How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. There are a few ways to ensure that your heating system functions effectively.
Ask your family, friends, members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have previously used. They can provide valuable details regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace has been running more frequently than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange noises It’s probably time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter in long, it could be blocked, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the system itself if left unchecked.
Change your filter is a simple task that can help maintain the health of your air in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter once a month, and ensure it’s the correct size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges your current filter. Simply measure it to get a precise reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so that you can change it if yours gets dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and the right size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t doing its job correctly.
Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is secured over the frame and the safety switch is on. If not, the system will not work and you may experience some odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan running to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to take into consideration is that your furnace’s age could be an issue. An older furnace will require more repairs and run less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. It’s a good idea to consult a professional with experience 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 as you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace makes strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, you should also seek out repair assistance. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could be a sign of serious problems. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. If your thermostat’s wires have not connected properly or have become disconnected, there could be a cause for concern. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat using your circuit breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker back on.
After you’ve connected the wires and turned the breaker on and off, you will be able to tell whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation then you can determine if your thermostat is not working properly by attaching an old towel to the wall close to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If your thermostat is showing a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be an issue. If the readings match your thermostat’s readings, it could be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from getting the power they require could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. If it persists then you should take care to take action immediately to fix the issue. This is true, especially when the breaker is constantly tripping. This indicates a bigger problem.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker may trip. Most of them are easy to fix. One of them is a dirty air filter, which can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power being provided and they need to be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to go off. It can happen when a wire gets hot, and causes an electrical surge that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s important to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It’s recommended to get a professional to examine the area at any loose wires you discover.
It’s possible that the problem may not have anything to do with any time with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel needs repair. This is a task that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can impede the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris can clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This can be especially difficult if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Review the work history of any repair company prior to when you contact them. It is typically accessible on their website or you can ask the service provider about their background and experience when making an appointment. You are more likely to find the knowledge you require if you choose a company with many years of experience.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger and all other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also alter the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger will require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive components in your system to replace or repair. It is a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it could lead to the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair technician. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging could be a sign of a serious issue that could impact the efficiency of heating.
A technician with a good reputation is able to spot the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me swiftly. They will also likely provide a warranty on their work, which gives you peace of mind. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be liable for any harm or injury that occurs because of your DIY efforts.
