How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. There are some ways to make sure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask for referrals from family, friends and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable information about the company’s services and customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than usual, or if you’ve noticed strange sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter in long, it could be blocked and causing airflow issues, which can cause the system to overload itself. This could lead to higher energy bills and even damage the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
Change your filter is a simple task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter monthly and make sure it’s the proper size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter on hand to switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to ensure they are clean and the right size. If you notice lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working properly.
Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is secured over the frame and that the safety switch is switched on. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. There could be some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit, or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be a factor. A system that is old will likely to require more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. Contacting a professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you are required to turn up the thermostat more than you did before in order to reach the same temperature level or that it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter could need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to become more efficient over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t heard before, it is time to call for 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 cooling and heating system to ensure that they are operating correctly. If your thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, this could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker panel. Then take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker off.
You can check the display of your thermostat to check if it is working properly after you’ve reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not 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 case, you can test for a faulty thermostat by attaching a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a standard thermometer from your household on top of it. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to verify the readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates that there is a problem with your thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, and any issues that hinder them from receiving the power they require could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker it is an ideal idea to reset it and see whether the issue goes away by itself. If it continues, you should deal with the issue immediately. This is especially true when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are a few common reasons why your circuit breaker could be triggered, and the majority of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts that can also hinder airflow. Make sure to change your air filters frequently and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
It is also advisable to make sure whether your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances like appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power being provided and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker’s to trip. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s essential to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you spot any, it’s a good idea to get an expert to take a look at the wires.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace in any way and could be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is a task which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to 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 indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, but dirt and debris can also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit near the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before calling a repair company, make sure to check out their past work history. This information is usually available on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their past and expertise when making an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other parts of your furnace for any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger may need to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is among the most expensive parts in your system to repair or replace. It is a crucial component that heats the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, this can cause an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional if you hear any strange or unfamiliar noises coming from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could indicate a serious problem that could impact the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A reliable technician can identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They’ll also likely offer a guarantee for their work, which gives you peace of peace of. It is possible to void the warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any damages or injuries that result from.