How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be a hassle and even risky. There are a few ways to make sure that your heating system works properly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable feedback about the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace has been running a lot more than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange noises It’s probably time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter in awhile it could be blocked and causing issues with airflow. This could cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high costs for energy and can even harm the system itself if left unchecked.
Changing your filter is a simple task that will help maintain the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It is recommended to change your filter once a month and ensure that it’s the right size for the unit you have. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along the edges of your current filter; simply measure it to get a precise reading. You should also keep a spare furnace filter handy so that you can change it when yours becomes dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they are clean and the right size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame, and that the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t, the system won’t function. You may also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit, or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is that the age of your furnace could be an element. An older system is likely to require more repairs and operate less efficiently. This is due to parts like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s a good idea seek out an experienced professional to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to crank up the thermostat more than you used to to achieve the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter could require replacement. Over time, dirty filters may force your furnace to perform more than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises it has never made before, you must seek out repair assistance. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a significant issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat by using your breakers box. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re connected securely 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 determine whether it’s working as intended after you’ve connected 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 scenario, you can check for a defective thermostat by tying an untidy towel to the wall next to your thermostat, and then placing a regular thermometer from your household on top of it. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings match, your thermostat may be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issue that blocks them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker. See whether it can be fixed. If it persists then you should take care to address the problem immediately. This is particularly when the breaker keeps running into trouble, since it indicates a larger problem at hand.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker might be triggered. Most of them are easy to repair. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can limit airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
It is also advisable to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand, such as appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may be tripping is a loose wire. This could happen when the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that could cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to look for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you find any issues, it’s best to get a professional to take a look at them.
It’s possible that the problem is not at any time with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a task that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and odors that are musty. These are all clues that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts sit near the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call an repair service, be sure you look up their work history. You can typically find the information on their website or ask the service provider when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to get the expertise you need when you select a company that has a long track record.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace for issues. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger may have to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing an exchanger for heat that is damaged can be quite high. It’s an essential component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking it could cause carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should call a repair specialist. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.
A technician with a good reputation will be able detect the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly. In addition they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to ensure your peace of mind. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.