How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. There are a few ways to ensure that your heating system functions properly.
Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have used before. They may have valuable feedback on the company and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
If your furnace is running more frequently than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds It’s probably an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t changed your filter in awhile and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This can lead to high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the system itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which can help maintain the health of your air at home, reduce your expenses on energy and also extend the life of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter monthly and ensure it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions for your furnace are printed on the outside of your current filter; simply take it off to get an accurate reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so you can replace it when yours becomes dirty.
Before contacting an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame and the safety switch is switched on. If not, the furnace will not function and you could encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The condition of your furnace could also be a factor. A system that is old will likely to need more repairs and to perform 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 notice that you are required to turn up the thermostat higher than you previously did to achieve the same heat level or it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter could need to be replaced. Over time, dirty filters can force your furnace to perform more than it should.
If your furnace is making strange noises that you haven’t heard before, this is an indication to call for repair services. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they are operating correctly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat is not connected properly or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat with your breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker off.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s working as intended after you’ve reconnected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data at all it means that your thermostat has lost power and is not 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 next to your thermostat and then placing a regular household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are similar the thermostat is working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issue that blocks them from obtaining the power they require can be a risk. When your furnace goes off the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears by itself. If it doesn’t, you should deal with the issue immediately. This is particularly when the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as it indicates an issue that is more serious.
There are a few common reasons why your circuit breaker could be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to fix. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filters frequently and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power and they need to be given their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could not be working is a wire that is loose. This happens when a wire is hot, and causes an electric current which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to contact an expert to inspect the wires.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and should not be attempted by home owners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other issues can hinder the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, however dirt and debris can clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit near to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check out the work history of any repair company before you call them. You can typically find this information on their website or ask the service provider to confirm an appointment. You are more likely to get the experience you need when you select a company that has a long track record.
A professional furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In some instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is damaged can be quite high. It is an essential component that heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking it can lead to carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. The sounds of your furnace like banging and squeaking could be a sign of a serious issue that could compromise the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a great reputation will be able to identify the problem and plan your furnace repair near me swiftly. They will also likely offer a guarantee on their work, giving you peace of peace of. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may be held accountable for any injuries or damages that result from.