How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it can be a hassle and even risky. However, there are several things to look for to make sure that your heating system is functioning properly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies they have used before. They can give you valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace is running more frequently than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises, it might be time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. This can lead to high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the system itself if left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter, which can help you maintain the health of your air at home, lower your expenses on energy and also extend the longevity of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter once a month, and ensure it’s the correct 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 a spare furnace filter handy so that you can change it when yours becomes dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If not, the furnace will not function and you could be experiencing strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and run less effectively. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Contacting a professional can help you determine if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to turn up the thermostat more than you used to to achieve the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t made before, this is also a sign that you should contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Then, use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover 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 if they seem loose and turn the breaker on again.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to determine whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation then you can determine if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching an old towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on top. After that, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to verify the readings of both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If your thermostat shows more heat than the thermometer, there could be an issue. If the readings are identical the thermostat is functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issue that blocks them from receiving the power they require can be a risk. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. If it continues, you should address the problem immediately. This is especially true if the breaker trips repeatedly. It could indicate a larger issue.
There are a variety of reasons that your circuit breaker may stop working. The majority of them are easy to fix. One is a dirty air filter, which can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter regularly and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
It is also advisable to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that are in high demand like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being reset, this is an indication that they are not being given enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. This is the reason it’s crucial to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to get a professional to take a look at any loose wires you discover.
It is possible that the issue is not at all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and odors that are musty. These are all clues that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before calling an repair service, be sure you check their history of work. You will usually find the information on their website, or ask the service provider when you schedule an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger may need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing an exchanger for heat that is damaged can be quite high. It is an essential component that heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking, this can cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to give you peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.