How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. There are a variety of things to look for to make sure that your heating system is functioning properly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies they have previously used. They can give valuable feedback about the company and the services it provides.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than usual, or if you’ve heard strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter for some time, it may be blocked which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to overload itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, this could cause high costs and even damage to the unit.
It’s easy to change your filter which can help maintain a healthy air quality at home, lower your expenses on energy and also extend the longevity of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure that it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are printed on the outside of your filter. simply take it off to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep a spare filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and of the right size. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t do this, the system will not operate. You may also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated furnace, or the fan reversing back to cool air rather than heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could be a factor. An older system will require more repairs and will run less effectively. This is due to parts like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. It’s a good idea consult a professional with experience to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re raising your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may suggest that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t before, this is a sign that you should seek out repair services. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating properly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, there could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your circuit breaker box. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker off.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the breaker on, you will be able to tell if your thermostat is working properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or does not display any data whatsoever, your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a faulty thermostat by attaching a paper towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, it could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are in line, your thermostat may be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from obtaining the power they require could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it is recommended to reset it and see if the problem goes away by itself. If it doesn’t you must deal with the issue immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker is constantly tripping. This indicates a bigger issue.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working. Most of them are simple to repair. One of the most common causes is a dirty or dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can limit airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently, and make sure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being reset, this is an indication that they’re not being given enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a loose wire. This happens when a wire is hot, and causes a surge of electricity which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s best to have a professional inspect the panel if you find any.
Sometimes the issue isn’t to be related to your furnace at all and could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris can cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This can be especially difficult if the ducts are close to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Review the work history of any repair company before you contact them. You will usually find this information on their website, or ask the service provider when you make an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you require.
A skilled furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In some instances, the heat exchanger could need to be replaced if it has been damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s defective can be extremely costly. It is an essential component that heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair technician. Scraping, squeaking, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition, they will likely offer an assurance on their work to give you peace of assurance. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You may also be liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.