Talking About HVAC

Posted on: 14 June 2023

Household furnaces are complex systems with many different components that can trigger malfunctions. Understanding some of the more common issues might help you troubleshoot your furnace repair before you call for a technician. After all, the sooner you get heat back when it's cold outside, the better. There are several things that you need to think about when your home's furnace is malfunctioning.

Did you trip the safety switch? 

When your furnace won't turn on, there's a good chance that the safety switch was activated so the furnace is shut down for safety. If you have recently removed the front panel from the furnace, or there was a complication with the system, the safety switch may have been activated and deactivated the unit. You'll want to talk with a local furnace repair technician to safely reset or replace that safety switch so that your system functions again.

Did the flame sensor trip the override?

There is an override system attached to the flame sensor of most fuel-based furnace systems. Whether your furnace relies on natural gas or oil, if the fuel supply is open and the flame sensor doesn't detect a burner flame, it will trip the override and shut down the fuel supply to protect your home from an explosion. In those cases, you'll have to have a furnace repair technician evaluate the pilot light and the burner system to figure out why the flame won't stay lit. They can clean the pilot light, the burner, and the flame sensor to help your system function correctly.

Did the furnace trip the high-limit switch?

Most furnace systems have many different safety switches, and the high-limit switch is an important one. Its sole purpose is to activate the blower when the firebox reaches a high temperature or to shut the system down when the blower won't run or doesn't cool the firebox enough. This safety switch is intended to protect your home from fire hazards due to an overheating furnace, but a faulty high-limit switch can actually keep your furnace from working the way that it's supposed to. Your furnace repair technician can test the high-limit switch and replace it if it's malfunctioning.

These are just a few of the lesser-known but common issues with most residential furnace systems. Talk with a local furnace repair technician today for more help with your system. Address problems as soon as possible to help keep your home comfortable.