How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your heating system is operating correctly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can provide valuable details about the company’s services and customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace has been running a lot more than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises It’s probably an opportunity to conduct a check. If you’ve not replaced your filter in long, it could be clogged which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the unit.
It’s easy to change your filter, which can help maintain the health of your air at home, reduce your energy costs and extend the longevity of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure it’s the proper size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so you can replace it if yours gets dirty.
Before calling for a professional, you should look over your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and to ensure they’re clean. 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, ensure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If not, the system will not function and you could be experiencing odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan running to cool air instead of heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could be another factor. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and run less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. Contacting a professional can assist you in determining the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re turning up the thermostat to reach the same amount of heat that you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could be a sign that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises that you haven’t heard before, this is also an indication to seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. This could be a major issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power supply to the thermostat by using your breaker panel. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, and then turn the breaker on again.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to determine 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 information at all the thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a normal household thermometer on top of it. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to examine the readings of both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issue that blocks them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it can be fixed. However, if it keeps happening, you need to take action immediately. This is particularly true if the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker could be triggered. Most of them are simple to fix. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty or dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter regularly and ensure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
It is also advisable to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that require a lot of power, such as appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power available and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a loose wire. It can happen when the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge which can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s essential to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you find any issues, it’s best to contact an expert to inspect them.
It is possible that the problem has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house may develop leaks, broken sections, and other issues 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 clues that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common problem with ductwork, but there’s also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup that can block airflow. This is especially dangerous if your ducts are located close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Find out the history of work of any repair company prior to when you contact them. This is typically available on their website or you can inquire with the service provider about their background and experience when scheduling an appointment. You are more likely to get the expertise you need when you select a company with many years of experience.
A qualified furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger may need to be replaced if it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is defective can be extremely costly. It is an essential component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it can result in a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you notice any odd or unusual noises coming from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They will also likely provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of peace of. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be liable for any damage or injury that occurs due to your DIY efforts.