How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences problems, it can be a hassle and even risky. However, there are several factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is functioning properly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have previously used. They can provide valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or you’ve heard unusual noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter for a while, it could be blocked, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. This could lead to higher energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
Change your filter is an easy task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter every month and make sure it’s the right size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are located on the outside of the filter you have in place; simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand so you can switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Before you call an expert, examine your filters to determine whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you notice an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning properly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is secured to the frame. If not, the system will not function and you could encounter unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. A furnace that is older is likely to require repairs, and will perform less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. 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 raising your thermostat to achieve the same level 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 could make your furnace work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t made before, it’s an indication that you should contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have been disconnected, it could be a problem. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat by using your breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver and check the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker off.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case you can determine if your thermostat is defective by tying an old towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer in your home and the thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are similar, your thermostat is likely working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, and any problems that prevent them from getting the power they require could be a risk. When your furnace goes off the breaker, it’s recommended to reset it and see whether the issue goes away by itself. If it doesn’t, you should deal with the issue immediately. This is especially true if the breaker keeps going off repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may stop working, and the majority of them are fairly simple to fix. One is a dirty air filter that can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being reset, this is an indication that they are not being given enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge which can overheat the furnace. It is important to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. If you discover any issues, it’s best to contact a professional to inspect the wires.
It is possible that the problem has nothing to do at anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it should not be attempted by home owners without the right experience.
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 hinder your home’s performance. This is often the cause of 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.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork. However, there is also the possibility of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly risky in the case of ducts that are close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.
Before calling an repair service, be sure to check out their past work history. This is typically available on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their past and expertise when making an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the knowledge you require when you select a company with a long history of success.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as the other parts of your furnace for issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also alter the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger could need to be replaced when it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s defective can be extremely costly. It is a crucial component that is responsible for heating the air in your home prior to it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks it could cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help If you hear strange or unfamiliar sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, and hissing all indicate serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A technician with a good reputation will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me swiftly. They will also likely provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of peace of. If you attempt to fix the issue yourself, you might void your warranty and be liable for any damage or injury that may occur because of your DIY efforts.
