How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it could be a hassle and even risky. There are some steps you can take to make sure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Ask for referrals from family, friends and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable information about the services offered by the company and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace is running a lot more than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises it’s time for a quick check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in awhile, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow. This could cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the unit itself if left unchecked.
Changing your filter is a straightforward task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s recommended to change your filter each month and make sure it’s the correct size for the unit you have. The dimensions of your furnace are located along the edges of your current filter; simply take it off to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand so you can change it out if yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they are clean and the right size. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If you don’t do this, the system will not function properly. You might also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit, or the fan turning back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that your furnace’s age could be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and run less efficiently. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s recommended to contact 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 your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat as you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could be a sign that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises it has never made before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. The sound of squeaking or banging, and even scraping, could indicate serious issues. A technician should be called immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a major problem if the wiring on your thermostat is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your circuit breaker box. Take off the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reconnect them and switch the breaker off.
You can check the display of your thermostat to see whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve connected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information at all it means that your thermostat has lost its power and isn’t 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 standard thermometer from your household on top of it. After that, leave it there for around 20 minutes to verify the temperature readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If your thermostat displays an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are consistent the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any issue that blocks them from obtaining the power they require could be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. If it continues to be occurring, you must fix the issue immediately. This is especially when the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker might be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to repair. One of the most common causes is a dirty or dirty filter that blocks airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which could also hinder airflow. Make sure you replace your air filters on a regular basis and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
It is also advisable to ensure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that require a lot of power like appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently it’s an indication that there is not enough power and that the appliances should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker’s to trip. It can happen when a wire gets hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It is recommended to have a professional examine the area for any.
It is possible that the issue is not at all 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 conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other issues that can hinder the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly risky if your ducts are located close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before you call an repair service, be sure to check out their history of work. You can typically find the information on their website, or ask the service provider when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to find the knowledge you require if you choose a company that has a long track record.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger and the other parts of your furnace for any problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In some instances the heat exchanger may require replacement when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing an exchanger for heat that is defective can be extremely costly. 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 an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Call a professional If you notice any odd or strange noises emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes such as squeaking and banging could indicate a serious problem that could impact the efficiency of heating.
A reputable technician can identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely provide a warranty on their work, thereby giving you peace of peace of. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
