How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. There are a variety of aspects to consider to make sure that your heating system is functioning correctly.
Request recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about the business and its services.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do an inspection in case you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange sounds. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while, it could be clogged, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to overload itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if it is left unchecked.
Changing your filter is a straightforward task that will help maintain healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It is recommended to change your filter once a month and ensure that it’s the right size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located along the edges of the filter you have in place; simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s important to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can swap it out when yours is dirty.
Check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is turned on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If it’s not, the system will not work and you may experience some odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace may also be a factor. A furnace that is older is likely to require repairs, and will perform less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. It’s recommended to consult a professional with experience to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you need to crank up the thermostat higher than you previously did in order to reach the same temperature level or that it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter might require replacement. Over time, dirty filters can force your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making strange noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s a sign that you should call for repair services. The sounds of squeaking and banging, along with scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires have not properly connected or have become disconnected, this could be a cause for concern. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your breakers box. Then take a screwdriver remove the thermostat’s cover and look at 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 in case they appear loose, and then switch the breaker off.
You can check the screen of your thermostat to determine whether it’s working as intended after you’ve connected the wires and switched on the breaker. 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 case, you can test for a faulty thermostat by attaching an untidy towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a regular household thermometer on top of it. Then, you can leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to verify the readings of both your household thermometer as well as your thermostat. If your thermostat shows an increase in temperature than the thermometer, there could be an issue. If the readings are in line your thermostat’s readings, it could be working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, so any issue that blocks them from receiving the power they need could be a risk. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker, and then see whether it gets resolved. If it doesn’t, you should address the problem immediately. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It could indicate a larger problem.
There are a variety of reasons why your circuit breaker may be triggered. Most of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty or dirty filter which can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped, it is an indication that there is not enough power being provided and they need to be given their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker to trip. This can happen if the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel regularly for loose wires. If you discover any issues, it’s best to contact a professional to examine the wires.
It’s possible that the problem has nothing to do at anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job which should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other issues can hinder the performance of your home. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors and odors that are musty. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common issue with ductwork, however there’s also the chance of dirt and debris buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly risky in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
Before you call a repair company, make sure to check out their work history. It is typically accessible on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their background and experience when scheduling an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you require.
A professional furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger as well as all other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it has been damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is faulty can be very high. It’s an essential component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking, this can cause carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, it’s time to call a repair specialist. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition, they will likely offer an assurance on their work to give you peace of assurance. You could void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You may be held accountable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.