How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences issues, it could be a hassle and even risky. There are some ways to make sure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Ask for referrals from friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable feedback on the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace has been operating more frequently than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises It’s probably time for a quick check. If you’ve not replaced your filter for some time, it may be clogged, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t take the time to check it, this can result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
It’s simple to change your filter which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, reduce your expenses on energy and also extend the lifespan of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter every month and ensure it’s the correct size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are located on the outside of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get a precise reading. It’s important to keep a spare filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and of the right size. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is secured over the frame and the safety switch is on. If you don’t, your furnace will not function properly. You may also experience odd symptoms like an overheated unit, or the fan turning back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that the age of your furnace could be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and run less efficiently. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re turning up your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters could make your furnace perform more than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, it is time to call for repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they are operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, there could be a problem. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Then take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to determine if it is working properly after you’ve connected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case then you can determine if your thermostat is faulty by taping an old towel to the wall next to it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on the top. After that, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from receiving the power they require could be dangerous. 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. However, if it keeps happening, you need to fix the issue immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker could trip. Most of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure to change your air filters frequently and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s an indication that there is not enough power available and they need to be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may be tripping is a wire that is loose. This happens when a wire is hot and creates an electric current which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s best to get a professional to take a look at any loose wires you discover.
It is possible that the issue may not have anything to do with any time with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel needs repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and odors that are musty. These are all clues that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there is also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that can block airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Check out the work history of any repair company before you contact them. You can usually find the information on their website or talk to the technician to confirm an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain 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 for problems. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In some cases the heat exchanger may require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is defective can be extremely costly. It is an essential component that heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it can lead to a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you hear strange or unfamiliar sounds emanating from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A technician with a good reputation will be able detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly. In addition, they will likely offer the warranty on their work to give you peace of mind. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you might void your warranty and be liable for any harm or injury that occurs because of your DIY efforts.