How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. There are some ways to ensure that your heating system is operating effectively.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can give you valuable information about the company’s services and customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace has been operating more frequently than usual or you’ve been experiencing strange noises, it might be an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it could be blocked and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t examine it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
Changing your filter is an easy task that will help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the life of your system. It’s a good idea to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the correct size for the unit you have. The dimensions for your furnace are printed along one of the edges of your current filter; simply measure it to get a precise reading. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare filter on hand to change it out if yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. There could be odd symptoms like an overheated furnace, or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could also be a factor. A furnace that is older is likely to need more repairs and to operate less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. Contacting a professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up your thermostat to achieve the same level of heat that you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may indicate 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 odd noises that it hasn’t made before, it’s an indication to seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure they’re operating properly. If the thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, this could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your breakers box. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the white and red wires (standard colors for heating 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 turned the switch on, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is functioning correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank, or does not show any data at all, your thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case then you can determine if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching the towel to the wall near it, and then putting an ordinary thermometer on the top. Then, you can leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the readings on both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature reads higher than that of the thermometer, it could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. 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 require could be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue goes away on its own. If it doesn’t you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is true, especially if the breaker trips repeatedly. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker could stop working. The majority of them are simple to fix. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter frequently, and make sure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
It is also advisable to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances, such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not getting enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a loose wire. This happens when a wire becomes hot, and causes an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to contact a professional to take a look at them.
It is possible that the issue may not have anything to do with any time with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that hinder your home’s performance. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors, and musty odors. These are all clues to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork, however there is also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is especially dangerous if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before you call a repair company, make sure you look up their past work history. You can usually find this information on their website or talk to the service provider to confirm an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.
A qualified furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger could need to be replaced if it has been damaged or cracked.
A faulty 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 prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it could cause a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you notice any odd or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A reliable technician can identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely offer a guarantee on their work, giving you peace of mind. It is possible to void the warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any injuries or damages that result from.