What Happens When a Furnace Pressure Switch Fails in Hilltop, CO?

Nothing spoils a homeowner’s winter quite like a sudden furnace shutdown. This built-in safety feature, which detects problems throughout the system, can cause lockouts for several reasons. One of the most common of these issues is a malfunctioning pressure switch. 

So, what happens when a furnace pressure switch goes bad? Unfortunately, the first sign of trouble is usually a furnace lockout. If your system stops working without warning, it’s important to contact professional HVAC services in Hilltop, CO. The experts of Parker Heating & Air offer speedy emergency repairs and will restore heating to your home as soon as possible.

Understanding the Pressure Switch

Knowing something about the basics of this furnace component will help homeowners solve heating issues quickly. A pressure sensor is a built-in safety feature that measures the gas pressure inside the unit. If the unit detects inadequate pressure or backflow, it powers down.

Sometimes, the unit will stop heating the air instead of shutting down entirely. In these cases, the unit won’t heat your home, but you may hear the furnace operating. To check whether the pressure switch is at fault, you can:

• Examine the error codes on the control panel or read the issue listed on the LED display.
• Listen for a clicking noise after the fan comes on. If there is none, the sensor is not operating as it should.

This process protects you by preventing carbon monoxide escape and furnace fires. The switch typically closes when it detects suction from the motor at the start of a heating cycle. However, if it is corroded or broken, it will remain open, preventing the heating cycle from continuing safely.

A professional technician can help determine whether this is the cause of your lockout and repair or replace the faulty part. 

Why Switches Fail in Hilltop, CO

There are many ways a pressure sensor can malfunction. Some of the most common issues we see in Hilltop, CO, are: 

1. Wear and Tear

Over time, the pressure sensor will wear out and start providing faulty readings. This happens faster in less efficient furnaces where the unit cycles on and off more often than necessary. If you notice this short cycling, a professional technician must repair the issue to prevent additional wear and tear on the switch.

2. Blocked Flues 

Clogged or dirty flue pipes or chimneys will make it harder for the pressure sensor to accurately detect suction from the motor. A professional should clear pipe blockages to avoid damaging the flue. 

3. Electrical Issues

Sometimes, electrical shorts affecting the control board are responsible for these malfunctions. This commonly occurs after damaged or out-of-date wiring causes sudden surges. 

4. Damaged or Waterlogged Parts

Damage to a few key heating components will typically cause switch failure. These parts include the suction hose containing a diaphragm that can stick or corrode, causing a shutdown. The same thing happens when condensation allows water to enter the hose or the inducer fan housing.

The cause could also be inducer fan or blower motor issues. If these are damaged or dirty enough to cause an airflow restriction, they prevent exhaust from escaping and interfere with the switch.

5. Debris Build Up

Sometimes, the malfunction is simply caused by a dirty sensor or debris building up in other parts of the system. The inducer fan blades are particularly prone to dust blockages, preventing them from moving enough air. Regularly changing your air filters helps to prevent dust from building up throughout the system.

Preventing Switch Failure 

While there’s no way to ensure a switch failure never happens, consistent maintenance is often enough to deter them. Homeowners should stay on top of air filter changes and blocked vent cleanings and follow a seasonal schedule for professional inspections. 

Qualified HVAC technicians have the expertise and specialized equipment to investigate parts of the system you can’t access. They are trained to identify and fix any problem areas before they become costly repairs.