How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous when the furnace fails to function properly. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your heating system functions properly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have previously used. They can give valuable feedback about the business and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or you’ve heard unusual noises. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, it could be clogged, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t take the time to check it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
Change your filter is a simple task that can help maintain the health of your air in your home, help save on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s recommended to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand so you can change it out if yours is dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and to ensure they’re clean. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.
Also, ensure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame, and that the safety switch is on. If you don’t do this, the system will not function properly. You may also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit or the fan reversing back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will operate less effectively. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s a good idea consult a professional with experience to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not increasing your thermostat to achieve the same level of heat as you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could indicate that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters could cause your furnace to work harder than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises it has never made before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a major issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat with your breakers box. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to see if it is working properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a faulty thermostat by attaching an untidy towel to the wall near the thermostat, then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are similar the thermostat is probably 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 risky. One time your furnace trips the breaker, it’s an ideal idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away on its own. If it’s still happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker could trip, and most of them are simple to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can hinder airflow. Make sure to change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You might also want to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being reset, this is an indication that they are not being given enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may be tripping is a loose wire. This can happen when a wire becomes hot, and causes a surge of electricity which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to examine the area if you find any.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a task that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that can hinder the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, however dirt and debris can also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly difficult if the ducts are close 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 this information on their website or ask the service provider when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to get the expertise you need by choosing a firm with many years of experience.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as the other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to repair or replace. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks it could cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help if you hear any strange or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise its heating capabilities.
A technician with a good track record will be able to identify the problem and arrange your furnace repair near me swiftly. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, which gives you peace of mind. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you might void your warranty and be held accountable for any injury or damage that may occur due to your DIY efforts.
