How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when your furnace is not working properly. There are a variety of factors you can look for to make sure that your heating system is functioning effectively.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family members and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable information about the company’s services and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace has been running a lot more than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds it’s the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while it could be blocked and causing issues with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. This could lead to higher energy bills and even damage the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which can help maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter every month and make sure it’s the right size for the unit you have. The dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get an accurate 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 an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re in 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 performing its job properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the door on the bottom is securely securing the frame. If you don’t, the system will not function properly. You may also experience odd symptoms like an overheated furnace, or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is that the age of your furnace could be an issue. An older system will require more maintenance and will operate less efficiently. This is due to parts like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. It’s a good idea seek out an experienced professional to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not increasing the thermostat to get the same amount of heat as you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could be a sign that your air filter needs replacing. Over time, dirty filters can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t heard before, it is time to contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious issues. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a significant problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t connected correctly or has become disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by turning off your breakers panel. Take off the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then turn the breaker on again.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to see if it is working properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost its power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation then you can determine if your thermostat is defective by tying an old towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, it could indicate that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issue that blocks them from receiving the power they require can be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away by itself. If it persists, you should deal with the issue immediately. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is tripping repeatedly, as it indicates an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker might be triggered. The majority of them are simple to repair. One is a dirty air filter, which can block 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 make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power available and they need to be given their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to go off. It can happen when a wire gets hot and creates a surge of electricity that could cause your furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you spot any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to get an expert to take a look at the wires.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace at all and could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This can cause drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is especially dangerous when your ducts are situated close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Review the work history of any repair service before you call them. It is typically accessible on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their history and experience when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to get the expertise you need when you select a company with many years of experience.
A professional furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger as well as all other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger might require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair expert. The sounds coming from your furnace like banging and squeaking could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a good track record will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly. They will also likely offer a guarantee for their work, which gives you peace of assurance. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.
