How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when the furnace fails to function properly. There are some steps you can take to ensure that your heating system works properly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies that they have previously worked with. They can give you valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or you’ve heard unusual sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This can lead to high costs for energy and can even harm the unit itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that can help maintain healthy air quality within your home, cut down on energy costs and extend the life of your system. It is recommended to change your filter every month, and ensure it is the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located along one of the edges of your filter. simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should examine your filters to determine if they’re the right size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t doing its job properly.
Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If it’s not, the system will not work and you may be experiencing unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan running to cool air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an element. An older system will require more maintenance and will run less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. A professional can help you determine the best time to replace your new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up your thermostat to achieve the same level of heat you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may indicate that your air filter is in need of replacing. Over time, dirty filters could force your furnace to work harder than it should.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t before, it’s an indication to contact a repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, as well as scraping, could indicate serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a serious issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your breakers panel. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose and turn off the breaker.
Once you’ve reattached the wires and turned the switch on then you should be able to determine if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a malfunctioning thermostat by attaching an untidy towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a normal household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, test both the household thermometer and thermostat. If your thermostat is showing a higher temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issue that blocks them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See whether it gets resolved. If it continues you must deal with the issue immediately. This is especially true when the breaker keeps tripping. This indicates a bigger problem.
There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are simple to repair. One is a dirty air filter, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts that can also hinder airflow. Be sure to change your air filter on a regular basis and ensure 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 or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power being provided and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker’s to trip. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to look for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It is recommended to have a professional inspect the panel for any.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel needs repair. This is a task that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other problems can limit the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures, and musty smells. These are all signs to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork, however there’s also the chance of dirt and debris accumulation that restricts airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Review the work history of any repair service before you call them. This information is usually available on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their history and experience when you schedule an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A professional furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as needed. In some instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced if it has been damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing an exchanger for heat that is defective can be extremely costly. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it can lead to carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you hear strange or unusual noises emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.
A technician with a great reputation is able to spot the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me fast. In addition, they will likely offer a warranty on their work to provide you with peace of assurance. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be held accountable for any harm or injury that results due to your DIY efforts.