How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it could be a hassle and even risky. There are some things you can do to ensure that your heating system works effectively.

Ask for referrals from friends, family members and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can give valuable feedback about the business 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 an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t changed your filter in awhile, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This can lead to high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if it is left unchecked.

Change your filter is a simple task that can ensure healthy air quality within your home, cut down on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter each month and make sure it is the right size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along one of the edges of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get a precise reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter on hand so that you can change it if yours gets dirty.

Make sure to check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and the correct size. If you notice an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.

Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame and that the safety switch is switched on. If it’s not, the system will not function and you could experience some odd symptoms, like 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 furnace will require more repairs and run less effectively. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. It’s recommended to contact an experienced professional to determine if 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 as you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to work harder over time.

If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, it is time to contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re functioning properly. If your thermostat’s wires have not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a problem. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power to the thermostat by using your breaker panel. Next take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker back on.

You can examine the screen of your thermostat to check if it is working properly after you’ve connected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not show any information at all it means that your thermostat has lost its power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the situation, you can test to determine if your thermostat is faulty by taping an old towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If your thermostat shows an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are similar, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any problems that prevent them from getting the power they require can be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker, it’s recommended to reset it and check if the problem goes away on its own. If it doesn’t, you should take action immediately to fix the issue. This is especially when the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious.

There are a few typical reasons that your circuit breaker might trip, and most of them are simple to fix. One is a dirty air filter that can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter regularly and ensure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.

Make sure your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being reset, this is an indication that they are not being given enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.

Another reason your breaker might keep tripping is a loose wire. This happens when a wire is hot, and it creates an electric current that can overheat your furnace. It is important to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to take a look for any.

Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace in any way, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork, however there is also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that restricts airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts are close to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check out the work history of any repair company before you contact them. You can typically find the information on their website or ask the repair company to confirm an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you require.

A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some instances, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.

A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components of your system to fix or replace. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking it can lead to a carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.

Contact a professional If you notice any odd or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.

A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, which gives you peace of assurance. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you could void your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that may occur because of your DIY efforts.