How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences problems, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. But, there are many things to look for to ensure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have used before. They can give valuable feedback about the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more frequently than usual or you’ve been experiencing strange noises It’s probably the time to do a quick inspection. If you’ve not replaced your filter for a while, it could be blocked, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high costs for energy and can even harm the system itself if left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter each month, and ensure it’s the right size for the unit you have. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get an exact reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter in your inventory to change it out if yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they’re clean and of the right size. If you see a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is securely securing the frame. If not, the furnace will not function and you could encounter strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan running to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that the age of your furnace could be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and will operate less efficiently. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re increasing the thermostat to get the same amount of heat as you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could be a sign that your air filter needs replacing. Over time, dirty filters could make your furnace perform more than it should.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s an indication that you should contact a repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, there could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat with your breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover with an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then turn off the breaker.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see if it is working properly after you’ve connected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data at all it means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case you can find out if your thermostat may be not working properly by attaching an old towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat shows a higher temperature than the thermometer, there could be an issue. If the readings are in line your thermostat’s readings, it could be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they need could be a risk. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker and see whether it gets resolved. If it doesn’t you must address the problem immediately. 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 variety of reasons why your circuit breaker might be triggered. Most of them are simple to fix. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power available and that the appliances should be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a wire that is loose. It can happen when a wire is hot, and it creates an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you find any issues, it’s best to call a professional to inspect the wires.
It’s possible that the problem may not have anything to do with anything with your furnace instead, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job for an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup which can impede airflow. This is especially difficult if the ducts are close to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company prior to when you call them. This is typically available on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their past and expertise when you schedule an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the knowledge you require when you select a company with many years of experience.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as the other components of your furnace for issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger may require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s defective can be extremely costly. It is an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you notice any odd or unfamiliar noises coming from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they are likely to offer a warranty on their work to ensure your peace of mind. It is possible to void the warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may also be liable for any damages or injuries that result from.