How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences issues, it could be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a variety of things to look for to make sure that your heating system is functioning effectively.
Request recommendations from your friends, family members and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about the business 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 noises it’s the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it could be blocked which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t examine it, this can lead to high bills and even damage to the unit.
The process of changing your filter is a straightforward task that will help maintain the health of your air in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter every month, and ensure it’s the correct size for the unit you have. The dimensions for your furnace are printed 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 an extra filter in your inventory to switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they are clean and the right size. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the door on the bottom is secured to the frame. If you don’t, the system will not operate. You might also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an element. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and will operate less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. Contacting a professional can help you determine if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to turn up the thermostat more than you used to in order to reach the same temperature level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter may need to be replaced. Over time, dirty filters can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t before, it’s an indication that you should seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat with your breakers box. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and look at 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. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data at all, your thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a faulty thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are in line your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issue that blocks them from obtaining the power they require could be a risk. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See if it resolves itself. If it continues to be happening, you should take action immediately. This is especially true if the breaker trips repeatedly. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are a few common reasons that your circuit breaker might be triggered, and the majority of them are simple to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Make sure you replace your air filters on a regular basis and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being reset, this is an indication that they’re not getting enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might be tripping is a loose wire. It can happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to call an expert to take a look at them.
It’s possible that the issue is not at all with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other problems can limit the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and odors that are musty. These are all clues that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common problem with ductwork, but there is also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that restricts airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts sit close to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call an repair service, be sure you check their past work history. You can typically find the information on their website or ask the repair company to confirm an appointment. You are more likely to get the expertise you need by choosing a firm with a long history of success.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger, as well as all other parts of your furnace for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In some instances, the heat exchanger may need to be replaced if it has been damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing an exchanger for heat that is defective can be extremely costly. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaking, it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. The sounds of your furnace like banging and squeaking could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise its heating capabilities.
A reliable technician will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally, they will likely offer an assurance on their work to give you peace of peace of. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you might void the warranty and be responsible for any harm or injury that may occur as a result of your DIY efforts.
