How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it could be inconvenient and even dangerous. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your heating system functions properly.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends and colleagues on furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can provide valuable information about the company’s services and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace has been running more frequently than usual or you’ve been experiencing strange noises It’s probably an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while and it’s clogged, it could be and causing issues with airflow, which can cause the system to overwork itself. This can lead to high energy bills and even damage the system itself if left unchecked.
Change your filter is a straightforward task that can ensure healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter every month and ensure that it’s the correct size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located along one of the edges of your filter. simply take it off to get an accurate reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter in your bag to replace it if yours gets dirty.
Before calling for an expert, look over your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame and the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. You might also experience some unusual symptoms such as an overheated unit, or the fan turning back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is that the age of your furnace could be an issue. 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 that wear out. It’s a good idea consult a professional with experience to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re turning up the thermostat to reach the same amount of heat you used to, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could indicate that your air filter is in need of replacing. Over time, dirty filters can make your furnace work harder than it should.
If your furnace makes strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, you should also call for repair service. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, could indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating 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, shut off the power supply to the thermostat using your breakers panel. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and turned the switch on then you should be able to see whether your thermostat is operating correctly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or does not display any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a defective thermostat by taping an untidy towel to the wall next to your thermostat, and then placing a normal household thermometer on top it. Then, you can leave it there for around 20 minutes to check the temperature readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this could indicate an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are in line, your thermostat may be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, and any problems that prevent them from receiving the power they require can be dangerous. If your furnace is able to trip the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears by itself. However, if it keeps occurring, you must take action immediately. This is especially true if the breaker trips repeatedly. This indicates a bigger problem.
There are a variety of reasons that your circuit breaker might trip. The majority of them are simple to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Clogged air ducts can also hinder airflow. Be sure to change your air filter on a regular basis and ensure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
It is also advisable to check whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances, such as appliances that run on electricity or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s a sign that there isn’t enough power being provided and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to trip. It can happen when a wire becomes hot, and causes a surge of electricity that could cause your furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It is recommended to have a professional inspect the panel at any loose wires you discover.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to do with your furnace in any way, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This can result in drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty odors. These are all clues that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris can block ductwork and limit airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before calling an repair service, be sure you check their history of work. You can typically find this information on their website, or ask the repair company when you schedule an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A skilled furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to minimize wear and tear. They may also alter the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger could require replacement if it has been damaged or cracked.
A broken heat exchanger is among the most expensive components in your system to repair or replace. It’s an essential component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it could cause the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should call a repair specialist. Squeaking, scraping, banging and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect the efficiency of your heating system.
A technician with a great reputation will be able detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly. In addition they are likely to offer a warranty on their work to ensure your peace of assurance. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you might void the warranty and be responsible for any injury or damage that results because of your DIY efforts.
