How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

It can be a hassle and even dangerous when your furnace is not working properly. But, there are many things to look for to ensure that your heating system is functioning correctly.

Ask for referrals from friends, family members and colleagues regarding furnace repair companies they have used in the past. They may have valuable feedback about the company and its services.

1. Check Your Filters

If you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more frequently than usual or if you’ve started hearing strange noises it’s the time to do a quick inspection. If you haven’t replaced your filter for some time, it may be clogged and causing airflow issues, which could cause the system to overwork itself. If you don’t check it, this could lead to high bills and even damage to the system.

It’s easy to change your filter which can help you maintain a healthy air quality at home, lower your energy costs and extend the life of your system. It’s a good idea to change your filter once a month, and ensure it is the right size for your unit. The dimensions for your furnace are printed on the outside of your current filter; simply measure it to get a precise reading. Keep an extra furnace filter in your bag so that you can change it when yours becomes dirty.

Check your filters prior to calling a professional to make sure they’re clean and the right size. If you notice a lot of dust on your furniture or surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job properly.

Also, be sure the bottom door of your furnace is secured over the frame and the safety switch is switched on. If not, the furnace won’t operate and you may experience some strange symptoms, such as an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.

Another thing to take into consideration is that your furnace’s age could be an issue. A furnace that is older will require more repairs and will run less effectively. This is because components like the blower belt and ball bearings begin to wear down. 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 reach the same level of heat that you did previously, or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could suggest that your air filter requires replacing. Filters that are dirty could cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.

If your furnace is making strange noises it hasn’t experienced before, it is time to seek out repair assistance. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating properly. This could be a serious issue if the wiring of your thermostat isn’t connected correctly or has been disconnected. If you notice the thermostat isn’t communicating with your system, switch off the power to the thermostat using your breaker panel. Remove the thermostat cover using a screwdriver and check 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 if they seem loose, then turn off the breaker.

You can check the display of your thermostat to check whether it’s functioning properly after you’ve connected the wires and switched on the breaker. If the screen is blank or does not show any information at all the thermostat has lost its power and isn’t able to communicate with your heater.

If this is the situation, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat and then placing a normal household thermometer on top of it. After 20 minutes, check both the household thermometer and thermostat. If the temperature on your thermostat is higher than the one on the thermometer, this indicates an issue with the thermostat itself. If the readings are identical the thermostat is probably functioning correctly.

3. Check Your Circuit Breaker

Furnaces require electricity to function, so any issues that hinder them from obtaining the power they need could be dangerous. It is a good idea to reset your furnace the first time it triggers the breaker, and then see if it resolves itself. If it continues to be happening, you should fix the issue immediately. This is particularly true when the breaker keeps tripping. It indicates a bigger issue.

There are several common reasons your circuit breaker may be triggered, and the majority of them are relatively easy to fix. One of the most common causes is a dirty filter which can block airflow, causing the system to overheat. Another issue is blocked air ducts, which can also restrict 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.

You may also want to ensure that your furnace isn’t sharing circuits with other high-demand appliances, such as power tools or your refrigerator. If the breaker is frequently being reset, this is an indication that they are not being given enough power and must be assigned their own circuit.

Another reason your breaker may not be working is a wire that is loose. This could happen when a wire gets hot and causes an electrical surge which can overheat the furnace. This is why it’s important to look for loose wires in your electrical panel regularly. It’s recommended to have a professional take a look if you find any.

Sometimes, the issue has nothing to be related to your furnace in any way It could be that your electrical panel is in need of a repair. This is a job that should be handled by an electrician.

4. Check Your Ductwork

The ducts that distribute conditioned air throughout your home can be prone to leaks, disconnected sections, and other problems that hinder your home’s performance. This can result in drafty rooms, extreme temperatures between floors and musty smells. These are all indications that you need to improve 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 is particularly risky if your ducts are located near the furnace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.

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

A skilled furnace technician will examine the heat exchanger as well as all other components of your system to determine if there are any issues. They will clean and grease moving parts to minimize wear. They can also adjust the thermostat or change the air filter. In some instances the heat exchanger might have to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or cracked. damaged.

The cost of replacing or fixing a heat exchanger that is faulty can be very high. It’s an essential component that warms the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has a crack or leaks it could cause a carbon monoxide gas leak that needs immediate attention.

Get a professional’s help If you notice any odd or unfamiliar noises coming from your furnace. Scraping, squeaking and hissing all signify serious problems that could compromise the efficiency of your heating system.

A technician with a good reputation will be able to identify the issue and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly. In addition they’ll likely provide an assurance on their work to give you peace of assurance. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you could void your warranty and be liable for any damage or injury that results as a result of your DIY efforts.