How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if your furnace is not working properly. But, there are many factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve heard strange sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter in awhile, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. This could lead to higher energy bills and even damage the unit itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that can ensure healthy air quality within your home, cut down on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It is recommended to change your filter each month and make sure it’s the correct size for the unit you have. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can change it out if yours is dirty.
Before contacting a professional, you should look over your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If not, the furnace won’t operate and you may encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace could also be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will run less effectively. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. It’s a good idea seek out an experienced professional to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not raising the thermostat to get the same level of heat that you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could indicate that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it has never made before, you must call for repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If the thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a cause for concern. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat by using your breakers box. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose and turn off the breaker.
You can check the display of your thermostat to check whether it’s working as intended after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not show any data at all it means that your thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by taping a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a standard thermometer from your household on top of it. After that, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat shows an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are in line, your thermostat may be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from receiving the power they need could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away by itself. If it doesn’t then you should take care to address the problem immediately. This is true, especially when the breaker keeps tripping. It could indicate a larger issue.
There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working. Most of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty or dirty filter that blocks airflow, causing the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also limit airflow. Be sure to change your air filter regularly and ensure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
You might also want to ensure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances, such as appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, this is an indication that they’re not being given enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This could happen when the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. This is why it’s essential to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you discover any issues, it’s best to call an expert to inspect them.
It is possible that the problem has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by homeowners who do not have the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is especially dangerous if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Review the work history of any repair company before you call them. You can usually find the information on their website, or ask the technician when you schedule an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger and the other parts of your furnace for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger may need to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A broken heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components of your system to replace or repair. It is a crucial component that heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it could cause a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you notice any odd or unusual noises coming from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes such as squeaking and banging could indicate a serious problem that could compromise its heating capabilities.
A reputable technician will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to provide you with peace of assurance. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any damages or injuries that result from.