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If you have an electric furnace, you know that they are generally very reliable. After all, you rely on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable during the winter months.
However, even the most reliable furnace can experience problems from time to time.
When this happens, it is important to know how to troubleshoot the problem so you can get your furnace up and running again as quickly as possible.
What Causes Electric Furnace Problems?
If you have an electric furnace in your home, you may experience some common electric furnace problems. Here are some causes of furnace electrical problems and their solutions.
1. Loose or Damaged Wiring
One of the most common electric furnace problems is loose or damaged wiring. Over time, the wires that connect your furnace to your home’s electrical system can become loose or damaged. This can cause your furnace to overheat or short circuit, which can be a fire hazard.
If you suspect that your furnace’s wiring is loose or damaged, you should call a professional to have it repaired or replaced.
2. Faulty Thermostat
Another common electric furnace problem is a faulty thermostat. If your furnace’s thermostat is not working properly, it may not be able to properly control the furnace’s temperature. As a result, your furnace may overheat or shut off unexpectedly.
If you suspect that your furnace’s thermostat is not working properly, you should call a professional to have it repaired or replaced.
3. Dirty or Clogged Filters
Dirty or clogged filters are another common electric furnace problem. Your furnace’s filters are responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. Over time, these filters can become clogged, which can cause your furnace to overheat or shut off unexpectedly.
If you suspect that your furnace’s filters are dirty or clogged, you should call a professional to have them cleaned or replaced.
4. Dirty or Clogged Burners
Dirty or clogged burners are another common electric furnace problem. Your furnace’s burners are responsible for burning the fuel that heats your home. Over time, these burners can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris. This can cause your furnace to overheat or shut off unexpectedly.
If you suspect that your furnace’s burners are dirty or clogged, you should call a professional to have them cleaned or replaced.
5. Faulty Ignition System
Another common electric furnace problem is a faulty ignition system. Your furnace’s ignition system is responsible for igniting the fuel that heats your home. Over time, these ignition systems can become damaged or defective. This can cause your furnace to overheat or shut off unexpectedly.
If you suspect that your furnace’s ignition system is not working properly, you should call a professional to have it repaired or replaced.
6. Leaking Ductwork
Leaking ductwork is another common electric furnace problem. Your furnace’s ductwork is responsible for distributing the heated air throughout your home. Over time, these ducts can become damaged or defective. This can cause your furnace to overheat or shut off unexpectedly.
If you suspect that your furnace’s ductwork is leaking, you should call a professional to have it repaired or replaced.
7. Blower Motor Issues
The blower motor is responsible for circulating air throughout the furnace and into your home. If the blower motor isn’t working, then the furnace can’t heat properly. The most common sign that the blower motor is going bad is when the furnace is running but there is little or no air coming out of the vents.
There are a few things that can cause the blower motor to fail. The most common problem is that the bearings in the motor have gone bad and need to be replaced. The other possibility is that there is an issue with the electrical supply to the motor. This can often be fixed by checking the circuit breaker and resetting it if necessary.
If the blower motor does need to be replaced, then it’s a good idea to have a professional do it. This is because the blower motor is located in a difficult spot inside the furnace and can be tricky to replace.
8. Cracked Heat Exchanger
Another common electric furnace problem is a cracked heat exchanger. Your furnace’s heat exchanger is responsible for transferring the heat from the furnace’s burner to the air that is circulated throughout your home. Over time, these heat exchangers can become cracked or damaged. This can cause your furnace to overheat or shut off unexpectedly.
If you suspect that your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked or damaged, you should call a professional to have it repaired or replaced.
9. Faulty Circuit Breaker
Another common electric furnace problem is a faulty circuit breaker. Your furnace’s circuit breaker is responsible for protecting your home’s electrical system from overload. Over time, these circuit breakers can become damaged or defective. This can cause your furnace to overheat or shut off unexpectedly.
If you suspect that your furnace’s circuit breaker is not working properly, you should call a professional to have it repaired or replaced.
10. Improperly Sized Furnace
Another common electric furnace problem is an improperly sized furnace. If your furnace is too small for your home, it will have to work harder to heat your home. This can cause your furnace to overheat or shut off unexpectedly.
If you suspect that your furnace is too small for your home, you should call a professional.
11. Transformer Failure
One of the most common electric furnace problems is a failed transformer. The transformer is responsible for providing power to the furnace’s blower motor.
If the transformer fails, the blower motor will not be able to operate, and the furnace will be unable to heat your home.
12. Wrong Fuse
Another electric furnace problem is a blown fuse. If the fuse is not the right size, it can cause the furnace to overheat. If the fuse is too small, it can cause the furnace to work harder and use more electricity. If the fuse is too big, it can cause the furnace to overheat and trip the breaker.
The best way to fix this problem is to replace the fuse with the correct size.
