How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
When your furnace at home is experiencing problems, it can be a hassle and even risky. But, there are many things to look for to ensure that your heating system is working properly.
Request recommendations from your friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can provide valuable details about the services offered by the company and the customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace has been running a lot more than usual or you’ve been hearing strange sounds It’s probably an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow, which can result in the system overworking itself. This could result in high energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which will help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, cut down on energy bills and prolong the longevity of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter once a month, and ensure it is the right size for the unit you have. The dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so that you can change it when yours becomes dirty.
Before contacting a professional, you should check your filters to see whether they’re in the right size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you see an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working correctly.
Also, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame and that the safety switch is switched on. If not, the furnace won’t operate and you may encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan running to cool the air instead of heating it up.
Another thing to think about is the fact that the age of your furnace could be an issue. A furnace that is older is likely to need repairs, and will perform less efficiently. This is due to components like the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. 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’ve noticed that you’re not turning up your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this could be a sign that your air filter requires replacing. Over time, dirty filters may make your furnace work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that it hasn’t made before, this is also an indication that you should seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re functioning correctly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first turn off power to the thermostat with your breakers box. Take off the thermostat cover using a screwdriver, and then check 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. If the wires appear to be loose, reconnect 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 determine whether your thermostat is functioning properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any data, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by attaching an untidy towel to the wall near the thermostat, then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. Then, leave the thermometer in place for around 20 minutes to examine the temperature readings on both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than that of the thermometer, this indicates a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are consistent your thermostat’s readings, it could be functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker it’s an ideal idea to reset it and check if the problem goes away on its own. If it doesn’t, you should take action immediately to fix the issue. This is especially when the breaker keeps running into trouble, since this suggests that there’s an issue that is more serious.
There are several common reasons that your circuit breaker could be triggered. Most of them are easy to fix. One is a dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also hinder airflow. Make sure to change your air filters frequently and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check to see if your furnace does not share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power being provided and that the appliances should be given their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker’s to trip. This can happen when a wire gets hot, and causes a surge of electricity which can cause the furnace to overheat. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you find any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to get a professional to take a look at them.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace It could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that should be left to an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that limit your home’s performance. This often results in drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and odors that are musty. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This is especially difficult if the ducts are close to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call a repair company, be sure you look up their work history. This is typically available on their website or you can inquire with the repair company about their background and experience when making an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.
A qualified furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also adjust the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger will require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is defective can be extremely costly. It’s an essential part that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it can result in a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional If you notice any odd or unusual sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds coming from your furnace like squeaking or banging could indicate a serious problem that could impact the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A professional with experience will be able to detect the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to provide you with peace of mind. You may void your warranty if you attempt to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
