How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. However, there are several aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Ask for referrals from friends, family 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 for a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow, which could cause the system to overwork itself. This could lead to higher energy bills, and may even cause damage to the system itself if left unchecked.
Changing your filter is an easy task that can ensure the health of your air in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It is recommended to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the correct size for your unit. The dimensions for your furnace are located on the outside of your current filter; simply measure it to get a precise reading. Keep an extra furnace filter on hand so that you can change it if it gets dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and 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 safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the door on the bottom is secured to the frame. If you don’t, your furnace won’t function. You may also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit, or the fan cycling back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace may also be a factor. A furnace that is older is likely to require more repairs and operate less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. It’s a good idea to consult a professional with experience to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not turning up the thermostat to reach the same amount of heat you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may suggest that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, it is time to contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. This could be a significant issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by using your breaker panel. 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 connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose and turn off the breaker.
You can check the display of your thermostat to see whether it’s working as intended after you’ve reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test to find out if your thermostat may be defective by tying an old towel to the wall close to it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on top. Then, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to check the readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If your thermostat shows more heat than the thermometer, it could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they require could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See whether it gets resolved. If it’s still happening, you should address the issue right away. This is particularly when the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker could be triggered. Most of them are simple to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which could also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filters regularly and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being reset, this is an indication that they aren’t being given enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might be tripping is a loose wire. This could happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. This is why it’s essential to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you spot any, it’s a good idea to get a professional to take a look at them.
It is possible that the issue is not at all with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This can cause drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty smells. These are all indications that you need to 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 are near to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company before you call them. You can usually find the information on their website, or ask the repair company when you schedule an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.
A professional furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some cases the heat exchanger might require replacement in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It’s a crucial component that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it can cause a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.
A technician with a good reputation is able to spot the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. Additionally they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to ensure your peace of peace of. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you could void your warranty and be liable for any harm or injury that results as a result of your DIY efforts.
