How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when your furnace is not working properly. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that your heating system functions properly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable information about the services offered by the company and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is running a lot more than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange sounds, it might be the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t replaced your filter in awhile, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t examine it, this can result in costly repairs and even damage to the unit.
Changing your filter is a straightforward task that can ensure healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter once a month and make sure it is the right size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located on the outside of the filter you have in place; simply take it off to get an accurate reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so you can replace it if it gets dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you see lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working properly.
Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t do this, the system will not function properly. You might also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit, or the fan cycling back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that your furnace’s age could be an issue. An older system will require more repairs and will operate less effectively. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s a good idea to consult a professional with experience to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not increasing the thermostat to reach the same amount of heat as you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could be a sign that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters can cause your furnace to perform more than it should.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, it is time to contact a repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat using your circuit breaker box. Next take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose and switch the breaker off.
You can check the display of your thermostat to check if it is working properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not show any information at all the thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test to see if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching an old towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on top. After that, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to check the readings of your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing more heat than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are identical the thermostat is probably functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, therefore any issues that prevent them from receiving the power they require could be risky. One time your furnace trips the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away by itself. If it continues to be happening, you should take action immediately. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since it indicates an even bigger issue at hand.
There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to repair. One is a dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being reset, this is an indication that they are not being given enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to trip. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s essential to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to get a professional to take a look for any.
It’s possible that the problem is not at all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty smells. These are all indications to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, however dirt and debris can also clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is especially dangerous if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Check out the work history of any repair company before you call them. You can typically find the information on their website or ask the service provider when you make an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the knowledge you require when you select a company that has a long track record.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger as well as the other parts of your furnace for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger might require replacement when it has cracked or damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to replace or repair. 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, this can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair technician. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could affect the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a good reputation is able to spot the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me swiftly. They will also likely offer a guarantee on their work, thereby giving you peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could also be liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.
