How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. There are some things you can do to make sure that your heating system functions properly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair firms that they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable details about the company’s services and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to conduct a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it could be blocked which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the system itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that can ensure healthy air quality within your home, cut down on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter every month and make sure it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along one of the edges of your filter. simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. Keep an extra furnace filter on hand so you can replace it if it gets dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and the right size. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame, and that the safety switch is on. If not, the furnace won’t operate and you may be experiencing unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan running 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 maintenance and run less effectively. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. Consulting a professional can help you determine if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not raising the thermostat to get the same amount of heat as you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may be a sign that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters could cause your furnace to work harder than it should.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t made before, this is an indication that you should seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires have not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat using your breaker panel. Take off the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re securely connected 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 breaker on and off, you will be able to tell if your thermostat is working properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or doesn’t show any data at all the thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test to find out if your thermostat may be faulty by taping a piece of paper towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on top. Then, you can leave it there for around 20 minutes to check the readings of both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing more heat than the thermometer, it could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are consistent the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker. See whether it can be fixed. If it continues to be happening, you need to address the issue right away. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are a variety of reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working. Most of them are simple to fix. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which could also restrict airflow. Make sure that you replace your air filters on a regular basis 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 keeps being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not getting enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may be tripping is a wire that is loose. This could happen when the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to inspect the panel if you find any.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to do with your furnace in any way, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can impede the efficiency of your home. This can lead to 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 frequent problem with ductwork, but there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup that can block airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Review the work history of any repair company prior to when you call them. This is typically available on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their background and experience when you schedule an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the expertise you need when you select a company that has a long track record.
A qualified furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In certain instances, the heat exchanger may require replacement if it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s damaged can be quite high. It’s an essential component that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it could result in an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you hear strange or strange noises emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They may also offer a guarantee on their work, thereby giving you peace of mind. It is possible to void the warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You could be held accountable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.