How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. However, there are several aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is working effectively.
Request recommendations from your family, friends and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can provide valuable details about the services offered by the company and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve heard unusual noises. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which can cause the system to overwork itself. This can lead to high energy bills and even damage the system itself if left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter which can help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s a good idea to change your filter each month and make sure it’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along one of the edges of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Before calling for a professional, you should examine your filters to determine whether they’re in the right size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you see an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, make sure that the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame, and that the safety switch is on. If not, the system won’t operate and you may experience some strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and will run less effectively. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. It’s a good idea to consult a professional with experience to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to turn up the thermostat more than you used to for the same heat level, or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter could require replacement. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it has never made before, you should also contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a problem. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Take off the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and make sure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose and turn the breaker on again.
After you’ve connected the wires and turned the switch on and off, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank, or does not show any information at all the thermostat has lost its power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by attaching a paper towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a normal household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from obtaining the power they require could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker it’s an ideal idea to reset it and check if the problem goes away by itself. However, if it keeps occurring, you must address the issue right away. This is especially when the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are several common reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to fix. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which could also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filter frequently, and make sure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking 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 tripped, it’s an indication that they aren’t being given enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a loose wire. This happens when a wire is hot, and causes a surge of electricity which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It is recommended to have a professional take a look if you find any.
It’s possible that the issue is not at anything with your furnace instead, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors, and musty odors. These are all clues that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts sit near the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, make sure to check out their history of work. You can typically find the information on their website, or ask the repair company when you make an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as all other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger may require replacement when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s defective can be extremely costly. It is an essential component which heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaking, it can result in the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you hear strange or unfamiliar noises emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes such as squeaking and banging could indicate a serious problem that could impact the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition, they will likely offer an assurance on their work to ensure your peace of peace of. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You may be held accountable for any damages or injuries that result from.