How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

When a home furnace experiences problems, it can be inconvenient and even dangerous. There are a variety of things to look for to ensure that your heating system is operating effectively.

Ask for referrals from friends, family and colleagues on furnace repair companies they have worked with in the past. They can give you valuable information about the services offered by the company and the customer experience.

1. Check Your Filters

If you’ve noticed your furnace has been running a lot more than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange sounds It’s probably the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t replaced your filter in long, it could be clogged, causing airflow problems, which could cause the system to work harder than it should. If you don’t check it, it could result in costly repairs and even damage to the unit.

Change your filter is a straightforward task that will help maintain healthy air quality within your home, cut down on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your system. It’s recommended, on average, to change your filter every month, and ensure it’s the correct size for the unit you have. The dimensions of your furnace are located on the outside of your current filter; simply measure it to get a precise reading. You should also keep a spare furnace filter handy to replace it when yours becomes dirty.

Make sure to check your filters prior to calling an expert to make sure they are clean and the right size. If you see an abundance of dirt on your furniture or other surfaces, the filter might not be functioning correctly.

Also, be sure the door on the bottom of your furnace is secured over the frame, and that the safety switch is switched on. If you don’t, your furnace 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.

The age of your furnace may also be a factor. An older furnace will require more repairs and run less effectively. This is due to the components like the blower belt or ball bearings wearing out. A professional can assist you in determining whether it’s time to get a new system.

2. Check Your Thermostat

If you’ve noticed that you’re not raising the thermostat to reach the same level of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, this may suggest that your air filter is in need of replacing. Over time, dirty filters could cause your furnace to perform more than it should.

If your furnace makes strange noises that it hasn’t heard before, you must contact a repair service. The sound of squeaking or banging, along with scraping, can indicate serious problems. A technician should be contacted immediately.

Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating system to ensure that they’re operating properly. This could be a major issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has become disconnected. If you notice that the thermostat is not communicating with your system, first shut off power to the thermostat by using your breakers box. Remove the thermostat cover with an screwdriver and examine the wiring. Locate the white and red (standard colors for power and heat) wires and ensure they are tightly plugged into their respective terminals. Reattach the wires in case they appear loose and switch the breaker off.

You can check the display of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you have reconnected the wires and turned on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not display any data, this means 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 malfunctioning thermostat by tying an old towel to the wall next to your thermostat and then placing a normal 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, there could be an issue. If the readings are in line your thermostat’s readings, it could be working properly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces depend on electricity to function, therefore any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they require could be risky. It’s a great idea to reset your furnace the first time it hits the breaker. See whether it gets resolved. If it persists then you should take care to take action immediately to fix the issue. This is especially when the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, as this indicates that there’s a larger problem at hand.

There are a few common reasons that your circuit breaker might be triggered, and the majority of them are fairly simple to fix. One of the most common reasons is a dirty filter that blocks airflow, which causes the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts that can also hinder airflow. Make sure that you replace your air filters on a regular basis and that there are no furniture or other objects block air vents.

You may also want to ensure whether your furnace isn’t sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances like the power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is constantly being tripped, it’s an indication that they’re not getting enough power and should be assigned their own circuit.

A loose wire can also cause your breaker to go off. This can happen when a wire gets hot, and causes an electric current that can overheat your furnace. It is crucial to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you spot any issues, it’s best to get a professional to inspect the wires.

It’s possible that the issue may not have anything to do with any time with your furnace, instead, your electrical panel needs repair. This is a job which should be left to an electrician.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Leaks, disconnected sections and other problems can limit the performance of your home. This can cause drafty rooms as well as extreme temperatures between floors and musty odors. These are all indications that you should upgrade your ductwork system in Findlay, Ohio.

Leaks are the most prevalent problem with ductwork, but there’s also the chance of debris and dirt buildup which can impede airflow. This is particularly difficult if the ducts are close to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Review the work history of any repair company prior to when you call them. This information is usually available on their website or you can ask the repair service provider about their past and expertise when making an appointment. A company with years of experience is more likely to have the knowledge that you need.

A professional furnace technician will look over the heat exchanger, as well as other parts of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and lubricate moving components to reduce wear and tear. They may also alter the thermostat or replace the air filter. In some cases, the heat exchanger will require replacement if it is cracked or damaged.

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 has a crack or leaks, this can cause carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.

If you notice any unusual or unfamiliar noises from your furnace, it’s time to contact a repair expert. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could be indicative of a serious issue that could compromise its heating capabilities.

A reputable technician can identify the issue and plan your furnace repair near me quickly and efficiently. Additionally they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to give you peace of mind. You may void your warranty if you attempt to fix the problem yourself. You could be held accountable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result.