How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a variety of factors you can look for to make sure that your heating system is working properly.

Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies they have used before. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and its services.

1. Check Your Filters

It’s time to do an inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than usual, or if you’ve heard strange sounds. If you haven’t replaced your filter for long, it could be blocked, causing airflow problems, 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 unit.

It’s simple to change your filter, which can help maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on expenses on energy and also extend the life of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter every month and ensure it’s the proper size for your system. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter on hand so you can replace it if it gets dirty.

Before contacting a professional, you should examine your filters to determine whether they’re in the right size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or other surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t performing its job properly.

Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If not, the furnace will not work and you may encounter unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan running to cool the air instead of heating it up.

The age of your furnace could be a factor. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and run less effectively. This is due to components such as the blower belt or ball bearings aging 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’ve noticed that you’re not turning up your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may indicate that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters can make your furnace work harder than it needs to.

If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t made before, this is an indication that you should contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a major problem if your thermostat’s wiring isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your breakers box. Next take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) wires and make sure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then switch the breaker off.

You can examine the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve connected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the situation, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a regular household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, test both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings match the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning correctly.

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. When your furnace goes off the breaker it’s recommended to reset it and see if the problem goes away on its own. If it continues to be happening, you need to take action immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It could indicate a larger problem.

There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker might be triggered. Most of them are simple to fix. One is a dirty air filter, which can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter regularly and ensure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.

Make sure your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, this is an indication that they are not receiving enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.

A loose wire may cause your breaker to go off. This could happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s important to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to get a professional to examine the area if you find any.

It is possible that the problem has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to improve your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris may also block ductwork and limit airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.

Before calling a repair company, be sure you check their past work history. This information is usually available on their website or you can ask the repair company about their background and experience when scheduling an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the experience that you need.

A qualified furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if required. In certain instances the heat exchanger may require replacement when it has cracked or damaged.

The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s damaged can be quite high. It is an essential part that heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.

If you hear any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. Squeaking, scraping, banging, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.

A professional with experience can identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally, they will likely offer an assurance on their work to give you peace of assurance. It is possible to void the warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.