How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if your furnace is not working properly. There are some things you can do to ensure that your heating system functions effectively.
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 company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is running more frequently than usual or you’ve been hearing strange sounds, it might be time for a quick check. If you’ve not replaced your filter in long, it could be blocked, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter, which will help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, lower your expenses on energy and also extend the longevity of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the proper size for your system. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of your current filter. Simply measure it to get a precise reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and the correct size. If you see lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If you don’t, your furnace won’t function. You might also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace may also be a factor. An older system is likely to need more repairs and operate less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to crank up the thermostat more than you used to to achieve the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter may require replacement. Over time, dirty filters can force your furnace to work harder than it should.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, it is time to contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking and banging could all be signs of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible 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 isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by using your breakers panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, then switch the breaker off.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s working as intended after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by taping an untidy towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a regular household thermometer on top it. Then, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to verify the readings of your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat displays a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are similar the thermostat is probably functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears on its own. If it’s still happening, you should take action immediately. This is particularly true if the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as it indicates a larger problem at hand.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker might stop working. Most of them are easy to repair. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also restrict airflow. Make sure that you replace your air filters on a regular basis and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You may also want to check whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, this is an indication that they are not receiving enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to trip. It can happen when a wire gets hot, and it creates an electric current which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s recommended to get a professional to examine the area for any.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to do with your furnace in any way, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can impede the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, but dirt and debris can also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is particularly risky if your ducts are located close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Review the work history of any repair company before you call them. You can typically find the information on their website or talk to the technician when you make an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other parts of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In some instances the heat exchanger may need to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is faulty can be very high. It’s a crucial component that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it could lead to a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you hear strange or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.
A technician with a good track record will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me swiftly. They will also likely offer a guarantee for their work, which gives you peace of peace of. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You may also be liable for any damages or injuries that result from.