How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be frustrating and even dangerous if a furnace malfunctions. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that your heating system works properly.
Ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations of furnace repair companies they have used before. They can provide valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as customer service.
1. Check Your Filters
It’s time for a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter in awhile it could be blocked 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 simple task that can ensure healthy air quality within your home, cut down on energy bills and increase the lifespan of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter monthly and ensure that it’s the correct size for your system. The dimensions for your furnace are printed along one of the edges of the filter you have in place; simply measure it to get an accurate reading. You should also keep a spare furnace filter handy so that you can change it if yours gets dirty.
Before you call an expert, examine your filters to determine whether they’re of the correct size and also to make sure they’re clean. If you notice an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, your filter may not be working correctly.
Also, ensure that the safety switch on your furnace is on and that the bottom door is secured over the frame. If you don’t do this, the system will not operate. You might also experience strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the age of your furnace could be a factor. A system that is old will likely to require more repairs and to perform less efficiently. This is due to parts such as the blower belt or ball bearings aging out. A professional can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed that you’re not increasing the thermostat to get the same level of heat that you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this may suggest that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty may cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t before, it’s an indication to call for repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
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 your thermostat’s wiring isn’t properly connected or has become disconnected. If you notice that the 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’s cover and examine the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. If the wires appear to be loose, reattach them and switch the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to see if it is working properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data whatsoever it means that your thermostat has lost its power and is not able to communicate with your heater.
If this is the situation then you can find out if your thermostat may be not working properly by attaching the towel to the wall next to it and then placing an ordinary household thermometer on the top. After 20 minutes, check both the thermometer for your household and thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat reads higher than that of the thermometer, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical the thermostat is probably functioning properly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issue that stops them from obtaining the power they require can be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker, and then see if it resolves itself. If it persists then you should take care to deal with the issue immediately. This is especially true if the breaker keeps running into trouble, since it indicates an even bigger issue at hand.
There are a few typical reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to repair. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat. Filter obstructions in air ducts can hinder airflow. Be sure to change your air filter frequently and ensure that furniture and other objects aren’t blocking air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share a circuit with high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently it’s an indication that there isn’t enough power and that they should be provided with their own circuit.
A loose wire may cause your breaker to go off. It can happen when a wire gets hot, and causes an electrical surge that can overheat your furnace. This is why it’s essential to check for any loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It is recommended to have a professional inspect the panel for any.
It’s possible that the issue has nothing to do at any time with your furnace, it is more likely that your electrical panel requires repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.
4. Check Your Ductwork
Leaks, broken sections and other issues can hinder the performance of your home. This can lead to drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors and rooms, and musty odors. These are all signs that you need to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
The most common problem is leaks, but dirt and debris can block ductwork and limit airflow. This is especially 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 company before you call them. You can typically find the information on their website or talk to the technician when you make an appointment. A company with a long history of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A trained technician will examine the heat exchanger and all other parts of your furnace for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to reduce wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat if needed. In some cases the heat exchanger may need to be replaced if it is damaged or cracked.
A broken heat exchanger is among the most expensive components of your system to fix or replace. It is an essential component which heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger is cracked or leaks, it could result in the formation of carbon monoxide, which requires immediate attention.
Get a professional’s help If you notice any odd or unusual sounds coming from your furnace. The sounds of your furnace like squeaking or banging could be a sign of a serious issue that could compromise its heating capabilities.
A professional with experience can identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they are likely to offer the warranty on their work to ensure your peace of mind. If you try to fix the issue yourself, you could invalidate your warranty and be held accountable for any injury or damage that may occur due to your DIY efforts.
