How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are some things you can do to make sure that your heating system is operating effectively.

Ask your friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously worked with. They may have valuable feedback about the business and its services.

1. Check Your Filters

If your furnace is running a lot more than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises it’s an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while it could be blocked and causing issues with airflow, 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 unit.

It’s easy to change your filter which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on expenses on energy and also extend the longevity of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure that it’s the proper size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter on hand so that you can change it when yours becomes dirty.

Check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.

Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If you don’t, the system won’t function. There could be strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit, or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.

The age of your furnace could also be a factor. A system that is old will likely to need repairs, and will run inefficiently. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. It’s recommended to consult a professional with experience to determine if 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 as you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.

If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t heard before, you must seek out repair assistance. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a significant problem if your thermostat’s wiring is not connected properly or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat by using your breaker box. Take off the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check 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. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker off.

After you’ve connected the wires and turned the breaker on and off, you should be able to see if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or does not display any data at all, your thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the situation you can see if your thermostat is faulty by taping an old towel to the wall next to it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature reads higher than that of the thermometer, it could indicate that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces require electricity to function, therefore any issues that prevent them from getting the power they require could be risky. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker and see whether it can be fixed. However, if it keeps happening, you need to address the issue right away. This is particularly true when the breaker is constantly tripping. This indicates a bigger problem.

There are a few common reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working, and the majority of them are simple to fix. One is a dirty air filter, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can restrict airflow. Make sure to change your air filters regularly and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.

You may also want to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, this is an indication that they aren’t receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.

Another reason your breaker might not be working is a wire that is loose. This can happen when a wire is hot, and it creates an electrical surge that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s important to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you find any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to contact a professional to take a look at them.

It is possible that the problem is not at anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for 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 home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can block ductwork and limit airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts are close to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Before you call an repair service, be sure to check out their past work history. You can usually find this information on their website or talk to the service provider when you make an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.

A qualified furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger could need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.

A broken heat exchanger is among the most expensive components in your system to fix or replace. It is an essential part which heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it can lead to carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.

Get a professional’s help If you notice any odd or strange sounds coming from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect the efficiency of your heating system.

A technician with a good reputation is able to spot the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me fast. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, which gives you peace of assurance. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that may occur as a result of your DIY efforts.