How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

It can be a hassle and even dangerous when your furnace is not working properly. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is functioning effectively.

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1. Check Your Filters

It’s time for an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or you’ve heard strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it could be clogged, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t check it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.

Change your filter is an easy task that can help maintain the health of your air in your home, help save on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It is recommended to change your filter once a month and ensure that it’s the right size for the unit you have. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get an exact reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so that you can change it if yours gets dirty.

Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and of the right size. If you see lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.

Also, ensure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame and the safety switch is switched on. If you don’t, the system won’t function. You might also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated furnace, or the fan turning back to cool air rather than heating it up.

Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be a factor. An older system is likely to require more repairs and to run inefficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt or ball bearings wearing 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 turn up the thermostat higher than you previously did in order to reach the same temperature level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter might need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.

If your furnace makes strange noises it has never made before, you must seek out repair assistance. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could indicate serious issues. A technician should be called immediately.

Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a major issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat by turning off your breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, then turn the breaker on again.

Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the switch on then you should be able to determine if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or does not show any data at all it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.

If this is the case you can determine if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching a piece of paper towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on top. Then, you can leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If your thermostat shows a higher temperature than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings match your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces rely on electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from getting the power they need could be risky. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. If it doesn’t, you should take action immediately to fix the issue. This is particularly true if the breaker trips repeatedly. This indicates a bigger problem.

There are a variety of reasons why your circuit breaker could be triggered. Most of them are easy to fix. One is a dirty air filter, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also restrict airflow. Make sure that 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 an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being reset, this is an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.

Another reason why your breaker could not be working is a loose wire. It can happen when a wire becomes hot, and it creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to examine the area for any.

Sometimes the issue may not have anything to be related to your furnace at all, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and odors that are musty. These are all clues that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.

Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork. However, there is also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that restricts airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.

Find out the history of work of any repair company before you contact them. You can typically find the information on their website, or ask the technician to confirm an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.

A professional technician will check the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your furnace for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger could require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.

The cost of replacing or fixing an exchanger for heat that is defective can be extremely costly. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it could result in the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.

If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. Scraping, squeaking, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating performance.

A reliable technician will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They will also likely offer a guarantee for their work, giving you peace of mind. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you might void your warranty and be held accountable for any harm or injury that may occur due to your DIY efforts.