How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it could be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a few ways to ensure that your heating system works effectively.

Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have previously worked with. They can give valuable feedback on the company and the services it provides.

1. Check Your Filters

If you’ve noticed 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 in long, it could be clogged which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t examine it, this can cause high costs and even damage to the unit.

Changing your filter is a simple task that can help maintain the health of your air in your home, save on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter once a month, and ensure it’s the correct size for the unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter in your inventory to change it out if yours is dirty.

Before you call an expert, look over your filters to see if they’re the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.

Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If you don’t do this, the system will not function properly. You may also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated furnace, or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.

The age of your furnace may be another factor. A furnace that is older is likely to need more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is due to components like the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Contacting a professional can help you determine the best time to replace your new system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you’ve noticed that you’re not increasing the thermostat to reach the same level of heat as you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could indicate that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.

If your furnace is making odd noises that you haven’t heard before, this is also an indication that you should 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 properly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by using your breakers panel. Then you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker back on.

You can check the display 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 not able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the case you can see if your thermostat is defective by tying a piece of paper towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat displays more heat than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning correctly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from receiving the power they need could be risky. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it’s recommended to reset it and check whether the issue goes away by itself. If it persists you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since it indicates an issue that is more serious.

There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker could trip. Most of them are easy to repair. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes 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 and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.

Check that your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, it’s an indication that they are not getting enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.

A loose wire can also cause your breaker’s to trip. It can happen when the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that could cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It’s best to get a professional to take a look if you find any.

It is possible that the problem has nothing to do at all with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, broken sections and other issues can hinder the performance of your home. This can result in drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris can also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly dangerous if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.

Find out the history of work of any repair company before you contact them. You will usually find the information on their website or talk to the repair company when you schedule an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.

A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger and the other components of your furnace for problems. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger may need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.

The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is damaged can be quite high. It is an essential component which heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.

If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. The sounds of your furnace like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could impact the heating capabilities of your furnace.

A technician with a great reputation is able to spot the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. Additionally they’ll likely provide the warranty on their work to give you peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.