How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair firms that they have previously worked with. They may have valuable feedback on the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is operating more frequently than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises It’s probably an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in long, it could be clogged and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the unit itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is a simple task that can ensure healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter each month and make sure it’s the correct size for the unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of your current filter. Simply measure it to get a precise reading. It’s important to keep a spare filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If you don’t, your furnace will not function properly. You may also experience odd symptoms like an overheated unit, or the fan reversing back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that the age of your furnace could be an issue. An older furnace will require more repairs and will run less efficiently. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. It’s recommended 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 raising the thermostat to reach the same level of heat that you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may indicate that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters could force your furnace to work harder than it should.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t before, it’s a sign that you should contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a major issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat with your breakers box. Then take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, then turn the breaker on again.
You can check the display of your thermostat to see whether it’s working as intended after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not show any data at all it means that your thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case you can determine if your thermostat is defective by tying a piece of paper towel to the wall next to it, and then putting an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If your thermostat is showing more heat than the thermometer, it could be a problem. If the readings match, your thermostat may be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from getting the power they need could be a risk. When your furnace goes off the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears by itself. However, if it keeps happening, you need to take action immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as it indicates an issue that is more serious.
There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to repair. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which could also hinder airflow. Make sure that you replace your air filters on a regular basis and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You might also want to check whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that are in high demand, such as appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being reset, this is an indication that they aren’t receiving enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to trip. It can happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. This is why it’s essential to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you find any issues, it’s best to contact an expert to inspect the wires.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to be related to your furnace at all and could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and should not be attempted by home owners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. 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 in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork, however there is also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup that can block airflow. This is particularly risky in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Before you call an repair service, be sure to check out their past work history. You will usually find this information on their website or talk to the technician when you schedule an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger could need to be replaced if it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s defective can be extremely costly. It is an essential part which heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide that needs immediate attention.
Call a professional If you hear strange or strange noises emanating from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect the efficiency of your heating system.
A reliable technician will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They will also likely provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of assurance. You may void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could be held accountable for any damages or injuries that result from.