How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if your furnace is not working properly. There are a few ways to ensure that your heating system works properly.

Ask for recommendations from friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can give you valuable information about the services offered by the company and customer service.

1. Check Your Filters

It’s time to do an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than usual, or if you’ve heard unusual sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while it could be blocked and causing issues with airflow, which could result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t examine it, this can result in costly repairs and even damage to the unit.

It’s easy to change your filter which can help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, lower your expenses on energy and also extend the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter monthly and ensure it’s the proper size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get a precise reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace it when yours becomes dirty.

Before you call 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 that the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.

Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secure over the frame, and that the safety switch is on. If you don’t, the system will not operate. You might also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.

The age of your furnace may also be a factor. An older system will require more maintenance and will operate less effectively. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. It’s a good idea consult a professional with experience to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you notice that you have to raise the thermostat more than you used to for the same heat level or that it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter could need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.

If your furnace makes strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. Scraping, squeaking and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires have not connected properly or have become disconnected, there could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat using your breakers box. Take off the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose and switch the breaker off.

You can check the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any information at all, your thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.

If this is the case, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a regular household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings are identical the thermostat is functioning correctly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from getting the power they need could be risky. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker. See whether it can be fixed. If it continues then you should take care to address the problem immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker keeps tripping. This indicates a bigger problem.

There are a variety of reasons why your circuit breaker may be triggered. Most of them are easy to repair. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter that can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts, which could 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 check that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that require a lot of power, such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they aren’t receiving enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.

Another reason your breaker may be tripping is a loose wire. This happens when a wire is hot, and causes an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. It’s best to get a professional to inspect the panel if you find any.

Sometimes, the issue has nothing to do with your furnace and could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners who do not have the proper experience.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there is also the possibility of dirt and debris buildup that can block airflow. This is particularly dangerous if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.

Before calling a repair company, be sure you check their history of work. This information is usually available on their website or you can inquire with the repair service provider about their background and experience when making an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you require.

A qualified furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger, as well as other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger could need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.

A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive components in your system to repair or replace. It’s a crucial component that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it can result in an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.

If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair technician. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating functionality.

A technician with a good track record is able to spot the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly. In addition, they will likely offer a warranty on their work to ensure your peace of peace of. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you could void your warranty and be liable for any damage or injury that may occur due to your DIY efforts.