How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if the furnace fails to function properly. However, there are several factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is functioning correctly.
Request recommendations from your family, friends and colleagues on furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. 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 operating more frequently than usual or you’ve been hearing strange noises it’s 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, which could cause the system to overwork 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 can help maintain a healthy air quality at home, lower your energy bills and prolong the life of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter each month, and ensure it’s the correct size for your unit. The dimensions of your furnace on the outside of your current filter. Simply take a measurement to get an exact reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand so you can switch it out if the one you have is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they’re clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter may not be working properly.
Also, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is secured over the frame and that the safety switch is turned on. If not, the system will not function and you could experience some odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or the fan running to cool air instead of heating it up.
The age of your furnace may be another factor. A furnace that is older will require more maintenance and will operate less efficiently. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. A professional can assist you in determining if it’s time for a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re turning up your thermostat to achieve the same level of heat as you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, it could suggest that your air filter is in need of replacing. Over time, dirty filters can force your furnace to work harder than it needs to.
If your furnace is making strange noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s an indication to contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking and banging could all be signs of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re 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 that your thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by turning off your circuit breaker panel. Next take a screwdriver remove the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for heat and power) wires and ensure that they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and turn the breaker back on.
After you’ve connected the wires and switched the switch on and off, you should be able to determine whether your thermostat is functioning correctly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank or does not display any data whatsoever the thermostat has lost power and is unable communicate with your heater.
If this is the case you can find out if your thermostat may be faulty by taping a piece of paper towel to the wall near it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on top. After 20 minutes, test both the household thermometer and thermostat. If the thermostat’s temperature is higher than the one on the thermometer, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical the thermostat is functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, and any problems that prevent them from getting the power they need could be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker it’s a good idea to reset it and check whether the issue disappears by itself. If it doesn’t, you should address the problem immediately. This is particularly relevant if the breaker is running into trouble, since this suggests that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are a variety of reasons why your circuit breaker could be triggered. The majority of them are easy to repair. One of the most frequent reasons is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, causing the system to overheat. Air ducts that are blocked can limit airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis and ensure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
You may also want to make sure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other appliances that require a lot of power like power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker keeps tripping frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power available and they need to be given their own circuit.
Another reason your breaker might not be working is a wire that is loose. It can happen when a wire gets hot, and it creates an electric current which can cause the furnace to overheat. This is why it’s important to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to contact an expert to inspect them.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace at all and could be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and it should not be attempted by homeowners without the proper experience.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, disconnected sections and other issues can impede the efficiency of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature variations between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.
The most frequent issue is leaks, however dirt and debris can also clog up ductwork and restrict airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit near the furnace which increases the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before you call an repair service, be sure to check out their history of work. You will usually find this information on their website, or ask the service provider when you schedule an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.
A professional 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 can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In certain instances the heat exchanger may have to be replaced when it has cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is 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 cracked or leaks it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide 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 banging and squeaking could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise the heating capabilities of your furnace.
A professional with experience will be able to identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. They may also provide a warranty on their work, thereby giving you peace of assurance. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be liable for any injury or damage that occurs due to your DIY efforts.