How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

It can be a hassle and even dangerous when the furnace fails to function properly. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your heating system is operating correctly.

Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair firms that they have previously worked with. They can give valuable feedback about the company and the services it provides.

1. Check Your Filters

It’s time to do an inspection in case 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 long, it could be clogged which could cause airflow issues which can cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t examine it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.

It’s simple to change your filter which can help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, reduce your energy bills and prolong the life of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter each month, and ensure it’s the right size for the unit you have. The dimensions for your furnace are printed along one of the edges of the filter you have in place; simply take it off to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep a spare filter on hand so you can change it out if yours is dirty.

Before calling for an expert, examine your filters to determine whether they’re in the right size and to ensure they’re clean. If you see 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 the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If it’s not, the system will not work and you may be experiencing unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.

Another thing to consider is that the age of your furnace could be a factor. An older system is likely to require more repairs and operate less efficiently. This is due to components like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. Contacting a professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you notice that you are required to raise the thermostat higher than you used to for the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter could need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to work harder over time.

If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t heard before, you must contact a repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, and even scraping, could 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 your thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a problem. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker box. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and look at the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker back on.

Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the switch on and off, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank, or does not show any data whatsoever, your thermostat has lost its power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the case, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying an untidy towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a regular household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, test both the household thermometer and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature reads higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces are powered by electricity, and any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they need could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears on its own. If it continues you must deal with the issue immediately. This is particularly true if the breaker trips repeatedly. This indicates a bigger problem.

There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are simple to repair. One is a dirty air filter that can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also restrict airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters frequently and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.

Check to see if your furnace does not share the same circuit as high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, this is an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.

A loose wire may cause your breaker’s to trip. It can happen when a wire gets hot and creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. If you discover any issues, it’s best to contact a professional to inspect them.

It is possible that the problem is not at all with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, leaking sections, and other problems can limit the performance of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and odors that are musty. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

The most common issue is leaks, however dirt and debris can block ductwork and limit airflow. This can be especially difficult if the ducts are near to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check out the work history of any repair company prior to when you contact them. You can usually find the information on their website or talk to the technician when you schedule an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.

A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger and the other components of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as needed. In some cases the heat exchanger may need to be replaced if it is damaged or cracked.

The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It’s an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it could result in the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.

Get a professional’s help If you hear strange or unusual noises coming from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging 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 arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they are likely to offer a warranty on their work to ensure your peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could be held accountable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.