How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. But, there are many factors you can look for to make sure that your heating system is working properly.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends and colleagues about furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can give you valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or you’ve noticed strange noises. If you’ve not replaced your filter in some time, it may be blocked, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the system itself if left unchecked.
Changing your filter is an easy task that can ensure healthy air quality within your home, cut down 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’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located on the outside of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Before calling for a professional, you should look over your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is securely securing the frame. If you don’t, your furnace will not function properly. You may also experience odd symptoms like an overheated unit, or the fan turning back to cool air rather than heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could be another factor. An older system is likely to need more repairs and perform less efficiently. This is due to parts like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s a good idea seek out an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to raise the thermostat more than you used to to achieve the same heat level, or it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that you haven’t heard before, this is an indication that you should contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they are operating correctly. If the thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have been disconnected, it could be a problem. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power supply to the thermostat by using your breakers panel. Next you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker off.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to see if it is working properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned 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 see if your thermostat is faulty by taping a piece of paper towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat displays an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker. See whether it can be fixed. If it continues to be happening, you need to address the issue right away. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is tripping repeatedly, as it indicates an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker might trip. Most of them are simple to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty or dirty filter that can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which could also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being reset, this is an indication that they’re not being given enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could be tripping is a wire that is loose. It can happen when the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It is recommended to get a professional to examine the area at any loose wires you discover.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to do with your furnace It could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home 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 rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris may also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly difficult if the ducts are near to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Review the work history of any repair company before you contact them. This information is usually available on their website or you can inquire with the repair service provider about their past and expertise when you schedule an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you require.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as required. In some instances the heat exchanger might need to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to fix or replace. It’s a crucial component that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it can lead to carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help if you hear any strange or unusual noises coming from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could be a sign of a serious issue that could affect the efficiency of heating.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to give you peace of assurance. You may void your warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You may be held accountable for any injuries or damages that result from.
