How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when the furnace fails to function properly. There are some things you can do to ensure that your heating system works correctly.
Request recommendations from your family, friends and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable details regarding the company’s services as well as customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection in case 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 in some time, it may be blocked and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t check it, this could lead to high bills and even damage to the unit.
It’s simple to change your filter, which can help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, cut down on energy bills and prolong the life of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions for your furnace are located along one of the edges of the filter you have in place; simply take it off to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling an expert to ensure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t doing its job properly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If not, the furnace will not work and you may experience some odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could also be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will operate less effectively. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings wearing 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’ve noticed that you’re increasing the thermostat to reach the same amount of heat you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may be a sign that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t made before, it’s a sign that you should contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a significant issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power supply to the thermostat using your breaker panel. Next take a screwdriver take off the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then turn the breaker on again.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and turned the switch on, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is functioning correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or does not display 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 determine if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching the towel to the wall near it, and then putting an ordinary household thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are consistent the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it can be fixed. If it doesn’t, you should deal with the issue immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker could stop working. The majority of them are easy to repair. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts that can also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there is not enough power and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to trip. This can happen if the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s best to get a professional to examine the area for any.
It is possible that the problem has nothing to do at anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that can hinder the performance of your home. This can cause drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, however dirt and debris can block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly dangerous when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before calling a repair company, be sure you look up their past work history. You will usually find this information on their website, or ask the repair company when you make an appointment. You are more likely to get the experience you need by choosing a firm with a long history of success.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some cases the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it is cracked or damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is among the most expensive components of 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 leaks it could cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
Contact a professional if you hear any strange or strange noises emanating from your furnace. The sounds coming from your furnace such as squeaking and banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could affect its heating capabilities.
A reputable technician will be able to detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They will also likely offer a guarantee on their work, thereby giving you peace of mind. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you could void your warranty and be liable for any harm or injury that results because of your DIY efforts.