Did you know that a gas furnace relies on electrical components too? Unless you’ve got a very old and outdated system (we’re talking older than 20 years, and at that point it needs to be replaced ASAP), your furnace relies on some electrical switches, an electrical connector to the thermostat, sensors, and electrical ignition. Depending on how complex your specific model is, it might have more electrical parts like lights.
One thing is for certain, when your furnace runs into a problem, it needs to be fixed. We can help you try and figure out what might be going wrong with your furnace, especially if it’s an electrical issue. But we can’t help you fix it–that’s dangerous and could lead to some serious problems. Furnace repair in Coralville, IA should always be done by a licensed professional.
So, keep reading to learn more about electrical concerns in a gas furnace, but call our team if you suspect a problem.
Common Electrical Concerns That Require Furnace Repair
There are many different things that can go wrong with a furnace, but only a select few of them are due to electrical malfunctions. While there are electrical components in your furnace, these components are usually small and don’t make up the majority of components. Burners, vents, and heat exchangers are all not electrical so they don’t count in this categorization.
So, what can go wrong due to an electrical malfunction? Here are some examples:
- An electrical short due to moisture. Sometimes during the summer when there’s a lot of rain and moisture in basements and crawlspaces, the humidity can cause the electrical system to short. This is a tricky problem to diagnose correctly. It could be the issue if you’re not getting any power to your furnace or thermostat, but make sure you schedule an appointment with us so we can accurately diagnose it and fix it.
- An ignition failure. If your furnace turns on but doesn’t create any heat, this could be a problem with the ignition. Most furnaces have an electrical ignition that is more reliable and efficient than a pilot light. Unfortunately, these components can still malfunction and require repair.
- A faulty or frayed wire. A faulty wire can be the cause of a variety of different problems in your furnace, from a disconnection to the thermostat, to a complete shutdown.
- A poor connection to your thermostat. Sometimes the connection between your furnace and thermostat can be ruptured or frayed, leading to problems. The thermostat might not turn on due to it not having power, or it might not be able to communicate with the furnace, making your home end up cold and uncomfortable
- A broken flame sensor. While technically an electrical issue, a broken flame sensor is also a safety concern because it could lead to leaking gas.
- A tripped circuit. If your system doesn’t turn on at all, check the electrical panel. A tripped circuit is usually a sign that the system is overloading your home’s electrical capacity.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.