How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. However, there are several aspects to consider to make sure that your heating system is working effectively.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have previously worked with. They can give valuable feedback about the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for a quick 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 and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which could cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high costs for energy and can even harm the system itself if left unchecked.
Change your filter is an easy task that will help maintain the health of your air in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It is recommended to change your filter once a month, and ensure it’s the correct size for your unit. The dimensions for your furnace are printed on the outside of your filter. simply take it off to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory to change it out if yours is dirty.
Before calling for an expert, look over your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you see a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If it’s 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.
Another thing to consider is that the age of your furnace could be an issue. An older system will require more repairs and will operate less effectively. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. Contacting a professional can help you determine the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to turn up the thermostat higher than you used to in order to reach the same temperature level or it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter might need to be replaced. Over time, dirty filters could make your furnace perform more than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, you should also seek out repair assistance. Scraping, squeaking and banging could all be signs of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. This could be a major issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover with an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to check if it is working properly after you’ve connected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a faulty thermostat by taping an old towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a regular household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, you can check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than that of the thermometer, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they require could be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker and see if it resolves itself. If it doesn’t then you should take care to address the problem immediately. This is particularly when the breaker keeps running into trouble, since this indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are a few typical reasons that your circuit breaker might trip, and most of them are fairly simple to repair. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can hinder airflow. Make sure you replace your air filters on a regular basis and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there isn’t enough power available and that they should be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may not be working is a loose wire. It can happen when the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to take a look if you find any.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to be related to your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and is not something that should be attempted by home owners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other problems can limit the performance of your home. This can cause drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris may also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts are near the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, make sure you look up their work history. You will usually find the information on their website or talk to the repair company to confirm an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you require.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as the other components of your furnace for any problems. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger could require replacement if it has been damaged or cracked.
A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive components of your system to repair or replace. It is an essential part that heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking it can lead to a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should call a repair specialist. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A technician with a good reputation is able to spot the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me fast. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, thereby giving you peace of peace of. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could be held accountable for any damages or injuries that result from.