Tips To Troubleshooting an Electric Furnace

It takes more than just knowing the obvious problems with an electric furnace to troubleshoot it.

Another essential part of HVAC maintenance is understanding when you need professional help and when a simple fix would do. Knowing the difference will help you save time, maintain the validity of the warranty on your heating equipment, and keep your home at a comfortable temperature all winter long.

What to Do When Your Electric Furnace Breaks Down

Check the Air Filter First

When troubleshooting, it's best to begin with, the most obvious solutions. If your heating system is blowing chilly air or seems to be working excessively hard, check the air filter to see if it is clogged. Be sure to change the air filter if it's been more than a month since you last did so.

Turn off the furnace at the service panel if you see dust piling up in and around the air filter compartment, and then use a vacuum to get rid of it. The furnace's efficiency will improve as a result of this.

Thermostat Check

Batteries

Incorrect thermostat settings or dead batteries might be the root cause of frequent furnace issues. If your thermostat uses batteries instead of being hardwired into the house, ensure the batteries are still in good shape. A non-working heater could be the result of dead batteries. A dead battery can potentially fool you into thinking your heater is broken. Older batteries should be replaced.

If your thermostat is old and you still have trouble connecting with your furnace, you should consider replacing it. An HVAC expert can advise you on the best thermostat for your home.

Thermostat settings

The thermostat should be switched to "Heat" mode throughout winter. Check the thermostat if your home doesn't seem to be getting warm from the furnace. It needs to be at least 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than standard. Ensure the level of the mechanical thermostat. If the house is still cold after adjusting the thermostat, limit control, control board, heat sequencer, and wires, the heating element may be faulty.

Verify that "Auto" rather than "On," "Low," "Medium," or "High" is selected as the fan speed if it seems to run constantly. The limit switch behind the furnace's cover must also be withdrawn and set to "Auto." If the fan is not turning on, there could be an issue with the fan relay, blower motor, control transformer, or furnace control board.

If you've checked the thermostat settings and the batteries and the problem persists, it's time to call in a professional HVAC technician.

Inspect the Fuse Box and Circuit Breaker for Proper Function

Check that the furnace's power cord is plugged into an active socket first. If the furnace in your home won't come on, investigate the position of the circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel. If it tripped, the breaker should be reset to the "On" position.

If you know what you're doing, put on your safety gear, and check the circuit breaker for burnt or melted wires. Using a voltmeter, you may check if the circuit breaker is receiving power. Maybe the fuse or the breaker has to be changed. Hiring a professional would be better if you lack the necessary expertise.



If you have an electric furnace and have tried troubleshooting it but are still having heating issues, it's time to call an HVAC professional, such as Best Owner Direct HVAC. As a result of using our services, your home will be healthier and more comfortable, but it will also be safer. Moreover, if your furnace is still under warranty, hiring a professional can ensure that you don't accidentally void the guarantee by doing unauthorized repairs. Schedule a service today!