How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when your furnace is not working properly. But, there are many things to look for to ensure that your heating system is functioning correctly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies that they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable feedback on the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is running a lot more than usual, or you’ve been experiencing strange noises It’s probably the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while it could be blocked and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This could lead to higher energy bills and even damage the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is a straightforward task that can ensure healthy air quality in your home, save on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter each month and ensure it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along one of the edges of your current filter; simply take it off to get a precise reading. You should also keep a spare furnace filter handy to replace it if yours gets dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you see an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If not, the system will not work and you may be experiencing odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that the age of your furnace could be an issue. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will run less effectively. This is due to components such as 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’ve noticed you’re raising the thermostat to reach the same level of heat as you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the 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 that it hasn’t made before, this is an indication to call for repair services. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure 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 using your breakers panel. Next, use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and inspect 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, then turn the breaker on again.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not display any information at all, your thermostat has lost its power and is unable 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. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to check the readings of both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are the same the thermostat is probably functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, therefore any issues that prevent them from getting the power they require could be risky. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker and see whether it gets resolved. If it persists then you should take care to address the problem immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker is constantly tripping. This indicates a bigger problem.
There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can hinder airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters frequently and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
It is also advisable to make sure that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, it’s an indication that they are not receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to go off. It can happen when a wire gets hot, and causes an electric current that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s important to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It’s recommended to have a professional take a look at any loose wires you discover.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel requires 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 may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that limit your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris can block ductwork and limit airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit near the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair service before you contact them. You will usually find this information on their website or talk to the technician to confirm an appointment. You are more likely to find the expertise you need if you choose a company with a long history of success.
A qualified furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as needed. In some instances, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is defective can be extremely costly. It is a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, this can cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help If you notice any odd or unusual sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could be indicative of a serious issue that could impact the efficiency of heating.
A reliable technician can identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they are likely to offer the warranty on their work to provide you with peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could also be liable for any damages or injuries that result from.