How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if your furnace is not working properly. There are a few ways to ensure that your heating system functions correctly.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or if you’ve heard strange sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter in awhile and it’s clogged, it could be and causing problems with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This could lead to higher costs for energy and can even harm the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
Change your filter is a straightforward task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter every month and make sure it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along the edges of your filter. simply take it off to get an accurate reading. You should also keep a spare furnace filter handy so that you can change it if it gets dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and of the right size. If you see a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the door on the bottom is secured to the frame. If not, the furnace won’t operate and you may encounter strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. An older system is likely to need more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. It’s a good idea consult a professional with experience to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to crank up the thermostat more than you used to to achieve the same heat level or it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter might require replacement. Over time, dirty filters may cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making odd noises it has never made before, it is time to call for repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a significant problem if your thermostat’s wiring is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your circuit breaker box. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and inspect 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 in case they appear loose, and then turn the breaker on again.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the breaker on and off, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test to see if your thermostat is faulty by taping the towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat displays more heat than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings match the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, and any issue that blocks them from receiving the power they need could be dangerous. When your furnace goes off the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue goes away on its own. If it doesn’t you must deal with the issue immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as it indicates an issue that is more serious.
There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker may trip. Most of them are easy to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Be sure to change your air filter regularly, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to check that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances like appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power being provided and that they should be given their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a wire that is loose. It can happen when a wire gets hot, and it creates a surge of electricity which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you spot any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to call an expert to take a look at them.
It is possible that the issue may not have anything to do with any time with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures, and musty smells. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, however dirt and debris may also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts are close to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Review the work history of any repair company prior to when you contact them. It is typically accessible on their website or you can ask the service provider about their background and experience when you schedule an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A qualified furnace technician will inspect 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 decrease wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced if it has been damaged or cracked.
A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components of your system to repair or replace. It is an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking, this can cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, you should call a repair specialist. The sounds of your furnace such as squeaking and banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A technician with a good reputation will be able detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly. They will also likely provide a warranty on their work, which gives you peace of peace of. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.