How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. There are some things you can do to make sure that your heating system works properly.
Ask for referrals from family, friends and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable details about the services offered by the company and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than usual, or if you’ve heard unusual sounds. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t check it, this could cause high costs and even damage to the unit.
It’s easy to change your filter which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, lower your energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s recommended to change your filter each month and ensure that it is the right size for the unit you have. The dimensions for your furnace are located along one of the edges of your current filter; simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter on hand so that you can change it when yours becomes dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they are clean and the right size. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. You may also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an element. A furnace that is older is likely to require repairs, and will operate less efficiently. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. A professional can help you determine the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to turn up the thermostat more than you used to for the same heat level, or it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter could need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s a sign that you should call for repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. This could be a major problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t connected correctly or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker back on.
After you’ve connected the wires and switched the switch on and off, you should be able to see whether your thermostat is functioning properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or does not show any information at all the thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a defective 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. Then, you can leave it there for around 20 minutes to check the readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from receiving the power they require could be a risk. One time your furnace trips the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away on its own. If it doesn’t then you should take care to deal with the issue immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps running into trouble, since it indicates an even bigger issue at hand.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker may stop working. The majority of them are easy to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter that can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can limit airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently, and make sure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not getting enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a loose wire. This could happen when the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s important to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you spot any, it’s a good idea to call an expert to take a look at them.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to do with your furnace at all It could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners who do not have the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This can cause drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures, and musty smells. These are all clues that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent problem with ductwork, but there’s also the chance of dirt and debris accumulation which can impede airflow. This is particularly dangerous when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Before calling a repair company, be sure to check out their past work history. You can typically find the information on their website, or ask the repair company when you schedule an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.
A professional furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger, as well as other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger may require replacement in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A broken heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to replace or repair. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaking, it can lead to the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you hear strange or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds of your furnace like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a good track record is able to spot the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me swiftly. In addition they are likely to offer a warranty on their work to give you peace of peace of. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you might void your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that occurs due to your DIY efforts.