How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it could be frustrating and even dangerous. There are some steps you can take to make sure that your heating system functions correctly.
Ask your friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have previously used. They may have valuable feedback on the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t check it, this could cause high costs and even damage to the system.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that will help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It is recommended to change your filter every month and ensure that it is the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter on hand to replace it when yours becomes dirty.
Before calling for an expert, check your filters to see if they’re the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secure over the frame, and that the safety switch is switched on. If not, the system will not work and you may experience some unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could be another factor. A system that is old will likely to need more repairs and perform less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. It’s a good idea to contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to crank up the thermostat higher than you used to for the same heat level or that it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s a sign that you should contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a serious problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then turn the breaker on again.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the breaker on and off, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall near the thermostat, then placing a regular household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings match the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, therefore any issues that prevent them from receiving the power they require can be risky. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker and see whether it can be fixed. If it continues to be happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is particularly when the breaker keeps running into trouble, since it indicates an even bigger issue at hand.
There are a few common reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working, and the majority of them are relatively easy to fix. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can hinder airflow. Make sure to replace your air filters on a regular basis 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 tripping frequently it’s an indication that there is not enough power available and they need to be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to trip. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge which can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s essential to look for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you discover any, it’s a good idea to contact an expert to examine them.
It’s possible that the issue is not at any time with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, however dirt and debris may also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts sit near to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company before you call them. You can usually find this information on their website, or ask the service provider when you make an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain 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 as well as all other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They may also alter the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger might require replacement if it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is faulty can be very high. It’s an essential component that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it can result in an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you notice any odd or unusual noises coming from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A technician with a great reputation will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly. They may also provide a warranty on their work, thereby giving you peace of assurance. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be liable for any damages or injuries that result from.