How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it could be frustrating and even dangerous. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask for referrals from family, friends and colleagues on furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can give valuable feedback about the company and its services.
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 heard unusual sounds. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing problems with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. This could lead to higher energy bills and even damage the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
Change your filter is an easy task that can help maintain the health of your air in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter each month and ensure it’s the correct size for your system. The dimensions for your furnace are printed along the edges of the filter you have in place; simply take it off to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and the correct size. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the bottom door of your furnace is secured over the frame, and that the safety switch is switched on. If not, the system will not function and you could experience some unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace could be another factor. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and will operate less efficiently. This is due to components like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. Contacting 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 are required to raise the thermostat higher than you previously did in order to reach the same temperature level or that it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t before, it’s a sign that you should call for repair services. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a serious 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, switch off the power to the thermostat using your breaker panel. Next take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure that they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker back on.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the switch on and off, you will be able to tell if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or does not show any data whatsoever, your thermostat has lost its power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by attaching an old towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a normal thermometer from your household on top of it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, it could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issues that prevent them from obtaining the power they require can be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker, it’s recommended to reset it and see if the problem goes away by itself. If it doesn’t you must address the problem immediately. This is particularly when the breaker keeps running into trouble, since this suggests that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker may trip. The majority of them are simple to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter on a regular basis and ensure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
It is also advisable to check whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand like power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, this is an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to trip. This can happen when a wire gets hot and creates a surge of electricity which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s best to have a professional inspect the panel if you find any.
It is possible that the issue is not at anything with your furnace instead, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other problems can limit the performance of your home. This can cause drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts sit near to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Review the work history of any repair service before you call them. You will usually find the information on their website, or ask the repair company when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to find the expertise you need when you select a company with many years of experience.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger and all other parts of your furnace for issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as needed. In certain instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s damaged can be quite high. It’s a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair technician. The sounds of your furnace like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could impact the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a great reputation will be able detect the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me fast. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, giving you peace of assurance. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.