If the furnace still doesn’t turn on, call a professional hvac technician to diagnose and repair the issue. A power surge is a sudden increase in electrical voltage that can damage or disrupt electronic devices. While power surges can happen anytime, they are more common during extreme weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, or when high-power equipment, like air conditioners or refrigerators, turn on or off. When a power surge affects a furnace, it can cause various types of malfunctions, such as a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, a damaged control board, or a malfunctioning thermostat. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes and solutions for a power surge that stops a furnace from working. We will also provide some tips to prevent power surges and protect your hvac system.
Understanding Power Surges
If you rely on your furnace to keep your family warm during the colder months, discovering that it’s not working can be incredibly frustrating. One potential cause of furnace issues is a power surge. Understanding power surges and their impact on your furnace and other electronic devices is key.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at power surges, the role of circuit breakers in preventing them, and the damaging effects they can have on your home’s electronic devices.
Explanation Of What Power Surges Are And How They Occur
Power surges are sudden increases in voltage that can damage electronic equipment and appliances. They happen when there is an abrupt surge in electrical current.
- Lightning strikes
- Power outages
- Downed power lines
- Faulty wiring
- Tripped circuit breakers
- High-energy appliances cycling on and off
Power surges can occur suddenly and without warning, causing significant damage to your electronic devices and appliances.
The Role Of Circuit Breakers In Preventing Power Surges
The primary function of a circuit breaker is to protect your home’s electrical system from power surges by interrupting the circuit if it detects a surge. A circuit breaker acts as a failsafe mechanism that automatically cuts off the flow of electricity when there is an abnormal spike in current.
This interruption of the electrical current helps to prevent damage to your electronic devices, including your furnace.
It is important to note that while circuit breakers are effective in preventing certain types of power surges, they are not invincible. When a circuit breaker trips, it can protect your system from power surges to some extent, but not entirely.
Effect Of Power Surges On Electronic Devices In Your Home
Power surges can be harmful and even dangerous to the electronic devices in your home, including your furnace.
- Cause overheating
- Shorten the lifespan
- Reduce performance
- Negatively affect efficiency
- Lead to complete failure
In addition to your furnace, you may also experience damage to computers, televisions, and other electronics in your home. To prevent damage caused by power surges, consider investing in surge protectors or a whole-home surge protection system. These devices can help protect your electronics and extend their lifespan.
Power surges can have a significant impact on your furnace and other electronic devices in your home. Understanding how power surges occur, the role of circuit breakers in preventing them, and their damaging effects will help you prevent costly repairs and replacements.
Common Reasons For Power Surge Furnace Malfunction
If you rely on a power surge furnace to keep your home warm, you know how frustrating it can be when it stops working unexpectedly. There are several reasons why your power surge furnace may malfunction, and understanding them can help you troubleshoot the issue and call for professional assistance if necessary.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons for power surge furnace malfunction.
Outdated Or Damaged Circuit Breakers
Old or damaged circuit breakers can cause power surge furnace malfunctions.
- Damaged circuit breakers can overheat and shut off power to the furnace.
- Outdated circuit breakers may not be able to handle the electrical load of newer appliances (including power surge furnaces) and can trip frequently.
- If your circuit breaker trips frequently, it may be time to have an electrician assess the situation and upgrade your circuit breaker panel if necessary.
Electrical Panel Overload Or Damage
An electrical panel overload or damage to the panel can be responsible for power surge furnace malfunctions.
- An electrical panel overload occurs when too many appliances are running at the same time, exceeding the electrical capacity of the panel.
- Power surges can occur when there is damage to the electrical panel, causing voltage spikes that may damage your furnace’s circuitry.
- Signs of electrical panel damage include rust or corrosion, melted insulation on wire coverings, or visible signs of arcing or sparking.
Blown Fuses Or Tripped Circuit Breakers
Blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers can be a result of power surges and they can cause furnace malfunctions as well.
- When a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, the electrical current to the furnace is interrupted immediately.
- Constantly tripping circuit breakers and blowing fuses can damage your furnace and lead to premature system failure.
- If you consistently encounter a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker associated with your furnace, you should contact an hvac professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Corroded Wiring Or Loose Connections
Corroded wiring or loose connections can damage your furnace’s electrical system and cause it to malfunction.
- Corroded wires may not transmit electrical current effectively, causing the furnace to stop working.
- Loose connections can cause current fluctuations, which can affect your furnace’s performance and cause it to malfunction.
- If you suspect wires or connections are corroded or loose, shut off power to the furnace and contact an hvac professional to assess the situation.
Understanding the most common reasons for power surge furnace malfunction can help you troubleshoot the issue and take preventive steps to keep your heating system running smoothly. If you encounter major issues or are unsure of the problem, contact an hvac professional to diagnose and address the issue.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Power Surge Furnace Problem
Power surges can cause several issues with your furnace, all of which can significantly impact its functionality and increase your energy bills. If your furnace is not working correctly, it could be due to a power surge. In this blog post, we discuss the signs and symptoms of a power surge furnace problem.
No Heat Or Limited Heating Capacity
If you notice that your furnace is not heating your home to the temperature you set on the thermostat, or not heating at all, it could be because of a power surge.
