How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable details regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than usual, or if you’ve noticed strange sounds. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t examine it, it could cause high costs and even damage to the unit.
Changing your filter is a simple task that can ensure healthy air quality in your home, save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter each month and ensure 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 exact reading. It is also recommended to keep a spare furnace filter handy so you can replace it if it gets dirty.
Before calling for an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, make sure that the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is switched on. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. There could be strange symptoms, such as an overheated furnace, or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace may also be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will operate less effectively. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Contacting a professional can help you determine if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to raise 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. Over time, dirty filters may cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making odd noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s a sign that you should call for repair services. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, this could be a cause for concern. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat by turning off your circuit breaker panel. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and look at the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker off.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the switch on and off, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test to determine if your thermostat is defective by tying an old towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical the thermostat is functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from receiving the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker and see if it resolves itself. If it persists then you should take care to take action immediately to fix the issue. This is especially when the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are a few common reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working, and the majority of them are simple to repair. One is a dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You may also want to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that require a lot of power, such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being reset, this is an indication that they are not getting enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may be tripping is a wire that is loose. This happens when a wire is hot, and causes a surge of electricity that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s important to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s recommended to have a professional inspect the panel for any.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to do with your furnace in any way and could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by home owners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can hinder the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors, and musty odors. These are all clues to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts are near to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check out the work history of any repair company before you call them. It is typically accessible on their website or you can inquire with the repair service provider about their past and expertise when making an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger and the other components of your furnace for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They may also alter the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some instances the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s damaged can be quite high. It’s a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks, this can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. Scraping, squeaking, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A technician with a good reputation will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me fast. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, which gives you peace of peace of. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You could also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
