What Parts Commonly Break On Furnaces?
Furnaces that receive regular care and maintenance tend to last the longest (15 to 20 years). But even the most well-maintained systems can sometimes break down. Let’s take a close look at the most common furnace problems and how professional technicians can go about fixing them.
Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is the part of the furnace that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air moving through the ductwork. It has a specific job of separating harmful gases like carbon monoxide from the air you breathe. If it cracks due to heat stress, it can leak toxic gases into the home. Technicians will have to replace the cracked exchanger to restore safe and efficient operation.
Ignition System
The ignition system is in charge of lighting the burner that heats the air. Most older furnaces use a pilot light, while newer ones have electronic ignitors. As dust and dirt build up on the ignitor, it can misfire. Power surges and normal wear can also cause it to fail. A failed ignitor will make it impossible for the furnace to produce heat. Technicians will have to clean the ignitor to see if it fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, they’ll have to replace the part.
Blower Motor
The blower motor has the responsibility of pushing warm air into each room via the ductwork. When this motor breaks, the airflow will stop and the home will stay cold. Dust buildup and worn bearings are the two most common reasons a blower motor will fail. Regular lubrication is an easy way to extend the motor’s lifespan. If it completely burns out, a replacement by qualified technicians will be necessary.
Blower Wheel
The blower wheel consists of a fan that spins to move air through the system. Over time, dust and debris (e.g., pet hair, insulation fibers or dirt) can throw the wheel off balance. You might hear noises like rattling or banging as the wheel spins. If the wheel bends or breaks, it will prevent proper airflow through the ducts. Technicians can clean the blower wheel to restore balance, but in some cases, a full wheel replacement might be the only fix.
Wiring Harness
Your furnace has lots of parts, like the blower motor and control board, that connect together using a wiring harness. But as time goes by and you use the heater more, the wires can fray, burn or come loose. Bad wiring will not only cause problems like short cycling or complete failure, but it’s also extremely dangerous. A fire caused by a damaged wire can quickly spread and cause extensive property damage. Repairs for this problem include technicians replacing damaged wiring and tightening loose connections.
Control Board
Think of the control board as the brain of the heating system. It tells the blower motor, ignitor and gas valve when to turn on and turn off. When this board fails, the parts can’t communicate with one another properly. Power surges, moisture issues and old age all contribute to problems with this essential part. Professional technicians will have to replace the control board if it goes bad.
Gas Valve
The gas valve is what controls the amount of fuel that reaches the burners. A stuck valve will lead to no heat production. Issues with the gas valve can also result in gas leaks, which are very dangerous. If you suspect a gas valve problem, call professional technicians right away after shutting off the heater.
Pressure Switch
The pressure switch won’t let the furnace kick on if it detects a pressure imbalance in the vent system. This is to protect the system from damage caused by improper venting or blocked exhaust. Dirt or water in the tubing can cause the switch to fail. Cleaning the tubing may fix the problem. If it doesn’t, technicians will have to replace the switch.
Limit Switch
The limit switch has the role of shutting off the burners when the furnace gets too hot. It plays a key role in preventing overheating and fire hazards. Electrical problems, dirt, dust and regular wear are the primary causes of limit switch malfunctions. The system might shut down or not turn on at all when the switch goes bad. A replacement of this part will be necessary to fix this problem.
Thermostat
A thermostat that gives false readings will cause the furnace to run for too long or not long enough. The amount of energy waste that occurs can spike your heating costs and put extreme wear on the heater. You can replace the thermostat batteries to see if it helps. If the problem stems from bad sensors, technicians might be able to replace them. In some cases, a full thermostat upgrade will be the best fix.
Vent Motor Relay
The vent motor relay takes on the role of controlling the inducer fan, which is what removes exhaust gases. When the relay fails, the furnace won’t run because the fan won’t start. You might hear strange noises like clicking or buzzing or notice frequent cycling. Replacing the failed relay is the right solution in this scenario.
Condensate Pump
If you have a high-efficiency furnace, it has a condensate pump on it. This part removes moisture so it doesn’t damage the system. When the pump fails due to algae or dirt buildup, the water can back up and trigger a system shutdown. Cleaning the pump may help solve the problem, but a full replacement might be necessary in some cases.
One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating offers fast, reliable furnace fixes. We’re your one-stop shop for everything to do with your HVAC. Call us now! We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime.
