How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences issues, it can be a hassle and even risky. However, there are several factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can give you valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is running a lot more than usual or you’ve been experiencing strange noises it’s time for a quick check. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which can cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t examine it, it could lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that will help maintain healthy air quality within your home, cut down on energy costs and prolong the life of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter each month and make sure it is the right size for your unit. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter in your inventory to swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they are clean and the right size. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.
Also, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and the safety switch is on. If you don’t do this, the system will not function properly. You may also experience odd symptoms like an overheated unit or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an issue. A furnace that is older is likely to require more repairs and run inefficiently. This is due to components like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. Consulting 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 increasing the thermostat to get the same amount of heat you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t before, this is an indication to contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging can all indicate serious issues 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 correctly. If your thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have been disconnected, it could be a problem. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker panel. Next take a screwdriver take off the thermostat cover and inspect 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. Reattach the wires if they seem loose and switch the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to check if it is working properly after you’ve connected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank, or does not show any data whatsoever, your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a faulty thermostat by taping an untidy towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, you can 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 are in line, your thermostat may be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from receiving 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 goes away on its own. If it’s still happening, you should address the issue right away. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is tripping repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are a few typical reasons why your circuit breaker could trip, and most of them are simple to repair. One of the most common causes is a dirty or dirty filter that can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Make sure to change your air filters frequently and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to go off. This happens when a wire becomes hot, and causes an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. It’s best to get a professional to inspect the panel if you find any.
It is possible that the problem is not at all with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that limit your home’s performance. This can result in drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all clues that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most frequent issue with ductwork. However, there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation which can impede airflow. This is especially dangerous if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Find out the history of work of any repair service before you call them. This is typically available on their website or you can ask the repair company about their past and expertise when making an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.
A qualified furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as other parts of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In certain instances, the heat exchanger could require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive components in your system to repair or replace. It is a crucial component that heats the air in 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.
Contact a professional if you hear any strange or unusual noises coming from your furnace. The sounds coming from 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 good track record is able to spot the problem and plan your furnace repair near me quickly. They will also likely provide a warranty on their work, which gives you peace of assurance. You may void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could also be liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.
