FURNACE REPAIR CINCINNATI costs can vary depending on a variety of factors. Some issues can be solved with routine maintenance, while others require professional assistance to resolve.
Often, signs that your furnace needs repairs include strange noises, higher heating bills and poor air quality. It is important to address these issues as soon as possible, preventing more severe damage and saving you money in the long run.
A malfunctioning thermostat can be the root cause of your heating system not turning on. Luckily, there are some things you can check at home before calling for a professional. Make sure the unit is getting power by checking for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker at the main entrance panel. Some furnaces have a separate power entrance, so look there as well. If you find a breaker that has been tripped, remove it and wait 30 minutes to see if the unit turns on once it’s back on.
Next, check the thermostat display and make sure it’s set to ‘heat’ mode. Also, make sure the battery is fresh and has enough charge (a common problem with programmable thermostats that need to be manually adjusted). If the thermostat display is blank or flickering, it’s probably because of low battery power. Change the battery if needed and consider making it a regular habit to switch out your old batteries for new ones every year.
If the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and has the proper mode selected, it could simply be that the breaker has tripped. If resetting the breaker doesn’t resolve the issue, call us for help.
Another possible problem with your furnace is a lack of airflow. This is often caused by a dirty filter, which can be easily replaced or cleaned. It can also be caused by blocked or closed vents or registers, which should be checked and opened as necessary.
Thermostat Repair | Furnace Service | Ignition Inspection | Blower Fan and Motor Inspection | Drain Line Inspection
An annual furnace tuneup will ensure your heating system is in good working order and running smoothly. A qualified technician will inspect and clean the burners to ensure they are operating properly. The blower motor and fan are examined and cleaned for optimal performance, and electrical connections are tightened as necessary. The flame sensor is checked for proper operation and cleaned as needed, and the ignitor is replaced if it is faulty. This prevents dangerous gas leaks, and it saves energy.
Check the Circuit Breaker
If a furnace’s circuit breaker trips repeatedly after starting up, it may need professional attention. A faulty circuit breaker can cause a short circuit when an exposed hot wire contacts a neutral or ground wire, which will create a surge of electricity and trip the breaker as a safety measure.
Usually, a short circuit will result in the motor of a gas or electric furnace overheating and tripping the breaker, but it can also mean that electrical connections have become loose or degraded over time. This puts additional strain on the system and can overload it. Licensed professionals can test and repair these connections to restore safe operation.
Dirty air filters restrict the flow of air to a furnace’s blower, which can place an excessive load on this electrical component and cause it to overheat and trip the breaker. Change the filter and then retry the furnace. If the breaker continues to trip after a new filter is installed, this could indicate a problem with the blower itself or its electrical wiring. A professional technician can clean or replace the filter and inspect the blower motor for any signs of damage or overheating.
Another common reason for a tripped circuit breaker is leaking ductwork. When heated air escapes from leaking ducts, the blower must work harder to heat your home, which can also put an excessive load on the electrical circuit and cause it to trip. A qualified HVAC expert can seal leaky ducts to prevent this issue.
A faulty thermostat can send incorrect signals to your furnace and also cause overheating or a tripped breaker. If the breaker trips repeatedly after you reset it, this is likely an indicator that the thermostat needs replacement or requires professional servicing.
Check the Air Filter
The air filter is a vital component of your furnace’s operation. Dirty filters circulate dust and allergens throughout your living space, quickly decreasing your home’s indoor air quality. It’s important to regularly check the condition of your air filter and change it as needed. You may notice signs that your filter needs to be replaced, such as a noticeable discoloration or that you’re dusting more often. Oftentimes, the filter can be accessed by simply pulling out the old one and sliding in a new one.
In most cases, your furnace’s air filter can be found in a duct or compartment near the return air vent or blower. The compartment or duct may have a door that can be opened to access the filter. Alternatively, the air filter might be in a slot on the side of your furnace or inside the blower compartment. During the heating season, you should make sure to check and replace your air filter every month or two to maintain optimal system performance.
When you are replacing your filter, it’s important to ensure that the new filter is inserted correctly. Oftentimes, filters have an arrow on them that indicates the direction of airflow. Be sure to insert the new filter with this arrow facing toward your furnace. Also, be sure that the filter is firmly seated and any panels or covers are securely closed.
If you are unable to locate the filter, it’s possible that it is clogged. This can cause your furnace to short cycle, a problem that leads to high energy bills and reduced system efficiency. It’s best to contact an HVAC professional for a more in-depth inspection. They can determine whether the filter is clogged or if there is another underlying issue, such as a malfunctioning thermostat or an oversized furnace that heats your home too quickly.
Other maintenance tasks that a professional can perform include cleaning the burners, inspecting the flame sensor, and testing the drainage systems to ensure they are functioning properly. These services require specialized knowledge and tools and should be performed by a qualified technician.
Check the Blower
The blower is the part of the furnace that sends warm air through your home’s ductwork. If your blower isn’t working properly, you’ll find that it takes longer to get hot air to the rooms in your house. This can be a frustrating problem, especially during cold weather. Fortunately, you can do several things to check the blower and see if the issue is easily fixed.
First, make sure that the blower is getting power. Often, the system will have a switch or fuse that controls its power. If the breaker or fuse is tripped, reset it to turn the furnace back on. If it keeps tripping, this may indicate a bigger problem that an HVAC technician will need to handle.
Another thing to do is look at your air filter. If it’s dirty or clogged, replace it. A clogged filter restricts airflow through the furnace and reduces efficiency. It can also lead to a broken blower motor.
If you hear a squeaking noise, this usually means that your blower motor belt is worn down or cracked. It can be replaced, but it’s important to make sure that the new one is the right size for your furnace.
A clunking sound, on the other hand, could be an indicator that your blower bearings are damaged. These can be lubricated to reduce friction and prolong the life of your blower.
You can also check the blower for dirt or debris that could be preventing it from moving. You should also clean the area around your furnace regularly. It’s a good idea to keep combustible materials, such as boxes and laundry, away from the furnace.
If you can’t fix the problem by checking the thermostat, breaker box and air filter, or if your pilot light or gas valve isn’t on, contact us. Our HVAC technicians will be able to determine the problem and help you with it as quickly as possible. We can even install a new blower for you, if needed. Call today for more information!