We discourage people from attempting to repair their HVAC systems on their own. We’re even more adamant when it comes to trying amateur repairs on a furnace. Some basic troubleshooting is fine—we encourage that—but anything that involves taking out tools and tinkering around inside the furnace is off-limits. It’s that’s not just us saying that. In many jurisdictions, it’s illegal for anyone to work on a gas furnace unless they have proper certification. It’s an issue of safety: for you, your family, and your neighborhood.
We’re going to go through several common furnace repairs that you must leave to the professionals. If you’re in any doubt about whether you need a furnace repair in Greenville, SC or not, don’t hesitate to call us. Caution is the best method when it comes to a malfunctioning furnace.
Ignition System Issues
Your furnace probably uses an electronic ignition system to start the burners. The igniters often fail several years before the furnace does, and you’ll need to have professionals either fix a broken igniter/ignition control module or replace it.
Electrical Problems
Gas furnaces rely on electrical power to operate, although they don’t use electricity to generate heat. Faulty wiring may need to be replaced, and the control board—the central “brains” of the furnace—may also malfunction and need repairs.
Heat Exchanger Concerns
We’ve looked into the danger of cracked heat exchangers before. If you have reason to suspect a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace, shut the furnace off immediately at its dedicated breaker and then call us. We can determine if the exchanger is cracked and if we need to replace the exchanger.
Faulty Limit Switch
This switch is an important safety feature of a furnace. It determines if the heat exchanger has overheated and shuts the furnace off if it doesn’t. It also regulates when the blower comes on and off. If the switch malfunctions, the furnace may not come on at all or it might run continuously. The limit switch needs professionals to repair or replace it.
Flame Sensor Troubles
Similar to the limit switch, the flame sensor is a safety device. It prevents unburned gas from flooding the combustion chamber. The sensor determines if the burners have been lit, and shut off the gas if they aren’t. If it malfunctions, it may shut off the gas accidentally.
Blower Motor Problems
The blower motor does a large amount of work in a furnace, and it’s the most powerful electrical component in it. The blower motor can wear down from dust or a lack of lubrication, and it will either need to be cleaned, its bearings replaced, or the whole motor replaced.
Thermostat Malfunctions
A thermostat can fail in several ways that will affect the performance of a furnace, such as a miscalibration or a loss of wire connection. This can lead to a furnace that turns on and off at odd times, runs continuously, or won’t run at all. Professionals are necessary to diagnose when the thermostat is at fault and what is wrong with it.
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it should get you started thinking about when your furnace needs the help of our heating experts.
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