How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. However, there are several factors you can look for to make sure that your heating system is working effectively.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can provide valuable information about the services offered by the company and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or you’ve heard strange sounds. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, it could be blocked and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which can help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, cut down on energy bills and prolong the longevity of your system. It’s a good idea to change your filter each month, and ensure it’s the correct size for the unit you have. The dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace it if yours gets dirty.
Before contacting a professional, you should examine your filters to determine whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, ensure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If not, the system won’t operate and you may be experiencing strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that the age of your furnace could be a factor. An older system is likely to require more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. It’s a good idea contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not turning up the thermostat to get the same level of heat you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to work harder over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. The sound of squeaking or banging, and even scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating properly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have been disconnected, it 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 by using your circuit breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to check if it is working properly after you have reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not show any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost its power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by taping an untidy towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. Then, you can leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than that of the thermometer, this could indicate that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are similar, your thermostat is likely working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from getting the power they require can be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See whether it can be fixed. If it doesn’t, you should deal with the issue immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It could indicate a larger issue.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker might trip. Most of them are easy to fix. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter, which can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also limit airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power being provided and that they should be given their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could not be working is a loose wire. This happens when a wire becomes hot, and causes an electric current which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. It’s best 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 at all, 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 homeowners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other issues can impede the performance of your home. This can result in drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, but dirt and debris may also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is especially problematic if the ducts are near the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company prior to when you contact them. You can usually find the information on their website or ask the service provider to confirm an appointment. You are more likely to find the expertise you need if you choose a company with many years of experience.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is defective can be extremely costly. It is a crucial component which heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaking, it can result in an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you hear strange or strange noises coming from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They will also likely offer a guarantee for their work, which gives you peace of peace of. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you might void the warranty and be responsible for any harm or injury that occurs as a result of your DIY efforts.