How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Ask for referrals from friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can give 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 usual, or if you’ve heard strange noises. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow. This could cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
Change your filter is a straightforward task that can ensure the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter monthly and make sure it’s the proper size for your system. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of the filter you have. Simply measure it to get a precise reading. Keep an extra furnace filter on hand so that you can change it if yours gets dirty.
Before you call an expert, examine your filters to determine if they’re the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you see lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If you don’t, the system won’t function. You might also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace could also be a factor. An older system will require more maintenance and run less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. Consulting a professional can help you determine the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not increasing your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may be a sign that your air filter needs replacing. Over time, dirty filters can force your furnace to work harder than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, you must seek out repair assistance. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a cause for concern. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Remove the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose and switch the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to determine if it is working properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not show any information at all it means that your thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying an untidy towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a regular household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings match your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, therefore any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See whether it gets resolved. If it doesn’t then you should take care to take action immediately to fix the issue. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is tripping repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker could trip, and most of them are simple to repair. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share the same circuit as high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not being given enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker’s to trip. This can happen if the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s recommended to get a professional to examine the area for any.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at all with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This can cause drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty odors. These are all clues that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly dangerous when your ducts are situated close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Check out the work history of any repair company prior to when you call them. You can typically find this information on their website or ask the repair company when you make an appointment. You are more likely to find the expertise you need when you select a company that has a long track record.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger may require replacement in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is faulty can be very high. 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 lead to the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you notice any odd or unusual noises coming from your furnace. The sounds of your furnace like banging and squeaking could be a sign of a serious issue that could impact its heating capabilities.
A technician with a good track record will be able detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, giving you peace of peace of. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.