How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is functioning effectively.
Ask your friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable feedback on the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than usual, or if you’ve heard unusual sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing problems with airflow. This could result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t check it, this could lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
It’s easy to change your filter, which can help maintain the health of your air at home, cut down on energy bills and prolong the longevity of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter once a month and make sure it’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located on the outside of the filter you have in place; simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. Keep an extra furnace filter on hand so that you can change it if it gets dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should look over your filters to see if they’re the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or other surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If it’s not, the system will not function and you could be experiencing unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace could also be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and run less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. A professional can assist you in determining if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re increasing the thermostat to reach the same level of heat as you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could be a sign that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it has never made before, it is time to contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging can all indicate serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. If your thermostat’s wires have not properly connected or have become disconnected, this could be a cause for concern. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker box. Take off the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then turn the breaker on again.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the switch on and off, you should be able to see whether your thermostat is operating 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 not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case you can determine if your thermostat is defective by tying the towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If your thermostat shows a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from getting the power they require can be risky. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker and see whether it gets resolved. If it continues to be occurring, you must address the issue right away. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this indicates that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker could stop working. Most of them are easy to repair. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
You might also want to check whether 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 is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there is not enough power and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could be tripping is a loose wire. It can happen when the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. It is crucial to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. It’s best to have a professional take a look for any.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at all with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel requires repair. This is a task that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork. However, there is also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that can block airflow. This is particularly dangerous when your ducts are situated close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Review the work history of any repair company before you call them. It is typically accessible on their website, or you can ask the repair company about their past and expertise when scheduling an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger and the other parts of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger might require replacement in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is among the most expensive parts in your system to fix or replace. It is a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it can result in a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help If you notice any odd or unusual sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds coming from your furnace like banging and squeaking could indicate a serious problem that could impact the efficiency of heating.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of assurance. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You may also be liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.