How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a variety of factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is working correctly.
Ask for referrals from friends, family members and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can provide valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running faster than usual, or if you’ve noticed strange sounds. If you’ve not replaced your filter in some time, it may be clogged and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t take the time to check it, it could cause high costs and even damage to the system.
Changing your filter is a simple task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It is recommended, on average, to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the correct size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace are located along the edges of your current filter; simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. Keep a spare furnace filter handy so that you can change it if it gets dirty.
Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you see lots of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.
Also, ensure 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, the system will not operate. You might also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated furnace, or the fan cycling back to cool air rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that the age of your furnace could be an element. An older system is likely to require repairs, and will run inefficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. 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 notice that you have to turn up the thermostat higher than you did before to achieve the same heat level, or it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter could need to be replaced. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, you should also seek out repair assistance. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If the thermostat’s wires are not properly connected or have become disconnected, there could be a problem. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat using your circuit breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heating and power) and ensure that they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker off.
You can check the display 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 data at all the thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a faulty thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a standard thermometer from your household on top of it. Then, leave it in place for about 20 minutes to check the readings of your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat displays a higher 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 issue that blocks them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker, and then see whether it can be fixed. If it persists then you should take care to address the problem immediately. This is especially relevant if the breaker is going off repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s an even bigger issue at hand.
There are many common reasons why your circuit breaker may be triggered. The majority of them are easy to fix. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter which can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Be sure to 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 a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power and they need to be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might be tripping is a loose wire. This could happen when the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. This is why it’s essential to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you spot any issues, it’s best to get an expert to inspect them.
It is possible that the issue is not at anything with your furnace but rather, your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your house can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This can cause drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures, and musty smells. These are all indications to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most common problem with ductwork, but there is also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that restricts airflow. This is particularly problematic if the ducts are near the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure you check their history of work. It is typically accessible on their website or you can inquire with the repair service provider about their past and expertise when scheduling an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you need.
A skilled technician will inspect the heat exchanger as well as the other components of your furnace for issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger may have to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
A broken heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to repair or replace. It is an essential component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaking, it can lead to the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or strange sounds from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. The sounds coming from your furnace like banging and squeaking could be a sign of a serious issue that could impact its heating capabilities.
A reliable technician can identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They will also likely offer a guarantee on their work, which gives you peace of peace of. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any injuries or damages that result from.