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 operating properly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have previously worked with. They can give valuable feedback on the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than usual, or if you’ve heard unusual noises. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while, it could be clogged and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high costs for energy and can even harm the system itself if left unchecked.
Changing your filter is a straightforward task that will help maintain the health of your air in your home, help save on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter each month, and ensure it is the right size for your unit. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. You should also keep a spare furnace filter handy so you can replace it if it gets dirty.
Before contacting an expert, examine your filters to determine if they’re the right size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame and that the safety switch is switched on. If it’s not, the system will not work and you may encounter unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan running to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to think about is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an element. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will operate less effectively. This is due to components like the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. A professional can help you determine if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re turning up the thermostat to reach the same level of heat that you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could be a sign 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 is making strange noises it has never made before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a serious issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power to the thermostat by turning off your breaker panel. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then turn off the breaker.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the breaker on and off, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is functioning properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a defective thermostat by taping a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to examine the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical, your thermostat is likely working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issue that blocks them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker it’s an ideal idea to reset it and see whether the issue goes away by itself. If it continues, you should take action immediately to fix the issue. This is particularly true when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are a few typical reasons why your circuit breaker could 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, causing the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Be sure to change your air filter regularly, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking 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 keeps tripping frequently it’s a sign that there is not enough power available and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to go off. This happens when a wire gets hot, and causes a surge of electricity that could cause your furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to check for any 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’s possible that the problem has nothing to do at anything with your furnace it is more likely that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job which should be left to an electrician.
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 hinder your home’s performance. This can cause drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, but dirt and debris can cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is particularly dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Check out the work history of any repair company before you call them. You can typically find the information on their website or talk to the technician 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 as well as the other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger may require replacement if it is damaged or cracked.
A broken heat exchanger is among the most expensive parts in your system to replace or repair. It is a crucial component which heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaking, it can cause a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional if you hear any strange or unusual sounds coming from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A technician with a good reputation will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me swiftly. In addition, they will likely offer an assurance on their work to provide you with peace of mind. You may void your warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.
