How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. There are some steps you can take to make sure that your heating system functions correctly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have previously worked with. They can give valuable feedback about the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace has been running more frequently than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises It’s probably time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow, which can cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t examine it, this could result in costly repairs and even damage to the unit.
It’s simple to change your filter which will help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, reduce your energy bills and prolong the life of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter every month, and ensure it’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located along one of the edges of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace it if yours gets dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they’re clean and the right size. 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 safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If it’s not, the system will not function and you could encounter strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that the age of your furnace could be an issue. An older system is likely to require more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is due to parts such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. It’s recommended to consult a professional with experience to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re increasing the thermostat to get the same amount of heat you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could be a sign that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t made before, it’s a sign that you should contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a major problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power supply to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker panel. Then take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker back on.
You can check the display of your thermostat to see whether it’s working as intended after you’ve connected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a regular household thermometer on top of it. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to verify the temperature readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing more heat than the thermometer, there could be an issue. If the readings match your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from getting the power they need could be risky. One time your furnace trips the breaker it’s an ideal idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away on its own. If it continues to be occurring, you must take action immediately. This is true, especially when the breaker is constantly tripping. It could indicate a larger problem.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker could be triggered. The majority of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Make sure you replace your air filters on a regular basis and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You may also want to make sure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being reset, this is an indication that they aren’t receiving enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might be tripping is a wire that is loose. It can happen when the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge which can overheat the furnace. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It’s best to get a professional to take a look for any.
It’s possible that the issue has nothing to do at all with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that limit your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and odors that are musty. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris can also clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit near to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before calling a repair company, be sure you check their past work history. This is typically available on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their past and expertise when scheduling an appointment. You are more likely to get the experience you need if you choose a company that has a long track record.
A professional furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some cases the heat exchanger might require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It is an essential part which heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that needs immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help if you hear any strange or unusual noises emanating from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A technician with a good track record will be able detect the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me fast. They may also offer a guarantee for their work, thereby giving you peace of peace of. It is possible to void the warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You could also be liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.
