How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. There are a few ways to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair firms that they have previously worked with. They can give you valuable information about the company’s services and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace is operating more frequently than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange sounds It’s probably the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing problems with airflow. This could result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t check it, it could lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
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’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the right size for your unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Before calling for a professional, you should look over your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, make sure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the door on the bottom is securely securing the frame. If you don’t, the system will not operate. There could be strange symptoms, such as an overheated furnace, or the fan cycling back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. An older system is likely to require more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. Consulting a professional can help you determine if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not turning up the thermostat to get the same amount of heat that 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 is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made 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 to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a major issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your circuit breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose, then turn the breaker on again.
After you’ve connected the wires and switched the switch on then you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is functioning properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or does not display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test to find out if your thermostat may be defective by tying an old towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, you can check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings match, your thermostat may be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issue that stops them from receiving the power they require could be risky. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker, it’s recommended to reset it and check whether the issue disappears by itself. If it’s still happening, you need to fix the issue immediately. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is going off repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are a few typical reasons that your circuit breaker might stop working, and the majority of them are simple to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts that can also hinder airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters regularly and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
It is also advisable to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other appliances that require a lot of power like power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, this is an indication that they aren’t getting enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could be tripping is a loose wire. This can happen when a wire is hot, and causes an electrical surge that could cause your furnace to overheat. This is why it’s important to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It’s best to get a professional to take a look for any.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork, however there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup which can impede airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Before you call a repair company, make sure you check their work history. This is typically available on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their history and experience when making an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you require.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as all other parts of your furnace for any problems. 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 instances the heat exchanger may need to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing an exchanger for heat that is faulty can be very high. It is an essential part which heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it can cause a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. Scraping, squeaking, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition, they will likely offer the warranty on their work to give you peace of mind. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you might void your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that may occur as a result of your DIY efforts.