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 things you can do to ensure that your heating system functions properly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair firms that they have used before. They can provide valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t changed your filter in long, it could be blocked and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t take the time to check it, this could cause high costs and even damage to the unit.
It’s simple to change your filter which can help maintain a healthy air quality at home, lower your energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the right size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter on hand so that you can change it if it gets dirty.
Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and the right size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If it’s not, the system will not work and you may 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 also be a factor. A system that is old will likely to require more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. A professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re increasing the thermostat to reach the same amount of heat you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could suggest that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s an indication that you should seek out repair services. The sound of squeaking or banging, as well as scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they are operating properly. This could be a serious issue if the wiring of your thermostat is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat with your breakers box. Next you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker off.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on then you should be able to see whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by taping a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a normal household thermometer on top it. Then, you can leave it there for around 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat shows more heat than the thermometer, it could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are consistent your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from receiving the power they require can be risky. When your furnace goes off the breaker, it’s recommended to reset it and check whether the issue goes away by itself. If it’s still occurring, you must take action immediately. This is true, especially if the breaker trips repeatedly. This indicates a bigger problem.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker could trip. The majority of them are easy to fix. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty or dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can limit airflow. Make sure to 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 a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s an indication that there is not enough power being provided and that they should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker’s to trip. This could happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. If you find any issues, it’s best to call an expert to inspect the wires.
It’s possible that the issue may not have anything to do with all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners who do not have the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected 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 need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that can block airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts sit close to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company before you contact them. You will usually find the information on their website or talk to the repair company to confirm an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.
A qualified furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for problems. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if needed. In some instances the heat exchanger might have to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is faulty can be very high. 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 a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, it’s time to call a repair specialist. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect your heating functionality.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, which gives you peace of peace of. It is possible to void the warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You may be held accountable for any damages or injuries that result from.