How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it can be a hassle and even risky. However, there are several aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have used before. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is running a lot more than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange noises it’s an opportunity to conduct a check. If you’ve not replaced your filter for a while, it could be blocked, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t take the time to check it, this can result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
The process of changing your filter is a straightforward task that can help maintain the health of your air in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure it’s the correct size for your system. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so you can replace it if it gets dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.
Also, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is switched on. If not, the system will not work and you may encounter strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan running to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that your furnace’s age could be an issue. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will operate less effectively. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. It’s a good idea seek out an experienced professional to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to turn up 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 could need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s a sign that you should seek out 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 has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by turning off your circuit breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, and then turn off the breaker.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to check if it is working properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or doesn’t show any data at all, your thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a faulty thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a normal household thermometer on top it. Then, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to check the readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they require could be risky. When your furnace goes off the breaker it is recommended to reset it and check if the problem goes away on its own. However, if it keeps happening, you need to take action immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps running into trouble, since this indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker might trip. The majority of them are easy to fix. One is a dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filters regularly and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
It is also advisable to check that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power available and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This happens when a wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s important to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to have a professional take a look for any.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to be related to your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by home owners without having the necessary experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This can result in drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is particularly risky if your ducts are located close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Before you call a repair company, be sure to check out their work history. You can usually find the information on their website, or ask the service provider to confirm an appointment. You are more likely to find the expertise you need if you choose a company that has a long track record.
A professional furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger may need to be replaced if it has been damaged or cracked.
A broken heat exchanger is among the most expensive components of your system to repair or replace. It is an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it could cause a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should call a repair specialist. 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 issue and plan your furnace repair near me fast. Additionally they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to ensure your peace of mind. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you might void the warranty and be responsible for any damage or injury that occurs due to your DIY efforts.