How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are some steps you can take to make sure that your heating system functions effectively.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues about furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can give you valuable information about the company’s services and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or if you’ve heard strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow. This could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, this could lead to high bills and even damage to the unit.
It’s easy to change your filter, which will help you maintain the health of your air at home, reduce your expenses on energy and also extend the lifespan of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure that it’s the correct size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get an exact reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand to switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Before calling for a professional, you should examine your filters to determine if they’re the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the door on the bottom is secured to the frame. If not, the furnace will not function and you could experience some unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan running 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 efficiently. This is due to parts like the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to raise the thermostat higher than you used to in order to reach the same temperature level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter may need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, could indicate serious issues. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a serious issue if the wiring of your thermostat is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power supply to the thermostat by turning off your circuit breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker back on.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to check if it is working properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data, this means 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 then you can see if your thermostat is faulty by taping an old towel to the wall close to it, and then putting an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After that, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to verify the readings of both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If your thermostat displays an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are consistent your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it’s a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue disappears by itself. If it continues to be happening, you need to fix the issue immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker keeps tripping. It could indicate a larger problem.
There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are relatively easy to repair. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter that can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filters frequently and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share the same circuit as high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being reset, this is an indication that they aren’t being given enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could be tripping is a loose wire. This happens when a wire becomes hot, and causes a surge of electricity that could cause your furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to have a professional inspect the panel if you find any.
It’s possible that the problem has nothing to do at anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that limit your home’s performance. This can result in drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty smells. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the chance of dirt and debris accumulation that can block airflow. This is particularly dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Find out the history of work of any repair company before you call them. You can usually find the information on their website, or ask the technician when you schedule an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger may need to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to fix or replace. It is a crucial component which heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it can lead to carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.
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, giving you peace of assurance. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could be held accountable for any damages or injuries that result from.
