If you’re worried about your furnace’s reliability, there are some things you should know about furnace repair. While a simple repair may solve a problem temporarily, problems can accumulate over time, particularly if you have an older model. The best way to avoid these problems is to invest in a home warranty.
Investing in a Home Warranty
Purchasing a home warranty can protect your home from expensive furnace repair costs. This insurance plan typically covers the cost of repair by hiring a reputable contractor to come to your home and perform the work. In addition, it can protect various home systems, including your furnace, water heater, ductwork, and venting.
Before you purchase a home warranty, you should understand what the policy covers. For example, if you bought your home from a previous owner, it may not cover the repairs you’d expect, so you should be sure that the warranty also applies to the new owner. Additionally, many home warranties cover repairing and replacing appliances in previously-owned homes. Finally, before purchasing a home warranty, you must consider how well-established a particular company is and how much you value the protection it provides.
Do-it-Yourself Repairs
Do-it-yourself furnace repairs can save you a lot of money, but they’re still best left to the professionals. This is because furnaces often have combustible combustion areas and can pose a severe threat to the safety of occupants in the home. When you are looking for furnace repair near me contractors are trained to work around flammable materials and are used to doing these jobs safely.
Before performing any do-it-yourself furnace repairs, ensure you understand how your furnace works. This will help you identify possible problems. For example, be sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and that it’s at least five degrees higher than the room temperature. Many service calls go unanswered because the thermostat isn’t set correctly. Also, be sure to check the battery in the thermostat.
Calling a Professional
There are several reasons to call a professional for furnace repair. One of the first causes is a faulty thermostat. This device is the brain and control center of your heating system. Ensure the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature and the batteries are changed if necessary. You should also clean the furnace panel to prevent debris from clogging and ensure that the door is closed correctly.
Professionals can handle complicated HVAC systems and can provide accurate diagnoses and solutions. Unfortunately, DIY solutions often become a band-aid solution for a more significant problem. The best way to avoid this is to call a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Checking the Thermostat
If your furnace has a constantly running fan, you may be experiencing a thermostat issue. The issue may be as simple as the thermostat not sending a signal. Other problems can involve your AC unit or furnace control board. Check your furnace’s thermostat first to rule out any mechanical issues.
If the thermostat is electromechanical, it will have a dial that you can adjust. The battery may need to be replaced if it’s a battery-powered thermostat. If this is the case, check for loose connections.
Checking the Power Switch
When working on a furnace repair, the first step is to check the power switch to ensure that it is “on.” Most furnaces use electricity to run, so it’s essential to ensure that the switch is in the “on” position. If the power switch is “off,” it may be caused by a tripped breaker or blown fuse.
Most newer furnaces have a safety switch on the draft hood, automatically cutting off the power if it detects a malfunction. You should also check the pilot light, which can malfunction and reduce the heat the furnace can provide for your home.
Checking the Circuit Breaker
If you’ve done furnace repair before and can’t fix the problem, you may want to look at your circuit breaker. It’s an important safety device that shuts off power to your furnace and prevents fires. However, it may trip because of a power surge or other temporary issue. If it keeps tripping, you should contact a professional.
Sometimes, a malfunctioning circuit breaker is caused by faulty wiring in your furnace. The wiring can become worn over time and cause shorts or other issues. An HVAC professional can check your wiring and replace it for you. Scheduling regular maintenance will prevent problems with the circuit breaker and ensure that your furnace runs properly.