4 Common Electric Furnace Problems
1. The Electric Furnace Won’t Turn on
If your electric furnace won’t turn on, the first thing you should check is the thermostat. Make sure it is set to “heat” and that the temperature is turned up high enough. If the thermostat is fine, then the next thing to check is the circuit breaker or fuse. If the circuit breaker has tripped, simply reset it. If the fuse has blown, you will need to replace it with a new one.
If the thermostat and circuit breaker are both fine, then the problem may be with the furnace itself. First, check to see if the furnace is getting power. If the furnace is not getting power, then the problem may be with the wiring or with the furnace’s circuit board. If the furnace is getting power but still won’t turn on, then the problem may be with the furnace’s blower motor.
If the furnace’s blower motor is not working, then the furnace will not be able to circulate heat. The blower motor may be burned out or there may be a problem with the belt that drives the blower. If the blower motor is working but the furnace still won’t turn on, then the problem may be with the furnace’s igniter.
The igniter is what starts the gas flowing to the furnace’s burners. If the igniter is not working, then the furnace will not be able to start. The igniter may be dirty or it may be faulty. If the igniter is dirty, then you can try cleaning it with a wire brush. If the igniter is faulty, then you will need to replace it.
If the furnace is getting power and the igniter is working, then the problem may be with the furnace’s burners. The burners may be dirty or they may be blocked. If the burners are dirty, then you can try cleaning them with a wire brush. If the burners are blocked, then you will need to have them cleaned or replaced.
If you have checked all of the above and the furnace still won’t turn on, then your forehead is bad, you may need to call a professional. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Learn More: Common Electric Water Heater Problems and Solutions
2. The furnace is Not Heating Up
If your electric furnace isn’t heating up, there are a few potential causes. First, check to make sure that the furnace is receiving power. Next, check for any blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. If the furnace is still not heating, the problem may be with the furnace itself.
One common issue is a faulty heating element. The heating element is what produces the heat, so if it’s not working, the furnace won’t produce any heat. Another potential issue is a faulty blower motor. The blower motor is responsible for circulating the air, so if it’s not working, the furnace won’t circulate the air properly.
If you’re not sure what the problem is, it’s best to call a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
3. The Blower Won’t Stop Running
Most electric furnaces have a blower that runs continuously to circulate air throughout the home. If the blower in your electric furnace doesn’t stop running, there are a few possible explanations:
The first possibility is that the blower is simply stuck in the “on” position. In this case, the problem is likely a faulty switch or relay. You can try to reset the switch or relay, but if that doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace it.
Another possibility is that the blower is running continuously because the furnace is overheating. This can be caused by several things, including a dirty air filter, a clogged burner, or a faulty thermostat. If the furnace is overheating, you’ll need to have it serviced by a professional.
If the blower in your electric furnace is running continuously, it’s important to diagnose the problem so you can fix it. Otherwise, you could end up with a much bigger repair bill down the road.
4. Electric Furnace is Noisy
If your electric furnace is noisy, check to see if anything is blocking the vents. If something is blocking the vents, it can cause the furnace to make noise as it tries to push air through the obstruction.
You can also try to adjust the settings on the furnace to see if that makes a difference. Sometimes, electric furnaces can be noisy because they are not getting enough air. If you have the furnace set to a low setting, it might be trying to work harder than it needs to, which can make it noisy.
Try turning up the setting to see if that helps. If you have tried all of these things and the furnace is still noisy, it might be time to call a professional to take a look at it.
Learn More: 12 Common Oil Furnace Problems and Solutions
How Do You Troubleshoot an Electric Furnace?
If your electric furnace isn’t working properly, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. First, check to make sure that the power is turned on and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If everything looks fine there, check to see if the thermostat is set correctly.
If it is, then the problem may be with the furnace itself. Check to see if there’s a reset button on the furnace and if so, press it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional to come to take a look at it.
Why is My Electric Heat Not Working?
If your electric heat isn’t working, there are a few possible explanations. First, check to make sure that the thermostat is set to “heat” and that the desired temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. If the thermostat is set correctly and the problem persists, there may be an issue with the heating element itself.
This can often be resolved by simply replacing the heating element. However, if this doesn’t fix the problem, there’s likely a more serious issue with your electrical system and you’ll need to call an electrician for assistance.
Read More: Is It Safe to Shut Down an Oil Furnace in Summer?
Mobile Home Electric Furnace Troubleshooting
If your mobile home electric furnace isn’t working properly, first check the thermostat to make sure it’s set correctly. If the thermostat is set too low, the furnace won’t turn on.
Then, check the power supply to the furnace. Make sure that the circuit breaker is turned on and that there is no loose wiring. If everything looks good there, try resetting the furnace by turning it off and then back on again.
If none of these steps solve the problem, you may need to call a professional for help. In most cases, mobile home electric furnaces are relatively easy to repair and don’t require expensive parts or labor.
However, if your furnace is older or hasn’t been maintained properly, it may be time for a replacement.
Conclusion
There are several common electric furnace problems that homeowners should be aware of. These include issues with the thermostat, the heating elements, and the blower motor. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s important to call a professional for help.
