Steps to Fix Electric Furnaces

Home Improvement
While electric heating systems have their advantages, their high operating cost makes them less appealing compared to other furnace options available today. Therefore, it is important to minimize heat loss caused by poorly installed ducts or inadequate insulation.
To maximize energy efficiency, it is recommended to have a professional service person clean and adjust your electric furnace annually before the start of the heating season. It is not advisable to attempt any repairs on heating elements, electrical connections, relays, transformers, or similar components of an electric furnace as these repairs should be done by a professional service person.

/> to AUTO. 2. Limit switch
open. 2. Call a professional. 3. Faulty relay. 3. Call a professional.

Remember to always follow safety precautions when working on your electric furnace. If you are unsure of what you are doing, it is always best to call a professional.

Rewritten text:

An electric furnace can have its controls mounted on the surface of the housing or installed behind an access panel on the front of the furnace. The access panel can be easily removed by slipping it off hooks or removing a series of sheet-metal screws that fasten it to the furnace housing. This allows access to the blower, filter, and blower motor. Before attempting to work on your furnace, it is important to determine exactly what the problem is. A handy chart on the next page can help you identify your problem and suggest possible solutions.

If your electric furnace isn’t working properly, there are many quick-fix jobs that a homeowner can do to get it back on track. However, major problems will require professional help. The troubleshooting chart below can help you identify the problem with your furnace and suggest solutions. Remember to always follow safety precautions when working on your electric furnace. If you are unsure of what you are doing, it is always best to call a professional.

For more articles on home repair, check out the following links:
– Furnace Maintenance: Learn how to keep your furnace in prime condition.
– Major Appliance Repair: If the furnace isn’t the only thing in your house that needs fixing, learn how to repair other machines.
– Small Appliance Repair: Once you’ve tackled the furnace, fixing a toaster or blender seems like child’s play.
– Thermostat Maintenance: Check the thermostat to ensure there’s actually a problem with your heating system and learn how to calibrate it.

Troubleshooting Electric Furnaces and Electric Heaters

The chart below can help you identify problems with your electric furnace and suggest solutions.

ELECTRIC FURNACE TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Problem Possible cause Solution

Furnace won’t run
1. No power.
2. Switch off.
3. Motor overload. 1. Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers at main entrance panel, at separate entrance panel, and on or in furnace; restore circuit.
2. Turn on separate power switch on or near furnace.
3. Wait 30 minutes; press reset button. Repeat if necessary.

Not enough heat
1. Thermostat set too low.
2. Filter dirty.
3. Blower clogged.
4. Registers closed or blocked.
5. System out of balance.
6. Blower belt loose or broken.
7. Element faulty. 1. Raise thermostat setting 5°.
2. Clean or replace filter.
3. Clean blower assembly.
4. Make sure all registers are open; make sure they are not blocked by rugs, drapes, or furniture.
5. Balance system.
6. Adjust or replace belt.
7. Call a professional.

Furnace turns on and off repeatedly
1. Filter dirty.
2. Motor and/or blower needs lubrication. 1. Clean or replace filter.
2. If motor and blower have oil ports, lubricate.

Blower won’t stop running
1. Blower control set wrong.
2. Limit switch open.
3. Faulty relay. 1. Reset thermostat from ON to AUTO.
2. Call a professional.
3. Call a professional.

If your electric furnace is experiencing any of these problems, refer to the troubleshooting chart above to help identify and solve the issue.

The article provides tips for troubleshooting and repairing common problems with electric furnaces. It suggests checking for issues such as dirty filters, faulty relays, loose access panels, and sticking or damaged belts. The article advises adjusting loose or tight belts, lubricating the motor and blower if necessary, and replacing worn or damaged belts. It also recommends checking the fuses for the electric furnace, which are typically located at the main electrical service entrance or on a panel inside the furnace housing. However, the article warns against attempting to repair certain components such as heating elements, transformers, and relays, and recommends calling a professional service person for these repairs. The article concludes with links to other articles on home repair topics such as furnace maintenance, major and small appliance repair, and thermostat maintenance.

FAQ

1. What are some common issues with electric furnaces?

Some common problems with electric furnaces include a malfunctioning thermostat, a clogged air filter, a damaged heating element, a broken blower motor, and a faulty limit switch.

2. How can I troubleshoot my electric furnace?

You can troubleshoot your electric furnace by checking the thermostat settings, inspecting the air filter, testing the heating element, checking the blower motor, and testing the limit switch.

3. How often should I replace the air filter in my electric furnace?

You should replace the air filter in your electric furnace every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter you have.

4. How do I replace the air filter in my electric furnace?

To replace the air filter in your electric furnace, turn off the power to the furnace, locate the filter compartment, remove the old filter, and install the new filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. How can I clean the heating element in my electric furnace?

You can clean the heating element in your electric furnace by turning off the power to the furnace, removing the access panel, and using a soft brush or cloth to gently clean the element. Do not use water or harsh chemicals.

6. How can I replace the heating element in my electric furnace?

You should hire a professional to replace the heating element in your electric furnace, as this can be a complex and dangerous task.

7. How can I fix a malfunctioning thermostat in my electric furnace?

You can fix a malfunctioning thermostat in your electric furnace by checking the wiring connections, replacing the batteries, and resetting the thermostat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. How do I test the blower motor in my electric furnace?

To test the blower motor in your electric furnace, turn off the power to the furnace, remove the access panel, and use a multimeter to check for continuity and proper voltage.

9. How can I replace the blower motor in my electric furnace?

You should hire a professional to replace the blower motor in your electric furnace, as this can be a difficult and dangerous task.

10. How can I fix a faulty limit switch in my electric furnace?

You can fix a faulty limit switch in your electric furnace by checking for a tripped breaker or blown fuse, cleaning the switch, and replacing the switch if necessary.

11. How do I reset my electric furnace?

To reset your electric furnace, turn off the power to the furnace, wait a few minutes, and then turn the power back on. If the furnace still does not work, you may need to call a professional for help.

12. How often should I have my electric furnace serviced?

You should have your electric furnace serviced at least once a year by a professional HVAC technician to ensure that it is functioning properly and efficiently.