How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. There are a variety of aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can give you valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than usual, or if you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter for long, it could be blocked and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overload itself. If you don’t examine it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
It’s simple to change your filter which will help you maintain the health of your air at home, reduce your energy bills and prolong the lifespan of your system. It is recommended to change your filter each month and make sure it is the right size for your unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges your current filter. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling an expert to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you see a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is securely securing the frame. If not, the furnace will not function and you could experience some odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. A furnace that is older is likely to require more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. Contacting a professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not turning up your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat as you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could suggest that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it has never made before, you should also call for repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning properly. If your thermostat’s wires have not properly connected or have become disconnected, this could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat with your breakers box. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and inspect the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker off.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the switch on, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is functioning properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case then you can see if your thermostat is defective by tying a piece of paper towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings match, your thermostat may be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issue that blocks them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker, and then see whether it can be fixed. If it persists, you should address the problem immediately. This is true, especially when the breaker keeps tripping. It could indicate a larger issue.
There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are relatively easy to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which could also hinder airflow. Make sure to change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share a circuit with 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 being provided and that the appliances should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to go off. This can happen when a wire becomes hot, and it creates an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It is recommended to get a professional to examine the area at any loose wires you discover.
It is possible that the problem has nothing to do at all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel is in need of 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 home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that limit your home’s performance. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and odors that are musty. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork. However, there is also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation which can impede airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Find out the history of work of any repair company prior to when you call them. This is typically available on their website or you can ask the repair company about their history and experience when scheduling an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you need.
A qualified furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger may need to be replaced if it is damaged or cracked.
A faulty heat exchanger is among the most expensive components of your system to fix or replace. It’s an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it can lead to a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional if you hear any strange or strange noises coming from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could indicate a serious problem that could compromise the efficiency of heating.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, thereby giving you peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.