If you’re experiencing problems with your furnace, there are a few things you can do to make sure it’s in good working order. First, check the pilot light and the blower motor. Also, look at the run capacitor and furnace control board. If you see any of these problems, you may need furnace repair.
Checking the pilot light
A common furnace repair problem is the pilot light not staying lit. This can happen for a number of reasons. First of all, weather can shift the ventilation covers of your furnace, exposing the pilot light to the elements. The thermocouples in your furnace may also become dirty and stop detecting the light, leading the gas valve to shut off. Depending on the issue, you may need to contact a professional to determine the problem and repair it.
A professional technician can check the pilot light to determine the cause of the issue. Sometimes, it’s a simple issue, such as an air filter change or resetting the circuit breaker. Other times, a professional furnace technician can identify the problem and fix it. If the pilot light is dirty, he can replace it or clean it and align the furnace’s other parts.
Checking the blower motor
If you’re planning to fix your furnace on your own, the blower motor should be checked during the process. Sometimes, a motor can become overheated and no longer function. This Furnace Repair can happen for several reasons. Some motors become old and dirty, which makes them inoperable, while others just become too hot to touch. If you notice that your blower has become too hot to handle, it may be due to an open winding inside the motor that’s preventing the circuit from completing.
To test whether the blower motor is malfunctioning, first, you need to check the power supply unit. If the blower motor does not work, you can test it by jumping out 120 volts from the blower motor wires. If the motor works, it’s time to check the capacitor that’s attached to the control board. You should replace it if it’s not up to manufacturer specifications.
Checking the run capacitor
If you’re planning to check the run capacitor during furnace repair, there are a few steps you should take. You should first check the capacitance of the capacitor, which is stamped on the top of the capacitor. It should be within 10 percent of its labeled rating. If the value is within this range, the run capacitor is fine.
If you’re unsure if this component is malfunctioning, consult an HVAC expert. Experts know how to properly size and install a new capacitor, and can diagnose any other potential issues as well. Don’t try to do the repair yourself, as you might cause more damage than you think.
Checking the furnace control board
If your furnace isn’t working properly, you may need to check the furnace control board. Most modern furnaces have a circuit board that has three fuses. These fuses are similar to the kind in your car, and they will indicate if the furnace has an electrical problem. Then, you can look for an indicator light on the furnace’s control board to see whether it’s in the correct position.
If you notice the lights on the control board are blinking, the board is faulty. If this is the case, you need to replace the board immediately. Otherwise, the furnace’s operation will be at risk. Once you’ve identified the problem, you can find a replacement board by using the serial number and manufacturer’s part number.
Checking the thermostat
You should check the thermostat when you are having trouble with your furnace. If your furnace is not heating up properly, it could be because the thermostat is not connected to the wires properly. To do this, first turn off the breaker in the furnace and open the thermostat cover. If you notice any loose screws or loose wiring, take a picture of the thermostat with a digital camera. If you still can’t see the thermostat, check the wires underneath it. If you see the red, white, or green wires, check the thermostat for continuity. If they are connected, the furnace should work. If they don’t, then you need to have the furnace repaired.
Before you do any of these steps, check the thermostat to make sure that it is functioning properly. If the thermostat does not respond to the changes you make in its temperature, then the thermostat might be dead or has bad batteries. If the thermostat is working properly, it will be displaying the programmed schedule and the temperature of your home.
