How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. However, there are several things to look for to ensure that your heating system is working properly.
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1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace is running a lot more than usual or you’ve been hearing strange sounds It’s probably the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while it could be blocked and causing problems with airflow. This could result in the system overworking itself. This can lead to high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter, which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, reduce your expenses on energy and also extend the longevity of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter once a month, and ensure it is the right size for the unit you have. The dimensions for your furnace are located along one of the edges of your current filter; simply take it off to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand to change it out if yours is dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, make sure 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 operate. You may also experience odd symptoms like an overheated furnace, or the fan turning back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that the age of your furnace could be an issue. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will operate less effectively. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. It’s a good idea to consult a professional with experience 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 you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could indicate that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t made before, this is an indication to call for repair services. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they are operating properly. If your 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, turn off the power supply to the thermostat using your breakers panel. Next you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
You can examine the screen 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 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 faulty by taping the towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, test both the household thermometer and thermostat. If your thermostat shows a higher temperature than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are similar, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, therefore any issues that hinder them from getting the power they require could be risky. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker and see if it resolves itself. If it persists you must deal with the issue immediately. This is especially true if the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as it indicates an issue that is more serious.
There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are simple to fix. One is a dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filters frequently and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power being provided and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to trip. This can happen when a wire becomes hot, and causes a surge of electricity which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to examine the area for any.
It’s possible that the issue may not have anything to do with all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by home owners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup that restricts airflow. This is especially dangerous if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Before calling a repair company, be sure to check out their work history. You can usually find this information on their website or talk to the service provider when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to get the expertise you need if you choose a company with many years of experience.
A qualified furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as all 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 replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as required. In some instances the heat exchanger may require replacement when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s damaged can be quite high. It is a crucial component that heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating functionality.
A technician with a good track record will be able to identify the problem and plan your furnace repair near me fast. They’ll also likely offer a guarantee on their work, which gives you peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could also be liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.