How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

It can be frustrating and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is operating correctly.

Ask for recommendations from friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable details about the services offered by the company and the customer experience.

1. Check Your Filters

It’s time to do an inspection if 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 long, it could be blocked which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to overload itself. This could lead to higher costs for energy and can even harm the unit itself if left unchecked.

Change your filter is a simple task that can ensure healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter monthly and make sure it’s the proper size for your system. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get an exact reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand to change it out if yours is dirty.

Before calling for a professional, you should examine your filters to determine whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you notice lots 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 switched on and that the door on the bottom is secured to the frame. If not, the system will not function and you could encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.

The age of your furnace could be another factor. An older furnace will require more maintenance and will run less effectively. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. It’s a good idea to seek out an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you notice that you have to raise the thermostat more than you used to to achieve the same heat level or that it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.

If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t before, this is also an indication to call for repair services. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could indicate serious issues. A technician should be called immediately.

Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they are operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires have 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 breakers box. Next you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker off.

After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on then you should be able to see whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the situation, you can test for a faulty thermostat by tying an untidy towel to the wall next to your thermostat, and then placing a normal household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be working properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issue that blocks them from receiving the power they require can be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue goes away on its own. If it’s still occurring, you must take action immediately. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It could indicate a larger problem.

There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to fix. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty or dirty filter that blocks airflow, causing the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also limit airflow. Make sure you change your air filters frequently and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.

You might also want to ensure whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that require a lot of power like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being tripped, this is an indication that they aren’t receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.

Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This could happen when the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to examine the area at any loose wires you discover.

It is possible that the issue is not at all with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by home owners without the proper experience.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, broken sections and other issues can impede the efficiency of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

The most frequent issue is leaks, however dirt and debris can clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is particularly risky in the case of ducts that are close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.

Review the work history of any repair company prior to when you call them. You will usually find this information on their website, or ask the repair company when you make an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.

A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In certain instances the heat exchanger might have to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.

The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is damaged can be quite high. It’s an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking, this can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that needs immediate attention.

Get a professional’s help If you hear strange or strange noises coming from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.

A technician with a great reputation will be able detect the problem and plan your furnace repair near me fast. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of peace of. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you might void the warranty and be responsible for any harm or injury that occurs because of your DIY efforts.

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