How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. But, there are many things to look for to make sure that your heating system is operating properly.
Ask your friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies that they have used before. They can provide valuable details about the company’s services and customer experience.
1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed your furnace has been running a lot more than usual or if you’ve started experiencing strange noises, it might be the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t changed your filter for a while it could be blocked and causing problems with airflow. This could cause the system to overwork itself. This could lead to higher energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if left unchecked.
It’s easy to change your filter which can help you maintain an air quality that is healthy at home, cut down on expenses on energy and also extend the longevity of your system. It’s typically a good idea to change your filter each month and make sure it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along the edges of your current filter; simply measure it to get a precise reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter on hand so you can replace it if yours gets dirty.
Before you call a professional, you should look over your filters to see 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 the filter isn’t performing its job properly.
Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame and that the safety switch is on. If it’s not, the system won’t operate and you may be experiencing odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace could be another factor. A furnace that is older is likely to require repairs, and will operate less efficiently. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. It’s a good idea to seek out an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not raising the thermostat to get the same level of heat as you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, it could be a sign that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, you should also call for repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, and even scraping, can indicate serious issues. A technician should be immediately contacted.
Your thermostat has the responsibility to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they are operating correctly. This could be a significant problem if the wiring on your thermostat isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power to the thermostat by turning off your breakers panel. Take off the thermostat cover using an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Find the red and white wires (standard colors for heat and power) and make sure they’re securely connected to their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose and turn off the breaker.
After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the switch on, you should be able to see whether your thermostat is functioning properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t show any information, this indicates that your thermostat has lost power and is in a position of not being able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall next to the thermostat, then placing a standard household thermometer on top it. After 20 minutes, check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical, your thermostat is likely functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces rely on electricity to function, therefore any issues that prevent them from obtaining the power they require can be dangerous. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker, and then see if it resolves itself. If it doesn’t, you should deal with the issue immediately. This is true, especially if the breaker trips repeatedly. It indicates a bigger issue.
There are many common reasons that your circuit breaker could be triggered. Most of them are easy to fix. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Make sure to replace your air filters on a regular basis and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.
Check that your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps being tripped, this is an indication that they aren’t receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to go off. This can happen if the wire becomes hot and causes an electrical surge which can overheat the furnace. It is important to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you spot any, it’s a good idea to contact a professional to examine the wires.
Sometimes the issue may not have anything to be related to your furnace at all, and it may simply be that your electrical panel requires a repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and should not be attempted by homeowners without the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other problems can limit the efficiency of your home. This is often the cause of 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 frequent issue with ductwork, however there’s also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that can block airflow. This is particularly dangerous if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Before you call a repair company, make sure you check their past work history. It is typically accessible on their website, or you can ask the repair service provider about their history and experience when scheduling an appointment. You are more likely to find the knowledge you require when you select a company with a long history of success.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger, as well as the other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also alter the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it is damaged or cracked.
A broken heat exchanger is one of the most expensive components in your system to replace or repair. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is damaged or leaking, it can result in an emission of carbon monoxide that requires immediate attention.
Contact a professional if you hear any strange or strange noises emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking and hissing are all signs of serious issues that could affect your heating performance.
A reliable technician will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they’ll likely provide a warranty on their work to ensure your peace of peace of. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could also be liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.