How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

It can be a hassle and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. There are a few things you can do to make sure that your heating system works effectively.

Ask for recommendations from family, friends and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They may have valuable feedback on the company and its services.

1. Check Your Filters

If you’ve noticed that your furnace is running a lot more than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises It’s probably the time to do a quick inspection. If you’ve not replaced your filter in some time, it may be blocked which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t check it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.

The process of changing your filter is a straightforward task that can help maintain the health of your air in your home, save on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter once a month and ensure that it’s the right size for your unit. 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 is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so you can replace it if it gets dirty.

Before you call an expert, look over your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure 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 door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame, and that the safety switch is switched on. If it’s not, the system will not function and you could encounter strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.

The condition of your furnace could be another factor. An older furnace will require more maintenance and will operate less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. A professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you notice that you need to crank up the thermostat higher than you did before to achieve the same heat level or that it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter might need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to work harder over time.

If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t made before, this is an indication to call for repair services. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. This could be a major issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power supply to the thermostat by using your breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose and turn off the breaker.

You can check the screen of your thermostat to determine whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the case, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are in line, your thermostat may be functioning properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it can be fixed. If it continues, you should address the problem immediately. This is especially true if the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as it indicates an even bigger issue at hand.

There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker might trip, and most of them are simple to repair. One of the most common causes is a dirty or dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which could also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.

It is also advisable to ensure whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that require a lot of power, such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being reset, this is an indication that they aren’t getting enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.

A loose wire may cause your breaker to go off. This can happen if the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that could cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s important to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you discover any, it’s a good idea to get a professional to examine the wires.

It is possible that the problem has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel needs repair. This is a task that should be handled by an electrician.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, broken sections and other issues can impede the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors, and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

The most common problem is leaks, but dirt and debris can cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is especially dangerous if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.

Before calling a repair company, make sure you look up their past work history. This information is usually available on their website, or you can ask the service provider about their history and experience when making an appointment. You are more likely to find the expertise you need when you select a company with a long history of success.

A skilled furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced if it is damaged or cracked.

The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It is an essential part that heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.

If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could indicate a serious problem that could compromise the heating capabilities of your furnace.

A reputable technician can identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally, they will likely offer the warranty on their work to give you peace of mind. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you could void your warranty and be held accountable for any harm or injury that occurs as a result of your DIY efforts.