How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that your heating system works properly.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable details about the company’s services and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than usual, or if you’ve heard strange noises. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, it could be blocked which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to overload itself. This could lead to higher costs for energy and can even harm the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter which can help maintain the health of your air at home, lower your expenses on energy and also 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 your unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace it if yours gets dirty.
Before calling for a professional, you should look over your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you see lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If you don’t, your furnace will not function properly. You may also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit, or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. An older system will require more repairs and run less efficiently. This is due to parts such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Contacting a professional can assist you in determining the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re raising the thermostat to get the same amount of heat as you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could suggest that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t before, this is also an indication to seek out repair services. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, can indicate 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 are operating properly. This could be a significant issue if the wiring of your thermostat is not connected properly or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power to the thermostat by turning off your breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure that they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, then switch the breaker off.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the switch on and off, you should be able to see whether your thermostat is functioning correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a faulty thermostat by tying an untidy towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a standard thermometer from your household on top of it. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are similar the thermostat is probably functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any problems that prevent them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. When your furnace goes off the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue disappears on its own. However, if it keeps occurring, you must take action immediately. This is especially true if the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working, and the majority of them are fairly simple to repair. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter regularly, and make sure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking 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 power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, this is an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker’s to trip. This can happen when a wire becomes hot, and causes a surge of electricity which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you discover any, it’s a good idea to call an expert to examine them.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at all with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by home owners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house may develop leaks, broken sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Before calling a repair company, make sure you look up their work history. This is typically available on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their history and experience when scheduling an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A qualified furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some cases the heat exchanger could need to be replaced if it has been damaged or cracked.
A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive components of your system to repair or replace. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that needs immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. Scraping, squeaking, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating functionality.
A reputable technician will be able to detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They may also provide a warranty on their work, which gives you peace of peace of. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you might void the warranty and be responsible for any damage or injury that may occur as a result of your DIY efforts.
