How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences problems, it can be a hassle and even risky. There are some ways to make sure that your heating system functions effectively.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can give valuable feedback on the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is operating more frequently than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange noises It’s probably an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in some time, it may be blocked and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overload itself. If you don’t check it, this can lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
The process of changing your filter is a simple task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter every month and make sure it’s the correct size for the unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Check your filters before calling an expert to ensure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If not, the system will not work and you may experience some odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace could be another factor. An older system will require more maintenance and run less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. It’s recommended to seek out an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to raise the thermostat more than you used to in order to reach the same temperature level or that it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter might need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises it has never made before, you should also seek out repair assistance. The sounds of squeaking and banging, and even scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have been disconnected, it could be a cause for concern. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Then you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker off.
You can check the display of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by attaching an old towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a regular household thermometer on top it. Then, you can leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to examine the temperature readings on both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from receiving the power they require can be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue goes away on its own. If it doesn’t you must address the problem immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as it indicates an even bigger issue at hand.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker might stop working. The majority of them are simple to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty or dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
It is also advisable to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, this is an indication that they are not getting enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a loose wire. This can happen if the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that could cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to get an expert to take a look at the wires.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to be related to your furnace in any way It could be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is a task that should be handled by 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 issues that hinder your home’s performance. This can cause drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is particularly dangerous when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Check out the work history of any repair company prior to when you contact them. This is typically available on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their past and expertise when scheduling an appointment. You are more likely to find the knowledge you require if you choose a company with many years of experience.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger, as well as all other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In some instances, the heat exchanger could require replacement if it has been damaged or cracked.
A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to repair or replace. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it could cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
If you hear any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. The sounds that your furnace makes such as squeaking and banging could be a sign of a serious issue that could compromise its heating capabilities.
A technician with a good track record will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me fast. In addition they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to give you peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You may also be responsible for any injuries or damages that result from.