- The furnace might be receiving low voltage due to a power surge, causing the electrical components to malfunction.
- A power surge could have caused the circuit breaker to trip, resulting in a lack of power supply to the furnace.
Unusual Noises Coming From The Furnace
Another sign of a power surge furnace problem is unusual noises coming from your furnace.
- A banging or clanking sound indicates a problem with the furnace’s ductwork.
- A whistling or hissing sound may indicate a blockage in the furnace’s air ducts, causing it to work harder to produce heat.
Burning Smell Coming From The Furnace
If you smell a burning scent around your furnace, it’s a sign that your furnace has a problem.
- A dirty air filter can cause the furnace to overheat, resulting in a burning odor.
- Electrical components may also emit a burning odor if a power surge damages them.
Frequent Cycling On And Off
If your furnace is constantly turning on and off, it’s a sign that something is not working correctly. Power surge furnace problems can cause the furnace to malfunction in many ways, leading to frequent cycling.
- A power surge could damage the temperature sensor, causing it to malfunction, resulting in frequent cycling.
- A broken thermostat could also cause frequent cycling, causing the furnace to turn on and off.
Power surge furnace problems can cause many issues with your furnace. If you notice any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, contact a professional hvac technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Diy Troubleshooting And Solutions
Your furnace is important, but it can be frustrating when it suddenly stops working. A power surge is one of the reasons why your furnace may stop working. Power surges happen due to damages in the power supply or electrical issues.
But don’t worry; you can troubleshoot and solve your furnace problem with our diy guide.
Checking The Circuit Breaker And Reset Switch
Before checking anything else in your furnace, you should start by checking the circuit breaker and reset switch. The circuit breaker is important because it will trip if there’s a power surge, and it needs to be reset so that the furnace can keep working.
- Locate the circuit breaker panel or reset switch. You should follow the manufacturer’s guide on its location, or it may be located in the furnace itself.
- Check each and every circuit breaker in the panel to confirm if it is switched on or off.
- Once you locate the correct breaker, switch it off and wait for a few minutes before switching it on again. This waiting period ensures that the circuit resets.
- Similarly, the reset switch is located on the furnace. Check the manufacturer’s guide for the exact location.
- Switch off the furnace using the power switch and then switch it on again.
- If the reset switch stays on and the furnace starts working, then it’s fine. But if it trips again, you may need to replace the breaker or contact an hvac professional.
Checking The Thermostat And Air Filter
Another diy solution for a furnace not working is to check the thermostat and air filter. Thermostat issues can occur because of various reasons, such as incorrect settings, power source, or even faulty wiring.
- Begin by checking the thermostat settings and make sure they are correct.
- Check the power source of the thermostat and ensure it is properly connected.
- You should also inspect the air filter and change it if it is dirty and clogged, as this can cause many furnace issues.
Inspection Of Wiring And Connections In The Furnace
Inspecting the wiring and connections is a crucial step in troubleshooting your furnace problem. Broken or disconnected wires may cause your furnace to malfunction. But how do you perform this task?
- Begin by turning off the power source of your furnace.
- Locate the furnace panel and unscrew the panel with a screwdriver.
- Stick to the manufacturer’s guide for identifying wires and connections.
- Check each wire and connection to ensure they are adequately connected and not damaged.
- Reconnect any disconnected wires and replace any damaged wires.
Cleaning The Furnace And Checking The Blower Motor
A dirty furnace or blower motor can lead to many furnace issues. To prevent this, clean the furnace and check the blower motor regularly.
- Begin by turning off the furnace and allowing it to cool down.
- Clean the furnace cover with a soft brush to eliminate any dirt and debris.
- Clean the blower motor assembly, blades, and belts carefully.
- Check the blower motor and blades to ensure they’re well lubricated and in good condition.
Calling A Professional If You Are Unsure Or Uncomfortable Performing Repairs
If you are still unsure about your furnace issue or you feel uncomfortable performing any diy repairs, it is always best to call an hvac professional. Hvac professionals can troubleshoot your furnace and find the issue in no time. Plus, they have the tools and skills needed to complete the repair task.
Now that you have our diy guide for troubleshooting a furnace power surge, you can save money on repair costs by trying these diy solutions before calling an hvac professional.
FAQ For Power Surge Furnace Not Working
Why Is My Power Surge Furnace Not Working?
Your power surge furnace might not be working due to a tripped circuit breaker, a thermostat problem, or a clogged air filter. Check these issues, and if they don’t solve the problem, call a professional.
How Often Should I Replace My Furnace Filter?
You should replace your furnace filter every 3-6 months, depending on usage. If you have pets or allergies, you may need to replace it more frequently.
Conclusion
Overall, a power surge furnace can be a frustrating issue to deal with but it is important to take the necessary steps to fix the problem in a timely and efficient manner. By first identifying the problem and source of the power surge, as well as consulting with a professional if needed, homeowners can ensure that their furnace is working properly once again.
To prevent power surges from happening in the future, it is recommended to invest in surge protectors and consider upgrading to a newer furnace model with built-in surge suppression technology. By staying vigilant and taking the proper precautions, homeowners can save time and money and ensure their home stays warm and comfortable during the colder months.
Don’t wait until the next cold front to address your power surge furnace issues, take action now to ensure a warm and comfortable home.