There are several things you can check to make sure your furnace is in good working order before calling a repairman. Here are some of them.
Checking the airflow of your furnace
If you suspect that your furnace isn’t working efficiently, check the airflow of your furnace to determine if there are any problems. The ductwork in your home should feel hot and stale, but it shouldn’t be unbearably uncomfortable.
Improper airflow causes your heating system to take longer to heat your home and use more energy. This delays your comfort and increases your utility bills. With current rates of inflation as well as price hikes, it is vital to keep costs to a minimum wherever possible. Click here for more information about rate increases.
To improve the airflow of your furnace, you can start by checking the air filters and vents. If you find a dirty filter, replace it. You can also inspect the heat exchanger for cracks. If there are no cracks or other obstacles, you can replace your heating element’s air filters.
A dirty air filter also blocks airflow. Dirty air filters also make your heating element work harder. To keep the air filter clean, change it as needed. You can find the filter air box in the ductwork next to the heating element. Simply stand in front of the heating element to see where the ducts are connected to the heating element.
Discard the old filter and replace it with a new one. When the filter is dirty, the air flow of your heating element will become limited and your heating element will start to overheat.
If you’re unsure of how to check the airflow of your HVAC, it is best to contact an HVAC professional to diagnose the issue. A qualified technician can analyze the airflow of your heating element and other HVAC units. The HVAC system is essential to the overall comfort of your home. Checking the airflow of your heating element and ductwork is important to make sure you have a comfortable home.
Checking the limit switch
When troubleshooting a heating element, checking the limit switch can help you pinpoint the cause. While working in a hot heating element, a multimeter can measure the voltage across the switch’s terminals. A continuity test is an easier and safer alternative.
In most cases, a faulty limit switch can be identified by a 0.1-volt voltage difference across the high and low limit switches. A heating element shut-down could also be the result of a problem with the filters or the blower fan.
A dirty thermostat is another reason a limit switch could fail. A dirty thermostat may have a dirty temperature sensor that can trigger a malfunction. The limit switch may also cause the heating element to trip by detecting unusual changes in temperature. During a heating element repair, the limit switch is the most commonly repaired part.
A heating element repair professional can also perform the task for you if you are skilled in electrical work. If you are attempting this repair yourself, be sure to buy an exact duplicate limit switch to prevent any future problems.
Some heating elements feature separate limit switches, but most models use a combination switch. The switch is located above the heat exchanger and is accessible by unscrewing the heating element cover. If the limit switch is faulty, the heating element may not run properly. Limit switches are safety devices and must be replaced when a heating element stops working. To test a limit switch, use a multimeter and a screwdriver.
High limits may be faulty. A high limit switch may trip repeatedly, resulting in a heating element lockout. In such a case, a heating element furnace repair, Auburn professional should replace the limit switch. If you suspect that the limit switch is failing, it is a good idea to test it using a serviceman switch. If the switch passes the test, it’s probably a bad one.
It’s easy to check this during a heating element repair by removing the serviceman switch.
Cleaning the hot surface igniter
The hot surface igniter is the component that generates heat, just like light bulb filaments. However, the mechanisms of this component are very sensitive to dirt. Dirt and debris can cause failure.
Cleaning these parts is a difficult job. Make sure that you clean all the parts that are near the heat source, including the peripheral parts. You can do this by following a few simple steps.
First, you should disconnect the power source in your furnace. Then, carefully remove the ignitor. Be sure not to touch the igniter with your hands, since the hot surface ignitor is a delicate piece. You can also use emery cloth or fine steel wool to clean it.
Using these tools will help you remove burnt carbon from the probe. Once the probe is clean, you can continue cleaning the rest of the furnace parts.