How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. There are some things you can do to ensure that your heating system works effectively.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable information about the services offered by the company and customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or if you’ve heard strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter in awhile it could be blocked and causing problems with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t check it, this can result in costly repairs and even damage to the unit.
The process of changing your filter is a simple task that can ensure the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter once a month, and ensure it is the right size for your unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so you can replace it if yours gets dirty.
Before you call an expert, look over your filters to see if they’re the right size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If you don’t, your furnace will not function properly. You may also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated furnace, or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that the age of your furnace could be an issue. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and will operate less effectively. This is due to components like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not raising the thermostat to get the same amount of heat as you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may indicate that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t before, this is also a sign that you should contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating properly. This could be a major issue if the wiring of your thermostat is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then switch the breaker off.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on, you should be able to see if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or doesn’t show any data at all the thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test to find out if your thermostat may be not working properly by attaching a piece of paper towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on top. Then, you can leave it in place for about 20 minutes to verify the temperature readings on both your household thermometer as well as 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 similar, your thermostat is likely working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, 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. See whether it gets resolved. If it continues to be occurring, you must take action immediately. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working. The majority of them are easy to repair. One is a dirty air filter, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filters frequently and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s an indication that there is not enough power and that the appliances should be given their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could not be working is a loose wire. This can happen if a wire gets hot and creates an electrical surge which can overheat the furnace. It is crucial to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to get an expert to inspect the wires.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to have to do with your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and odors that are musty. These are all indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the chance of dirt and debris accumulation that can block airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts are near to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company prior to when you contact them. This is typically available on their website or you can inquire with the repair service provider about their history and experience when you schedule an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger and the other components of your furnace for issues. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger could require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
A broken heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components of your system to replace or repair. It’s an essential part that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it can lead to the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you notice any odd or unusual noises emanating from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A technician with a good reputation will be able detect the problem and plan your furnace repair near me fast. In addition they are likely to offer a warranty on their work to ensure your peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You may also be liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.