How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

When your furnace at home is experiencing issues, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are some things you can do to make sure that your heating system functions properly.

Ask for recommendations from friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They can give you valuable information about the company’s services and the customer experience.

1. Check Your Filters

It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is operating more than normal, or if you’ve noticed strange noises. If you haven’t replaced your filter in some time, it may be clogged and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. This could lead to higher energy bills, and may even cause damage to the unit itself if it is left unchecked.

It’s easy to change your filter, which will help you maintain the health of your air at home, lower your energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s a good idea, on average, to change your filter every month, and ensure it’s the correct size for the unit. The dimensions of your furnace are printed along the edges of your current filter; simply measure it to get a precise reading. You should also keep an extra furnace filter on hand so you can replace it if it gets dirty.

Before calling for an expert, check your filters to see if they’re the right size and to ensure they’re clean. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t performing its job properly.

Also, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is securely over the frame, and that the safety switch is on. If not, the system will not work and you may be experiencing strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.

The condition of your furnace could be a factor. An older system is likely to require repairs, and will perform less efficiently. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings will begin to wear down. A professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you notice that you need to crank up the thermostat more than you used to to achieve the same heat level or it takes longer to heat your home, the air filter could require replacement. Over time, dirty filters could cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to.

If your furnace is making strange noises that it hasn’t before, it’s a sign that you should call for repair services. Scraping, squeaking, hissing and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your heating and cooling systems to ensure that they’re operating properly. If your thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have become disconnected, this could be a problem. If you notice that the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, shut off the power supply to the thermostat using your circuit breaker panel. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and look at the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires if they seem loose, then turn off the breaker.

After you’ve reconnected the wires and switched the breaker on, you should be able to determine if your thermostat is working properly by looking at its display. If the screen is blank, or does not show any data at all it means that your thermostat has lost its power and is not able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the scenario, you can check for a defective thermostat by attaching a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a standard thermometer from your household on top of it. After that, leave it there for around 20 minutes to verify the readings on your thermometer for your home and your thermostat. If your thermostat shows a higher temperature than the thermometer, there could be a problem. If the readings are in line the thermometer readings, your thermostat might be functioning properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces are powered by electricity, and any problems that prevent them from getting the power they require can be dangerous. One time your furnace trips the breaker it’s a good idea to reset it and see whether the issue goes away by itself. If it doesn’t you must take action immediately to fix the issue. This is especially true when the breaker is constantly tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.

There are a few common reasons your circuit breaker may stop working, and the majority of them are simple to repair. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another reason is clogged air ducts that can also restrict airflow. Make sure that you replace your air filters on a regular basis and ensure that no furniture or other objects block air vents.

Make sure your furnace doesn’t share the same circuit as high-demand appliances such as power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not receiving enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.

A loose wire can also cause your breaker’s to trip. This can happen if the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s important to look for loose wires in your electrical panel on a regular basis. If you discover any issues, it’s best to contact an expert to examine the wires.

Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job that requires an electrician, and it should not be attempted by home owners without the proper experience.

4. Check Your Ductwork

The ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout your home can develop leaks, disconnected sections, and other issues that limit your home’s performance. This is often the cause of drafty rooms, extreme temperature differences between floors, and musty odors. These are all indications that you need to upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

The most common problem is leaks, but dirt and debris can block ductwork and limit airflow. This is especially dangerous in the case of ducts that are near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.

Before you call a repair company, make sure to check out their work history. You can typically find this information on their website or talk to the technician when you make an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you require.

A skilled furnace technician will inspect the heat exchanger and all other components of your system for any problems. They will clean and grease moving parts to decrease wear. They may also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In some cases, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.

The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s damaged can be quite high. It’s an essential part that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it could cause an emission of carbon monoxide that needs immediate attention.

Contact a professional If you notice any odd or strange sounds emanating from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking and hissing are all signs of serious problems that could compromise your heating performance.

A technician with a good reputation will be able to identify the problem and arrange your furnace repair near me quickly. They may also offer a guarantee for their work, giving you peace of mind. You could void your warranty if you try to fix the issue yourself. You may also be responsible for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.