How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

It can be a hassle and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. There are some things you can do to make sure that your heating system functions effectively.

Ask your family, friends, members and colleagues for suggestions of furnace repair companies that they have previously worked with. They can provide valuable details about the company’s services and the customer experience.

1. Check Your Filters

If you’ve noticed your furnace has been operating more frequently than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises It’s probably time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while, it could be blocked which could cause airflow issues which can cause the system to overload itself. This can lead to high energy bills, and may even cause damage to 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 expenses on energy and also extend the life of your system. It is recommended to change your filter each month and ensure that it’s the right size for the unit you have. You can locate the dimensions of your furnace on the edge of your current filter. Simply measure it to get an accurate reading. It’s recommended to keep a spare filter on hand to swap it out when yours is dirty.

Before you call an expert, examine your filters to determine if they’re the right size and to ensure they’re clean. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces, it’s a sign that the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.

Also, make sure the safety switch on your furnace is switched on and that the door on the bottom is secured over the frame. If it’s not, the system won’t operate and you may be experiencing unusual symptoms, including an overheated unit or the fan cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.

The age of your furnace could be a factor. An older system will require more maintenance and will run less effectively. This is due to parts like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. It’s a good idea to consult a professional with experience to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you notice that you are required to crank up the thermostat higher than you used to in order to reach the same temperature level or it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter may require replacement. Over time, dirty filters may make your furnace work harder than it should.

If your furnace is making strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, you must call for repair service. Scraping, squeaking and banging could all be signs of serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling system to ensure that they are operating properly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat with your breaker box. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and inspect the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re connected securely to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they appear loose, and then turn off the breaker.

After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the switch on and off, you should be able to determine if your thermostat is working correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or doesn’t show any data whatsoever, your thermostat has lost power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the case, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, you can check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If your thermostat displays a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be a sign of a problem. If the readings are consistent, your thermostat may be functioning properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issues that prevent them from receiving the power they need could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue goes away by itself. If it continues to be occurring, you must address the issue right away. This is particularly true when the breaker keeps tripping. It could indicate a larger problem.

There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may trip, and most of them are simple to fix. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty or dirty filter that blocks airflow, causing the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can hinder airflow. Be sure to change your air filter regularly and ensure that furniture or other items 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 being tripped, it’s an indication that they aren’t being given enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.

A loose wire can also cause your breaker to go off. It can happen when a wire is hot, and it creates an electrical surge that could cause your furnace to overheat. This is the reason it’s crucial to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you find any, it’s a good idea to get an expert to take a look at the wires.

Sometimes the issue isn’t to be related to your furnace It could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, leaking sections, and other issues can impede the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature variances between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need 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 can block airflow. This is particularly difficult if the ducts are near to the furnace which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Find out the history of work of any repair service before you contact them. This is typically available on their website, or you can ask the repair service provider about their background and experience when you schedule an appointment. You are more likely to get the experience you need by choosing a firm that has a long track record.

A qualified furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and lubricate the moving parts to reduce wear and tear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when required. In some cases, the heat exchanger will have to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.

The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s damaged can be quite high. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaks, it can lead to a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.

Contact a professional If you notice any odd or unusual noises emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking, banging and hissing all signify serious issues that could affect your heating functionality.

A reliable technician can identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they are likely to offer the warranty on their work to provide you with peace of mind. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you could void your warranty and be liable for any harm or injury that occurs due to your DIY efforts.