How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences issues, it could be a hassle and even risky. There are some things you can do to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They may have valuable feedback about the business and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace has been running more frequently than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds it’s the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter in awhile and it’s clogged, it could be and causing problems with airflow. This could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t check it, it could lead to high bills and even damage to the unit.
Change your filter is a straightforward task that will help maintain the health of your air in your home, help save on energy bills and increase 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 are printed along one of the edges of your filter. simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand to swap it out when yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they’re clean and the correct size. If you see a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If not, the furnace will not function and you could experience some strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an issue. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will run less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. It’s recommended to contact an experienced professional to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up the thermostat to get the same amount of heat that you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may be a sign that your air filter is in need of replacing. Over time, dirty filters can force your furnace to perform more than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises it has never made before, you should also contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires have not properly connected or have been disconnected, it 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. Take off the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the breaker on and off, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is functioning properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank, or doesn’t show any information at all it means that your thermostat has lost its power and is not 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 an old towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. Then, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are in line, your thermostat may be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See whether it gets resolved. If it persists you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this suggests that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are a few typical reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working, and the majority 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 regularly and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power available and that they should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to go off. This could happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s important to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It’s best to have a professional take a look if you find any.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to be related to your furnace in any way and could be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all signs to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the chance of dirt and debris accumulation which can impede airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts are near to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair service before you call them. This information is usually available on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their history and experience when scheduling an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the knowledge you require by choosing a firm that has a long track record.
A qualified furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger may require replacement if it has been damaged or cracked.
A broken heat exchanger is among the most expensive components in your system to fix or replace. It’s a crucial component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaking, it can lead to a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you hear strange or unusual noises emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing are all signs of serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A technician with a good track record will be able to identify the problem and plan your furnace repair near me swiftly. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, thereby giving you peace of mind. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any injuries or damages that result from.
