How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences issues, it could be frustrating and even dangerous. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Request recommendations from your family, friends and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter in some time, it may be clogged, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, this could cause high costs and even damage to the system.
Changing your filter is a simple task that can ensure the health of your air within your home, cut down on energy costs and prolong the life of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter every month and ensure it’s the right size for your system. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory to change it out if yours is dirty.
Before calling for an expert, examine your filters to determine whether they’re in the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame, and that the safety switch is on. If not, the system will not function and you could experience some unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace could be a factor. An older system will require more maintenance and will run less efficiently. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s a good idea 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 increasing your thermostat to achieve the same level of heat you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may suggest that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, you must contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re functioning properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat with your breakers box. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating and power) and make sure they’re tightly plugged in to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker back on.
You can check the display of your thermostat to check whether it’s working as intended after you have reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data at all the thermostat has lost its power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test to determine if your thermostat is faulty by taping an old towel to the wall near it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If your thermostat is showing a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be a problem. If the readings match, your thermostat may be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from obtaining the power they need could be a risk. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker it is recommended to reset it and see whether the issue disappears on its own. If it continues, you should address the problem immediately. This is especially true if the breaker trips repeatedly. This indicates a bigger problem.
There are a few typical reasons that your circuit breaker might trip, and most of them are fairly simple to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty or dirty filter that blocks airflow, causing the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can limit airflow. Make sure to change your air filters regularly and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
You might also want to check that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that are in high demand like power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there isn’t enough power available and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to go off. It can happen when a wire becomes hot and creates a surge of electricity that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you discover any issues, it’s best to get an expert to inspect the wires.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to have to do with your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a task that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all indications to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, however dirt and debris may also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is particularly difficult if the ducts are near to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out the history of work of any repair company before you contact them. It is typically accessible on their website or you can ask the service provider about their past and expertise when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to find the experience you need when you select a company that has a long track record.
A skilled furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for problems. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger could need to be replaced if it is damaged or cracked.
A damaged heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components of your system to replace or repair. It is an essential component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks, this can cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair technician. The sounds coming from your furnace like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise its heating capabilities.
A technician with a great reputation will be able to identify the problem and plan your furnace repair near me fast. They’ll also likely offer a guarantee on their work, thereby giving you peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
