FURNACE REPAIR CINCINNATI involves a significant amount of time, manual labor, and skill. Major repairs are best left to professional technicians.
Before you begin, make sure that your furnace has power by flipping the electrical power switch. Also, ensure that your gas valve is in the on position.
A squealing noise often indicates that the blower belt is loose or needs replacement. A technician can usually slide the belt back into place.
Thermostat repair is one of the most common furnace repairs. It involves the replacement or adjustment of the thermostat’s temperature settings to match your home’s desired climate. This type of repair is usually relatively quick and inexpensive, but it can be difficult for homeowners to complete on their own.
Many issues that cause thermostat problems can be solved at home without the need for professional help. For example, if your thermostat isn’t turning on, it may have a dead battery. If this is the case, simply replace it with a new one (check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to open your thermostat’s cover).
Other problems that can be resolved at home include faulty wiring, which can occur if the device’s wires are disconnected or damaged. It’s also possible that your gas valve isn’t working properly and isn’t opening correctly, preventing it from receiving the necessary fuel to produce heat. In this case, it’s important to turn off the power to your furnace before attempting any repairs and check the flame to ensure that it is blue rather than yellow—a yellow flame indicates that your gas valve needs attention from a professional.
Other more advanced furnace repairs are best left to professionals, such as fixing condensate drainage systems and replacing advanced control boards. These tasks require specialized knowledge and tools to complete properly, and can be dangerous for homeowners to attempt on their own. However, you can keep your system running smoothly by completing routine maintenance and replacing air filters as needed. This will help to reduce the number of repairs your furnace requires, and extend its lifespan. In addition, having a regular professional inspection helps to identify minor problems before they become major and time-consuming.
Thermostat Replacement
A thermostat with a dirty sensor, loose wires, or dead batteries can cause your furnace to operate intermittently. A programmable thermostat can prevent these problems by automatically keeping your home at the desired temperature when you are away.
A dirty flame sensor or burner is another common problem that requires professional service to correct. This is because these sensors are delicate, and the buildup of residue can impede your system’s ability to light the burners. Lastly, your blower’s drive belt may need to be replaced. Again, this is something that should be left to the professionals since it will require opening up your furnace cabinet.
Other minor repairs that our technicians perform include a check of the breaker box to ensure a blown fuse or tripped breaker did not occur due to an overworked furnace. We also check airflow to make sure it’s not being restricted by blocked or dirty vents and registers, which can significantly reduce your system’s efficiency.
The most important step in preventing many of these problems is to complete routine maintenance. This includes replacing or cleaning your furnace’s air filter every 1-3 months during heavy usage periods, and vacuuming your vents and registers regularly to avoid dirt buildup.
Our technicians can also conduct a number of other important checks and services that will help extend the life of your system, including a carbon monoxide test, a fuel-to-air ratio check, a safety controls inspection and testing, and thermostat calibration. They can also apply a lubricant to reduce friction and prolong the lifespan of your system’s motor and other moving parts. This is one of the best investments you can make to save money on your energy bills and maintain comfort throughout the winter.
Thermostat Installation
The thermostat is the brain of your furnace, ensuring that it operates as efficiently as possible. When the thermostat isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to issues with your heating system, such as inconsistent heat or an erratic energy bill. Thermostat replacement is a quick and affordable way to fix these issues.
Before starting any repairs, always make sure that the power to your furnace is off by turning off the breaker switch or flipping the switch that controls your heating and cooling. Also, shut off your gas supply to prevent hazardous or dangerous conditions from occurring.
After the breaker or switch has been turned off, disconnect all wires from your existing thermostat. Before removing the existing thermostat from the wall, snap a picture of how your wires are connected so that when it comes time to connect your new thermostat, you have a reference. Once your wires are disconnected, you can remove the faceplate and start working on rewiring. You may want to look at the manufacturer’s website or thermostat manual to find wiring assistance if you have trouble.
One common issue that many homeowners experience is “short cycling.” Short cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off frequently without fully heating your home. It can be the result of a number of problems, including clogged filters, malfunctioning thermostats, or oversized furnaces that burn up fuel too quickly.
Keeping your air filters clean and conducting a backdraft test can help to reduce the risk of these problems. A professional can also help to diagnose and repair these issues if necessary.
Air Filter Replacement
Changing your filter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain HVAC system efficiency. A clean filter allows air to move freely through your system, allowing the blower and blower motor to function at their optimal performance level. It also ensures that your family is breathing clean, healthy air.
A clogged furnace filter makes your blower work harder to circulate air through your home, which in turn puts unnecessary strain on your system. This can cause the system to overheat, leading to costly repairs and premature replacement of your equipment. By making regular air filter replacement a part of your maintenance routine, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a clogged filter and prolong the life of your equipment.
To change your filter, first shut off your system and locate the filter compartment, which is usually located near the return air duct or blower motor. Remove the old filter from the housing and slide the new one in place. Be sure to pay attention to the orientation of the filter (there’s often an arrow on it) so that you have it in correctly oriented.
If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace the filter, hold it up to the light and bend it back. If you can see a noticeable amount of dirt or dust accumulated on the paper ridges, it’s time for a new one. It’s important to remember that different filters offer varying levels of filtration, so you will need to choose the right one for your unique needs. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient it will be. A lower MERV rating will be fine for most homes, however, it’s always good to consult with experts to determine the best options for your particular situation.
Ductwork Repair
Your ductwork is what keeps air circulating throughout your home, bringing in conditioned air and sending heated or cooled air back out through your vents. If you have damaged ducts, your system has to work harder to heat and cool your home. It also wastes energy and can result in high energy bills. Duct repair can be a simple or more complex task depending on the extent of damage. In general, small leaks and tears can be repaired using certified duct tape made specifically for this type of repair. Larger openings or broken sections may require replacement or resealing.
Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape through cracks, rips, or other imperfections in the ductwork. The escaping air is often dirtier than the conditioned air that should be recirculating through your home, resulting in poor indoor air quality and health issues. Leaks and broken seals can also reduce air flow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to meet your heating or cooling needs.
A cracked or broken duct can also expose attic insulation and other contaminants to your living space, which can increase the amount of dust in your home. Additionally, rodents and other pests can easily enter ducts through holes and crevices. This can cause mold and mildew to grow in your ductwork, which can lead to respiratory problems and other health concerns for you and your family.