How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences issues, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. There are a few things you can do to make sure that your heating system functions properly.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace has been running a lot more than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises it’s an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t replaced your filter for some time, it may be blocked and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, this could result in costly repairs and even damage to the unit.
The process of changing your filter is a straightforward task that can ensure the health of your air in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the life of your system. It is recommended to change your filter every month, and ensure it’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace on the outside of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand to swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job properly.
Also, ensure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame and the safety switch is on. If you don’t, the system won’t function. There could be strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling back to cool air rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace could be another factor. An older system will require more maintenance and will operate less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. Consulting a professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re turning up the thermostat to get the same level of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could indicate that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises that you haven’t heard before, this is an indication that you should contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging can all indicate serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have been disconnected, it could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat by turning off your breaker panel. Next take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re securely connected 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 information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable 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 it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical the thermostat is probably working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker and see whether it gets resolved. However, if it keeps occurring, you must address the issue right away. This is true, especially when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are a variety of reasons why your circuit breaker could be triggered. The majority of them are easy to repair. One is a dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Make sure to change your air filters frequently and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You may also want to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that require a lot of power, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power available and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker’s to trip. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. If you find any issues, it’s best to get a professional to examine the wires.
It’s possible that the problem may not have anything to do with any time with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork. However, there is also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that restricts airflow. This is particularly dangerous when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Check out the work history of any repair company before you contact them. This is typically available on their website or you can inquire with the repair service provider about their past and expertise when making an appointment. You are more likely to get the knowledge you require when you select a company with many years of experience.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as the other components of your furnace for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger may require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
A broken heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to fix or replace. It is a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it can result in an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help if you hear any strange or unfamiliar sounds coming from your furnace. The sounds coming from your furnace such as squeaking and banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a good reputation will be able to identify the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me fast. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, thereby giving you peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any injuries or damages that result from.