How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be a hassle and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. There are some things you can do to ensure that your heating system works effectively.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues about furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can give you valuable information about the company’s services and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or if you’ve heard strange noises. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This could result in high costs for energy and can even harm the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s simple to change your filter, which can help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on energy bills and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter every month and ensure it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are printed on the outside of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep a spare filter on hand so you can change it out if yours is dirty.
Before contacting an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If you don’t, your furnace won’t function. You may also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan reversing back to cool air rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and will operate less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. Consulting a professional can assist you in determining if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to raise the thermostat higher than you used to for the same heat level or that it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter could require replacement. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it hasn’t experienced before, you must seek out repair assistance. The sound of squeaking or banging, and even scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they are operating correctly. This could be a significant issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker box. Take off the thermostat cover using an screwdriver 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. Reattach the wires if they seem loose and turn off the breaker.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by attaching an old towel to the wall next to your thermostat, and then placing a normal thermometer from your household on top of it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If your thermostat is showing more heat than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it is recommended to reset it and see whether the issue disappears on its own. If it’s still occurring, you must take action immediately. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It could indicate a larger issue.
There are a variety of reasons why your circuit breaker might be triggered. The majority of them are simple to fix. One of them is a dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filters frequently and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power available and that they should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker’s to trip. This could happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you spot any issues, it’s best to get a professional to take a look at the wires.
It’s possible that the issue is not at all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can impede the efficiency of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that can block airflow. This is particularly risky in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before you call a repair company, be sure to check out their work history. It is typically accessible on their website or you can ask the repair company about their past and expertise when you schedule an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger and all other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any 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 needed. In certain instances the heat exchanger might have to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to fix or replace. It’s a crucial component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it could lead to the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help If you hear strange or unusual sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A technician with a great reputation will be able detect the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly. In addition they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to give you peace of assurance. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that may occur as a result of your DIY efforts.
