How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. There are a variety of factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is working effectively.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family members and colleagues about furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can give valuable feedback about the business and its services.
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 might be an opportunity to conduct a check. If you haven’t replaced your filter in awhile, it may be clogged and causing issues with airflow. This could result in the system overworking itself. If you don’t take the time to check it, it could lead to high bills and even damage to the system.
Change your filter is a straightforward task that can ensure healthy air quality within your home, cut down on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s recommended to change your filter each month and make sure it’s the right size for the unit. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on one of the edges the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It is also recommended to keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so that you can change it when yours becomes 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 dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter might not be functioning correctly.
Also, ensure that the bottom door of your furnace is secure over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t do this, the system will not function properly. You might also experience odd symptoms like an overheated furnace, or the fan cycling back to cool air rather than heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. An older furnace will require more maintenance and will run less effectively. This is due to the components such as the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. It’s a good idea to consult a professional with experience to determine if 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 previously did for the same heat level or that it takes longer to heat your home, your air filter might require replacement. Over time, dirty filters could cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making unusual noises that you haven’t heard before, this is also an indication to call for repair services. Scraping, squeaking and banging could all be signs of serious problems that require immediate attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating properly. This could be a serious issue if the wiring of your thermostat is not connected properly or has become disconnected. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your breaker box. Next you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat’s cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then turn off the breaker.
You can check the screen 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, this means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.
If this is the case, you can test for a malfunctioning thermostat by taping an old towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, test both the household thermometer and thermostat. If your thermostat displays a higher temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are the same, your thermostat is likely working properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces depend on electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from getting the power they require could be risky. One time your furnace trips the breaker it is a good idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away on its own. If it continues you must address the problem immediately. This is true, especially if the breaker trips repeatedly. It indicates a bigger problem.
There are a few common reasons that your circuit breaker might trip, and most of them are simple to fix. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty or dirty filter which can block airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts, which can also restrict airflow. Make sure you change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking 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’s a sign that there isn’t enough power being provided and that the appliances should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire could cause your breaker’s to trip. This could happen when a wire gets hot and creates an electrical surge that could cause the furnace to overheat. It is important to check your electrical panel on a regular basis for loose wires. It’s recommended to get a professional to examine the area at any loose wires you discover.
It is possible that the issue has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, but rather, your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is an occupation for an electrician, and it is not something that should be attempted by homeowners who do not have the right experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home may develop leaks, broken sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This can result in drafty rooms and floors, extreme temperatures and musty odors. These are all indications to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, but dirt and debris can also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This can be especially difficult if the ducts are near the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before calling an repair service, be sure you check their history of work. This information is usually available on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their background and experience when scheduling an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the expertise that you need.
A skilled furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger as well as all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In certain instances, the heat exchanger could need to be replaced if it is damaged or cracked.
The cost of replacing or repairing a heat exchanger that is damaged can be quite high. It’s a crucial component that heats your home’s air before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or is leaking, this can cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you hear any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, you should contact a repair technician. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could affect the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A reputable technician will be able to detect the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They may also offer a guarantee for their work, which gives you peace of assurance. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you might void your warranty and be held accountable for any damage or injury that occurs because of your DIY efforts.