Trystan Casey
Electric furnaces can stop working due to a variety of issues, ranging from major problems to minor, easy-to-fix issues. Some common issues include a clogged filter, a dirty blower wheel, a faulty thermostat, or a blown fuse. If your furnace is not working, you can try some troubleshooting steps such as checking your thermostat settings, replacing a dirty fuse, or tightening loose components. However, if you are unable to identify the issue or are uncomfortable performing DIY fixes, it is recommended to contact a licensed HVAC technician for assistance.
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What You'll Learn
Check for blown fuses and replace them if necessary
If your electric furnace is not working, it could be due to a blown fuse. Blown fuses are a common occurrence and can be easily replaced.
To check for a blown fuse, first, locate your circuit breaker panel. If the breaker for your furnace has not flipped, cut the power so you can inspect the fuse. Fuses are usually located in the control box with the blower. Remove the fuse and examine it for any signs of damage. Look for broken wiring, discoloration, or cloudiness. If you notice any of these issues, the fuse is likely blown and will need to be replaced. Make sure to use a new fuse of the correct size and wattage.
Before replacing the fuse, it is important to identify the cause of the blown fuse to prevent it from happening again. Blown fuses can be caused by various factors, such as dirt and dust clogging air filters, wiring issues, or a powerful surge if the furnace is not suitable for the building. Ensuring proper ventilation and regularly cleaning or replacing air filters can help prevent blown fuses. Additionally, checking for proper electrical intake and ensuring the furnace fits the building's electrical needs can reduce the likelihood of blown fuses.
If you are unsure about the cause of the blown fuse or how to replace it, it is recommended to contact a professional technician for assistance. They can help identify and resolve any underlying issues to ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently.
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Check if the thermostat is set to 'heat'
If your electric furnace is not working, it may be due to a problem with the thermostat. The thermostat is the control centre of your heating system and plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable environment.
First, check if the thermostat is set to heat. If the settings appear correct but the temperature remains inconsistent, or certain areas of your home are warm while others remain cold, this may indicate thermostat troubles. Inconsistent heating patterns often point to thermostat inaccuracies as the device struggles to regulate temperature evenly.
You can run a simple test to gauge your thermostat's accuracy. Place a separate thermometer next to the thermostat and compare the readings. If the room temperature is starkly different from the temperature the thermostat is set to, this may mean the thermostat is turning on and off when it's not supposed to.
If the entire house feels uniformly cold, the furnace might be the problem. Listen closely to your heating system. Unusual noises like banging, clanking, or squealing might mean issues with the furnace itself.
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Check for a clogged filter and clean or replace it
If your electric furnace is not producing enough heat, it could be due to a clogged filter. Dirty air filters can cause a significant increase in energy consumption, which can result in higher energy bills. A clogged filter can also lead to poor air circulation, causing the furnace to turn off and on frequently, a phenomenon known as short cycling. This can have a detrimental effect on the air quality in your home, allowing more dust, allergens, and pollutants to pass through, which can exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms.
To check if your furnace filter is clogged, you can perform a white sheet test. Hang a white bed sheet a few inches away from the heating vents. As the heated air blows onto the sheet, it will also blow any debris in the system onto the sheet. If the sheet turns brown, grey, or black, it is a clear indication that your filter is clogged and needs to be replaced.
Another sign of a clogged filter is an accumulation of dust around your home, especially near vents. If you notice a consistent burning smell throughout your home, it could be because the clogged filter is preventing the necessary airflow, causing the system to overheat.
To maintain optimal performance and avoid damage, it is recommended to replace or clean your furnace filters regularly. The frequency of replacement depends on the furnace manufacturer's recommendations, the size of the filter, and the usage of the furnace. Most HVAC air filters should be replaced every one to six months, with a monthly inspection to determine if an earlier change is necessary.
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Check for a faulty relay
If your electric furnace is malfunctioning, one possible cause could be a faulty relay. The relay is a crucial component of an electric furnace as it controls the flow of electrical power to the heating elements and the blower motor inside the furnace cabinet. When the thermostat demands heat, it switches the relay to a "closed" position, allowing electrical power to flow. Once the desired indoor temperature is achieved, the thermostat switches the relay to an "open" position, cutting off the power supply.
A faulty relay can manifest in two ways. Firstly, it may cause the heating elements and fans to fail to turn on, leaving you with no heat. Alternatively, and just as commonly, a faulty relay may cause the heating components and blower fan to remain on and refuse to shut off. This happens when the relay becomes "welded" in the closed position, allowing a continuous flow of power to the heating elements and fans. Without proper maintenance, the relay can heat up significantly over time, causing its contacts to stick together.
If you suspect a faulty relay, it is best to contact a licensed HVAC technician to diagnose and rectify the issue. They will have the necessary tools, such as multimeters or voltmeters, to accurately determine whether the relay is at fault. A multimeter can be used to check if the electric current is flowing consistently between the terminals, while a voltmeter can verify if both sides of the relay have the same voltage and neither side exceeds the voltage rating. If the tests indicate inconsistent current or incorrect voltage, replacing the relay switch may be the solution. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended to leave electrical repairs to professionals.
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Check for loose components and tighten them
If your electric furnace is making strange noises, it could be due to loose components. Scraping, thumping, squealing, rumbling, and banging are some of the common noises that should alert you to a problem with your unit. Turn off the house circuit breakers for the furnace and then tighten any loose screws, nuts, and bolts to eliminate the noise. Rattling and grinding noises, for example, can be caused by loose fasteners.
If your furnace is making a banging noise, it is likely due to a loose access panel. Try tightening the bolts on it and see if that works. Your furnace has a belt that helps it run, and a loose belt can also cause the blower wheel to turn less and not circulate warm air adequately. If the belt is loose or worn out, your electric furnace will start producing weird noises. To fix this, turn off the power, remove the access panel, check the belt number, and get a replacement if needed. Put one end of the belt on the small pulley first, then rotate the other pulley while slipping the belt on that end. You may need to adjust the belt tension so that it moves no more than an inch when pressing on it.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few reasons why this could be happening. First, check that your thermostat is set to heat and that it is working correctly. If the thermostat is working, the problem could be with the compressor. If the compressor is running, the issue could be with the reversing valve.
Scraping, thumping, squealing, rumbling, and banging are some common electric furnace noises that indicate something is wrong with your unit. Examine your unit for any loose components and covers and tighten any loose screws or nuts. If this doesn't work, the issue could be with the belt that connects the blower to the motor.
First, check your circuit breakers to ensure they are working correctly. If they are, the problem could be with your fuses. Examine your furnace's owner manual to locate the circuit boxes and check for any blown fuses. If you find any, they will need to be replaced.
This could be due to a faulty thermostat, clogged filters, dirty air ducts, or a more serious problem with your furnace.
Check that your thermostat is working correctly and that it is compatible with your furnace. If the thermostat is working, the problem could be with the elements or the compressor.
