How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it could be a hassle and even risky. But, there are many aspects to consider to make sure that your heating system is functioning correctly.
Ask for referrals from friends, family members and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable details regarding the company’s services as well as the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or you’ve noticed strange sounds. If you haven’t changed your filter for some time, it may be clogged which could cause airflow issues which could cause the system to work harder than it should. This could result in high costs for energy and can even harm the system itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which will help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, reduce your energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter monthly and make sure it’s the correct size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are printed on the outside of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter on hand to change it out if yours is dirty.
Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and of the correct size. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, ensure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame and the safety switch is switched on. If you don’t, the system won’t function. There could be strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit, or the fan turning back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an issue. A system that is old will likely to need repairs, and will perform less efficiently. This is due to parts like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. Consulting a professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not raising the thermostat to get the same amount of heat that 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. Over time, dirty filters can cause your furnace to perform more than it should.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t heard before, you must contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning properly. This could be a significant issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power supply to the thermostat using your circuit breaker panel. Then take a screwdriver take off 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 to be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker back on.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on and off, you will be able to tell if your thermostat is working properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by attaching a paper towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a regular thermometer from your household on top of it. Then, leave it there for around 20 minutes to examine the readings on both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If your thermostat is showing an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are in line, your thermostat may be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any problems that prevent them from receiving the power they need could be a risk. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker, and then see if it resolves itself. If it continues to be occurring, you must address the issue right away. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is going off repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may stop working, and the majority of them are fairly simple to repair. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances such as 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 given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker may keep tripping is a wire that is loose. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and creates an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. It is essential to inspect your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to get a professional to examine the wires.
It is possible that the problem is not at any time with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job for an electrician, and should not be attempted by home owners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can impede the efficiency of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all clues that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common problem with ductwork, but there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that restricts airflow. This can be especially difficult if the ducts are near to the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure you check their past work history. You will usually find this information on their website, or ask the repair company when you schedule an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A professional furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger, as well as other components of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat as required. In some instances, the heat exchanger might require replacement if it is damaged or cracked.
A damaged heat exchanger is among the most expensive parts in your system to replace or repair. It is a crucial component which heats the air inside your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it could cause a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises 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 functionality.
A reliable technician will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition, they will likely offer an assurance on their work to provide you with peace of mind. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You may also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.