How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair
It can be very frustrating and even dangerous when a furnace malfunctions. However, there are several factors you can look for to ensure that your heating system is working properly.
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1. Check Your Filters
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more frequently than usual, or you’ve been hearing strange sounds it’s time for a quick check. If you haven’t changed your filter for some time, it may be blocked, causing airflow problems, which can cause the system to overwork itself. This could result in high energy bills and even damage the unit itself if left unchecked.
The process of changing your filter is an easy task that can ensure healthy air quality in your home, help save on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s a good idea to change your filter each month, and ensure it’s the right size for your unit. You can find the dimensions of your furnace on the outside of the filter you have. Simply measure it to get an exact reading. It’s recommended to keep an extra filter in your inventory so you can change it out if yours is dirty.
Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you notice a lot dust on your furniture or other surfaces It’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job correctly.
Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame, and that the safety switch is turned on. If you don’t do this, the system will not operate. There could be strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or the fan reversing back to cool air, rather than heating it up.
Another thing to think about is that the age of your furnace could be an element. An older system will require more maintenance and will operate less effectively. This is due to components such as the blower belt and ball bearings will start to wear out. It’s recommended to contact an experienced professional to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
2. Check Your Thermostat
If you’ve noticed you’re increasing the thermostat to get the same level of heat as you did previously or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may indicate that your air filter needs replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.
If your furnace is making strange noises it has never made before, you should also contact a repair service. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging could all be signs of serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.
Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. This could be a major problem if the wiring on your thermostat is not connected properly or has been disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat by using your circuit breaker panel. Then take a screwdriver take off the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Find the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and make sure they are securely connected to their respective terminals. If the wires appear be loose, reconnect them and turn the breaker off.
You can examine the screen of your thermostat to determine whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. 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 situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by attaching an untidy 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 your thermostat is showing more heat than the thermometer, it could be a problem. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning correctly.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Furnaces are powered by electricity, therefore any problems that prevent them from receiving the power they require could be dangerous. It’s a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it trips the breaker and see whether it gets resolved. If it persists, you should address the problem immediately. This is especially relevant if the breaker is going off repeatedly, as this suggests that there’s a larger problem at hand.
There are a variety of reasons why your circuit breaker could stop working. The majority of them are simple to fix. One reason is a dirty or dirty air filter that can hinder airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which could also hinder airflow. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis, and make sure that furniture or other items aren’t blocking air vents.
Make sure your furnace doesn’t share an electrical circuit with appliances that are in high demand like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they aren’t being given enough power and need to be assigned their own circuit.
Another reason why your breaker could keep tripping is a loose wire. It can happen when a wire becomes hot and creates an electric current that could cause your furnace to overheat. This is why it’s important to inspect for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. It’s best to have a professional examine the area for any.
Sometimes, the issue has nothing to have to do with your furnace at all It 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
The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that can hinder the performance of your home. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications to upgrade your ductwork in Findlay, Ohio.
Leaks are the most prevalent issue with ductwork. However, there is also the possibility of dirt and debris accumulation that can block airflow. This is particularly risky when your ducts are situated close to the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a possibility that can occur.
Find out the history of work of any repair service before you contact them. It is typically accessible on their website or you can inquire with the service provider about their background and experience when making an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.
A professional technician will check the heat exchanger and the other parts of your furnace to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also alter the thermostat or replace the air filter. In certain instances the heat exchanger may have to be replaced if it is cracked or damaged.
The cost of replacing or fixing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It’s an essential component that is responsible for heating the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or is leaking it could cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that requires immediate attention.
If you notice any strange or unsettling sounds from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. The sounds that your furnace makes like squeaking or banging could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise its heating capabilities.
A reputable technician will be able to identify the issue and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. In addition they are likely to offer an assurance on their work to give you peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the problem yourself. You could also be liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.