How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. There are a variety of aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously worked with. They can give you valuable information about the services offered by the company and customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t changed your filter for long, it could be blocked, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to overwork itself. This can lead to high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
Change your filter is a simple task that will help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter every month and ensure it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are located along the edges of your current filter; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter on hand to replace it if it gets dirty.
Before you call an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If you don’t do this, the system will not operate. 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. A furnace that is older is likely to need repairs, and will perform less efficiently. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. A professional can assist you in determining the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to raise the thermostat higher than you previously did in order to reach the same temperature level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter may require replacement. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that you haven’t heard before, this is also a sign that you should seek out repair services. The sound of squeaking or banging, and even scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re operating properly. This could be a significant issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat with your breakers box. Then take a screwdriver take off the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see whether it’s working as intended after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not show any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case then you can determine if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching an old towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on top. After that, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If your thermostat shows a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be a sign of a problem. If the readings match your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. If it’s still happening, you need to take action immediately. This is especially relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this suggests that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker may trip. Most of them are easy to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filters frequently and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
It is also advisable to check that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that are in high demand, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there isn’t enough power being provided and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This could happen when the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you spot any issues, it’s best to get an expert to inspect the wires.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace in any way It could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts are close to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure you look up their past work history. It is typically accessible on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their history and experience when scheduling an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the expertise you need when you select a company with many years of experience.
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 decrease wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some instances the heat exchanger may have to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to replace or repair. It is an essential part that heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks it could cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging could be a sign of a serious issue that could impact the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a good track record will be able detect the problem and plan your furnace repair near me swiftly. Additionally they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to give you peace of peace of. You may void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may also be liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.