How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your heating system works effectively.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies they have used before. They can provide valuable details about the services offered by the company and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace has been running more frequently than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds it’s time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while it could be blocked and causing problems with airflow. This could cause the system to overwork itself. This could lead to higher energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that will help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It’s generally a good idea to change your filter each month and ensure it’s the right size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. Keep a spare furnace filter handy so you can replace it if yours gets dirty.
Before calling for an expert, examine your filters to determine if they’re the right size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the door on the bottom is securely securing the frame. If not, the system will not work and you may encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan running to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be a factor. An older furnace will require more maintenance and will operate less effectively. This is due to parts like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. It’s a good idea to consult a professional with experience to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to crank up the thermostat more than you did before for the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter could require replacement. Over time, dirty filters can make your furnace work harder than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. The sound of squeaking or banging, and even scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating properly. If the thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Next you can use a screwdriver to take off the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker off.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to determine if it is working properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the scenario, you can check for a defective thermostat by attaching a paper towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a standard thermometer from your household on top of it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are in line your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they require can be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See if it resolves itself. If it persists, you should address the problem immediately. This is especially true if the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are relatively easy to repair. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share the same circuit as high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being reset, this is an indication that they aren’t being given enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to go off. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. If you spot any, it’s a good idea to call an expert to inspect them.
It is possible that the issue is not at anything with your furnace it is more likely that your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house may develop leaks, broken sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and odors that are musty. These are all signs that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork, however there is also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup that restricts airflow. This is especially dangerous when your ducts are situated near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before you call a repair company, be sure you look up their past work history. You will usually find this information on their website, or ask the technician to confirm an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A skilled furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They can also adjust 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 fixing the heat exchanger that’s damaged can be quite high. It is an essential part that is responsible for heating the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it could cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
If you hear any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. Scraping, squeaking, banging, and hissing all indicate serious issues that could affect your heating functionality.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to provide you with peace of mind. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you could invalidate the warranty and be responsible for any harm or injury that results due to your DIY efforts.
