How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if your furnace is not working properly. However, there are several factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is running more frequently than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises it’s the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow. This could result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, this can lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
It’s simple to change your filter which can 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 each month and make sure it’s the correct size for your system. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. 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.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they are clean and the right size. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and the safety switch is switched on. If not, the furnace will not work and you may experience some odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan running to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that the age of your furnace could be a factor. An older furnace will require more repairs and run less efficiently. This is due to parts like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s a good idea contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to crank up the thermostat more than you previously did to achieve the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter may require replacement. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, you must call for repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a serious issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your circuit breaker box. Take off the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose and turn the breaker on again.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see if it is working properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information at all, your thermostat has lost its power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying an untidy towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to verify the readings of both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings match, your thermostat may be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, therefore any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue goes away by itself. However, if it keeps happening, you need to take action immediately. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this suggests that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker might trip. The majority of them are simple to repair. One is a dirty air filter, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Be sure to change your air filter on a regular basis and ensure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to check whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that require a lot of power like appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped, it is an indication that there is not enough power and that the appliances should be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might keep tripping is a loose wire. It can happen when the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. It is important to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you spot any, it’s a good idea to contact a professional to examine the wires.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to do with your furnace at all It could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can impede the efficiency of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that can block airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit near 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. You will usually find this information on their website, or ask the repair company to confirm an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you require.
A professional furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In certain instances, the heat exchanger may require replacement if it has been damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is faulty can be very high. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it could result in a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should call a repair specialist. The sounds that your furnace makes such as squeaking and banging could indicate a serious problem that could affect the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They may also provide a warranty on their work, which gives you peace of mind. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you might void the warranty and be responsible for any damage or injury that results as a result of your DIY efforts.