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 some things you can do to make sure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable details about the services offered by the company and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace has been operating more frequently than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises it’s time for a quick check. If you haven’t replaced your filter for some time, it may be clogged, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to overload itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, this could result in costly repairs and even damage to the unit.
Changing your filter is an easy task that can ensure the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure that it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Before contacting an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice 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 on and that the door on the bottom is secured to the frame. If not, the furnace will not function and you could encounter strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace could also be a factor. A system that is old will likely to require repairs, and will operate less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. It’s a good idea to contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re raising the thermostat to get the same level of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may indicate that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, you must call for repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re operating properly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, there could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat using your circuit breaker panel. Next you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then turn off the breaker.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the breaker on then you will be able to tell whether your thermostat is operating correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or does not 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 case, you can test to determine if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching the towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat displays a higher temperature than the thermometer, there could be an issue. If the readings are similar the thermostat is functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, therefore any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. However, if it keeps happening, you should address the issue right away. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker might trip. Most of them are easy to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter that can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can hinder airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
It is also advisable to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power and they need to be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might keep tripping is a wire that is loose. It can happen when a wire is hot, and it creates an electric current which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s best to have a professional examine the area for any.
It is possible that the problem may not have anything to do with anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure you check their past work history. This is typically available on their website, or you can ask the repair company about their past and expertise when scheduling an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you need.
A professional furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger could need to be replaced if it has been damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It is an essential component which heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it can lead to a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. Scraping, squeaking, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A technician with a good track record is able to spot the issue and plan your furnace repair near me swiftly. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, which gives you peace of peace of. You may void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may be held accountable for any injuries or damages that result from.