How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. But, there are many aspects to consider to make sure that your heating system is operating properly.

Ask your friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have used before. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and its services.

1. Check Your Filters

If you’ve noticed your furnace has been running more frequently than usual, or you’ve been experiencing strange noises, it might be time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while it could be blocked and causing problems with airflow. This could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t check it, it could cause high costs and even damage to the system.

It’s easy to change your filter which can help maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on energy costs and extend the longevity of your system. It’s a good idea to change your filter once a month, and ensure it is the right size for your unit. The dimensions for your furnace are printed on the outside of your filter. simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter on hand to swap it out when yours is dirty.

Check your filters before calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and of the right size. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job properly.

Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame, and that the safety switch is switched on. If you don’t, the system will not function properly. You might also experience odd symptoms like an overheated furnace, or the fan cycling back to cool air rather than heating it up.

The age of your furnace could be a factor. A furnace that is older is likely to require more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. A professional can assist you in determining if it’s time for a new system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you’ve noticed you’re increasing the thermostat to get the same amount of heat as you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could suggest that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.

If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t made before, this is also an indication that you should seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking and banging could be indicators of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they are operating correctly. This could be a major problem if the wiring on your thermostat is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat by turning off your breakers panel. Next you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, and then turn the breaker on again.

After you’ve reconnected the wires and turned the breaker on then you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.

If this is the case then you can see if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching a piece of paper towel to the wall near it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on top. After that, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to verify the readings of both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than that of the thermometer, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are the same the thermostat is functioning properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces require electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker and see whether it can be fixed. If it’s still occurring, you must fix the issue immediately. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is going off repeatedly, as it indicates a larger problem at hand.

There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are relatively easy to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter regularly and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.

Make sure your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.

A loose wire can also cause your breaker to go off. It can happen when a wire is hot, and causes an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s best to have a professional examine the area if you find any.

Sometimes the issue may not have anything to have to do with your furnace at all, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can impede the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork, however there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.

Review the work history of any repair service before you contact them. This is typically available on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their past and expertise when making an appointment. You are more likely to find the experience you need by choosing a firm with many years of experience.

A professional furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if needed. In some cases the heat exchanger could require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.

A faulty heat exchanger is among the most expensive components of your system to fix or replace. It is an essential part that heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it can lead to a carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.

If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. Scraping, squeaking and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.

A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they are likely to offer the warranty on their work to ensure your peace of assurance. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you could void the warranty and be responsible for any injury or damage that occurs as a result of your DIY efforts.