How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that your heating system functions effectively.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends and colleagues about furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace has been operating more frequently than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds, it might be 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, which can cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t examine it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
Change your filter is an easy task that will help maintain the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter each month and ensure it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges your current filter. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Before contacting an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct 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 performing its job correctly.
Also, ensure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame, and that the safety switch is switched on. If it’s not, the system will not work and you may experience some odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an element. A system that is old will likely to need more repairs and to run inefficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. A professional can help you determine the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re 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, it could indicate that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters can make your furnace work harder than it should.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that you haven’t heard before, this is also an indication that you should call for repair services. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires have not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a cause for concern. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat using your breaker panel. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and look at the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for heat and power) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose and turn the breaker on again.
You can check the display of your thermostat to determine whether it’s working as intended after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall next to your thermostat, and then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. Then, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat displays an increase in temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are similar the thermostat is working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issues that prevent them from getting the power they require can be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker and see if it resolves itself. If it continues to be occurring, you must fix the issue immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker may stop working. Most 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. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
It is also advisable to make sure that 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 tripped frequently it’s a sign that there is not enough power available and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker’s to trip. It can happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. If you spot any, it’s a good idea to contact a professional to take a look at them.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace at all It could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and it should not be attempted by home owners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all clues that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This can be especially difficult if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair service before you call them. You can usually find this information on their website or talk to the service provider to confirm an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger and the other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In certain instances the heat exchanger might require replacement in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is damaged can be quite high. It’s a crucial component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. The sounds coming from your furnace like banging and squeaking could be a sign of a serious issue that could compromise the efficiency of heating.
A professional with experience can identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely offer a guarantee for their work, giving you peace of mind. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you could void the warranty and be responsible for any damage or injury that may occur due to your DIY efforts.
