How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it could be inconvenient and even dangerous. However, there are several factors you can look for to make sure that your heating system is functioning properly.
Ask for referrals from friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can provide valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is running a lot more than usual or you’ve been hearing strange sounds it’s an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in a while, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, this could result in costly repairs and even damage to the system.
Change your filter is an easy task that can help maintain the health of your air in your home, help save on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter every month, and ensure it’s the correct size for the unit you have. The dimensions of your furnace are located along one of the edges of your current filter; simply take it off to get a precise reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can change it out if yours is dirty.
Before you call an expert, check your filters to see whether they’re of the correct size and to ensure that they’re clean. If you see an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working properly.
Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secure over the frame and the safety switch is on. If you don’t do this, the system won’t function. You may 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 think about is that your furnace’s age could be an element. A system that is old will likely to need repairs, and will perform less efficiently. This is because parts like the blower belt and ball bearings start to wear out. It’s a good idea to contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you notice that you have to raise the thermostat higher than you did before to achieve the same heat level or that it takes longer to warm your home, your air filter might require replacement. 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 before, this is an indication that you should seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could be indicators of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is accountable to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a significant problem if your thermostat’s wiring is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power supply to the thermostat by using your breakers panel. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and examine the wiring. Locate the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and ensure that they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker back on.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and turned the switch on and off, you should be able to see whether your thermostat is operating properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a normal household thermometer on top it. Then, you can leave it in place for about 20 minutes to examine the readings of both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than the one on the thermometer, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they require could be risky. One time your furnace trips the breaker it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears on its own. If it’s still happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is true, especially when the breaker is constantly tripping. It could indicate a larger issue.
There are a few typical reasons that your circuit breaker might be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter which can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked 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 an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently tripped it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power available and that they should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire can also cause your breaker to trip. It can happen when the wire is hot and causes an electrical surge which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s important to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you discover any issues, it’s best to contact a professional to take a look at them.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to have to do with your furnace at all, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and should not be attempted by home owners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can hinder the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors, and musty smells. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent problem with ductwork, but there’s also the chance of dirt and debris accumulation which can impede airflow. This is particularly dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Before calling an repair service, be sure to check out their past work history. You can usually find this information on their website, or ask the repair company when you schedule an appointment. You will be more likely to obtain the knowledge you require by choosing a firm that has a long track record.
A professional furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other parts of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if needed. In some instances the heat exchanger may have to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.
A faulty heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts in your system to replace or repair. It’s an essential part that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks it could cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.
If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. Scraping, squeaking and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.
A technician with a great reputation will be able detect the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me swiftly. Additionally they are likely to offer the warranty on their work to give you peace of assurance. You may void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You could be held accountable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.