How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

If your furnace in your home experiences issues, it could be inconvenient and even dangerous. But, there are many aspects to consider to ensure that your heating system is operating properly.

Ask for referrals from friends, family members and colleagues on furnace repair companies they’ve used in the past. They can provide valuable information regarding the company’s services as well as the customer experience.

1. Check Your Filters

It’s time to do a quick inspection if you’ve noticed that your furnace is running more than usual, or if you’ve heard unusual noises. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, it may be clogged and causing problems with airflow. This could result in the system overworking itself. This can lead to high energy bills and even damage the system itself if left unchecked.

Changing your filter is a simple task that can help maintain healthy air quality in your home, save on energy bills and increase the life of your system. It’s generally recommended to change your filter monthly and ensure that it’s the proper size for your system. The dimensions of your furnace on the edge of the filter you have. Simply take a measurement to get an accurate reading. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra filter on hand to swap it out when yours is dirty.

Check your filters before calling a professional to make sure they are clean and the correct size. If you see a lot of dust on your furniture or other surfaces it’s a sign the filter isn’t doing its job properly.

Also, make sure that the door on the bottom of your furnace is securely over the frame, and that the safety switch is switched on. If not, the system won’t operate and you may encounter odd symptoms, like an overheated unit or a fan that is cycling to cool the air instead of heating it up.

The age of your furnace may also be a factor. An older furnace will require more maintenance and will run less efficiently. This is due to parts such as the blower belt or ball bearings that wear out. Contacting 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 your thermostat to achieve the same amount of heat you used to or that it takes longer for your home to reach a desired temperature, this could be a sign that your air filter is in need of replacing. Filters that are dirty can cause your furnace to perform more efficiently over time.

If your furnace is making odd noises that it hasn’t before, this is an indication that you should seek out repair services. Scraping, squeaking and banging can all indicate serious issues that require prompt attention from a skilled technician.

Your thermostat is responsible to communicate with your cooling and heating systems to ensure that they’re operating correctly. If the thermostat’s wires are not connected properly or have been disconnected, it could be a sign of a problem. If you notice that your thermostat is not communicating with your system, turn off the power to the thermostat using your breaker box. Remove the thermostat cover with a screwdriver and check the wiring. Locate the red and white (standard colors for heat and power) 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.

After you’ve reconnected the wires and turned the breaker on then you will be able to tell whether your thermostat is functioning properly by looking at its screen. If the screen is blank or doesn’t display any information, it means that your thermostat has lost power and is unable to communicate with your heater.

If this is the case, you can test for a defective thermostat by tying a paper towel to the wall near your thermostat, and then placing a standard household thermometer on top of it. Then, you can leave it there for around 20 minutes to examine the readings of both your household thermometer and your thermostat. If your thermostat displays a higher temperature than the thermometer, it could be a sign of 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 issue that blocks them from getting the power they require can be a risk. One time your furnace trips the breaker, it’s a good idea to reset it and see if the problem goes away on its own. If it continues, you should address the problem immediately. This is true, especially when the breaker is constantly tripping. This indicates a bigger issue.

There are several common reasons why your circuit breaker could trip, and most of them are simple to repair. One is a dirty air filter that can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Another is clogged air ducts that can also hinder airflow. Make sure that you change your air filters frequently and that no furniture or other objects block air vents.

Check that your furnace doesn’t share the same circuit as high-demand appliances like power tools and your refrigerator. If the breaker is tripped frequently, it is an indication that there is not enough power available and that they should be given their own circuit.

Another reason your breaker might keep tripping is a wire that is loose. It can happen when the wire is hot and creates an electrical surge that could overheat the furnace. It is important to check your electrical panel frequently for loose wires. If you discover any wires that aren’t in good condition, it’s a good idea to call an expert to inspect them.

Sometimes the issue may not have anything to be related to your furnace, and it may simply be that your electrical panel is in need of repair. This is a job that should be left to an electrician.

4. Check Your Ductwork

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

The most common problem is leaks, however dirt and debris can also cause ductwork to become blocked and hinder airflow. This can be especially problematic if the ducts sit close to the furnace, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Before calling a repair company, be sure to check out their past work history. You can typically find the information on their website or ask the service provider to confirm an appointment. A company that has years of experience is more likely to have the experience that you require.

A skilled furnace technician will inspect 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 can also replace the air filter or adjust the thermostat when needed. In certain instances, the heat exchanger might need to be replaced when it has been damaged or cracked.

The cost of replacing or repairing the heat exchanger that’s faulty can be very high. It is a crucial component which heats the air in your home before it circulates. If the heat exchanger has cracked or leaks, it could lead to a carbon monoxide leak that requires immediate attention.

Contact a professional If you hear strange or unusual sounds emanating from your furnace. The sounds that your furnace makes like banging and squeaking could indicate a serious problem that could compromise its heating capabilities.

A technician with a great reputation will be able detect the problem and schedule your furnace repair near me quickly. They may also offer a guarantee for their work, giving you peace of mind. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you might void your warranty and be held accountable for any injury or damage that results because of your DIY efforts.