How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. But, there are many things to look for to make sure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace is running more frequently than usual or you’ve been hearing strange sounds, it might be the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t replaced your filter for some time, it may be blocked which could cause airflow issues which can cause the system to work harder than it should. This could lead to higher energy bills, and may even cause damage to the system itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It’s a good idea to change your filter every month and ensure that it is the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located on the outside of your filter. simply take it off to get a precise reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and the correct size. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If you don’t do this, the system will not function properly. You may also experience odd symptoms like an overheated furnace, or the fan cycling back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that your furnace’s age could be an issue. A furnace that is older is likely to require more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to turn up the thermostat higher than you did before for the same heat level, or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter may require replacement. Over time, dirty filters could cause your furnace to perform more than it should.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t before, this is also a sign that you should call for repair services. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. This could be a significant issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power supply to the thermostat using your breaker panel. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker back on.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the breaker on and off, you should be able to see if your thermostat is working properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show 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 case then you can find out if your thermostat may be faulty by taping a piece of paper towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After that, leave it there for around 20 minutes to check the readings on both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings match your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from getting the power they need could be risky. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. If it continues to be happening, you need to fix the issue immediately. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. This indicates a bigger issue.
There are a few typical reasons why your circuit breaker could trip, and most of them are relatively easy to fix. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter regularly and ensure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to check that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that require a lot of power, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may be tripping is a loose wire. This could happen when the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. If you find any, it’s a good idea to get an expert to examine the wires.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to have to do with your furnace at all and could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a task that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that can hinder the performance of your home. This can result in drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork. However, there is also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup that restricts airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts sit near to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure to check out their history of work. You will usually find the information on their website or ask the technician when you schedule an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the experience you need when you select a company that has a long track record.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger as well as the other components of your furnace to determine if there are any problems. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if needed. In some instances, the heat exchanger will have to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is faulty can be very high. It’s a crucial component that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaking, it can lead to a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. Scraping, squeaking and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they are likely to offer the warranty on their work to provide you with peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may also be responsible for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.