How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your heating system functions correctly.
Ask for referrals from family, friends and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can give you valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace has been operating more frequently than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds it’s time for a quick check. If you’ve not replaced your filter for a while, it could be blocked, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t check it, this can cause high costs and even damage to the system.
It’s easy to change your filter, which will help you maintain the health of your air at home, cut down on energy bills and prolong the longevity of your system. It is recommended to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the right size for the unit you have. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply measure it to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand to change it out if yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and the right size. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If you don’t, your furnace will not function properly. You may also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan cycling back to cool air rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace may also be a factor. An older system will require more maintenance and will run less effectively. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will 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 you’re increasing the thermostat to get the same level of heat as you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters may make your furnace 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, and even scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. This could be a serious problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power supply to the thermostat using your breaker panel. Next take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker off.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and switched the switch on and off, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case then you can determine if your thermostat is faulty by taping the towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After that, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to verify the readings of both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are the same the thermostat is probably functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from obtaining the power they need could be risky. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See whether it gets resolved. If it’s still happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is true, especially when the breaker keeps tripping. This indicates a bigger issue.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker might be triggered, and the majority of them are simple to fix. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which could also hinder 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.
It is also advisable to make sure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand, such as the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being reset, this is an indication that they’re not being given enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a wire that is loose. It can happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that could cause the furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to get a professional to examine the area at any loose wires you discover.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to have 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 hinder the performance of your home. This can cause drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris may also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts are close to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure to check out their work history. You will usually find this information on their website or ask the repair company when you make an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.
A skilled furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some instances the heat exchanger might have to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is faulty can be very high. It’s a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it can lead to a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help If you hear strange or unfamiliar noises emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A reliable technician can identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to give you peace of mind. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could also be liable for any injuries or damages that result from.