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have used before. They can give valuable feedback about the business and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace has been operating more frequently than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises it’s time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter in some time, it may be blocked and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overwork itself. This can lead to high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter, which can help maintain a healthy air quality at home, reduce your energy bills and prolong the life of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter each month, and ensure it is the right size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply measure it to get a precise reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so that you can change it if yours gets dirty.
Before contacting an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or other surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
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, the system will not function properly. You may also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated furnace, 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 require more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. Contacting a professional can assist you in determining the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could be a sign that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t made before, it’s an indication to seek out repair services. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power supply to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose and turn the breaker on again.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and turned the breaker on, you should be able to see if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case then you can determine if your thermostat is defective by tying an old towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature reads higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from receiving the power they require could be risky. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker. See if it resolves itself. If it continues you must deal with the issue immediately. This is particularly when the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker could be triggered. The majority of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You might also want to ensure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there isn’t enough power being provided and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to go off. It can happen when a wire gets hot and creates an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. It is important to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. It is recommended to get a professional to inspect the panel for any.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to do with your furnace at all and could be that your electrical panel is in need of a 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 issues can hinder the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris may also clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Find out the history of work of any repair service before you contact them. You will usually find the information on their website or ask the repair company when you make an appointment. You are more likely to get the knowledge you require by choosing a firm that has a long track record.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as all other parts of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger may require replacement when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing an exchanger for heat that is faulty can be very high. It’s an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it can cause a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating functionality.
A reputable technician can identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, which gives you peace of peace of. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that results because of your DIY efforts.