How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when your furnace is not working properly. There are a few ways to make sure that your heating system works effectively.
Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously used. They can provide valuable details about the company’s services and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace has been operating more frequently than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange sounds it’s an opportunity to conduct a check. If you’ve not replaced your filter for long, it could be clogged which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the system itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is a simple task that will help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the right size for your unit. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace it if yours gets dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they’re clean and the correct size. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working properly.
Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If not, the furnace will not function and you could encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that your furnace’s age could be an issue. An older system is likely to need more repairs and perform less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to raise the thermostat higher than you did before for the same heat level or that it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, you should also seek out repair assistance. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power to the thermostat by turning off your breakers panel. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure that they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, and then switch the breaker off.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the breaker on, you should be able to determine if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank, or does not show any data whatsoever it means that your thermostat has lost its power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation you can see if your thermostat is defective by tying a piece of paper towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. Then, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from obtaining the power they need could be risky. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker. See whether it can be fixed. If it continues to be happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is true, especially when the breaker is constantly tripping. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are several common reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to fix. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which could also hinder airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power being provided and that they should be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This can happen when a wire is hot, and it creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s best to have a professional inspect the panel for any.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace in any way and could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can hinder the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Check out the work history of any repair company prior to when you call them. This information is usually available on their website or you can ask the service provider about their background and experience when you schedule an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the experience you need when you select a company that has a long track record.
A professional furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger could need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is defective can be extremely costly. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it could lead to the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. The sounds coming from your furnace like banging and squeaking could be a sign of a serious issue that could impact its heating capabilities.
A technician with a good reputation will be able detect the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me swiftly. In addition they are likely to offer an assurance on their work to ensure your peace of assurance. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that occurs due to your DIY efforts.