When cold weather arrives in Delaware, it is good to know that your furnace is working properly and can heat your residence to the temperatures that feel most comfortable to you and your family. It is crucial that all parts of your furnace work in harmony with each other, and the unit’s pressure switch is a valuable safety component within the heating system. Understanding what your pressure switch’s function is, where it is located, and how to spot problems that may occur with the part are all helpful in keeping your furnace running smoothly, which can increase the lifespan of the unit.
The Purpose of the Pressure Switch
The pressure switch of your furnace is an important safety component of the unit. The switch signals to the furnace that the inducer motor, which is responsible for driving out toxic gases through the vent, is functioning properly. If there is a problem with an inadequate level of air pressure in the furnace due to a leak or other issue, the pressure switch shuts down the furnace.
The location of the pressure switch is near the inducer motor, and the component features a diaphragm that either pulls in or out, depending on whether or not there is a vacuum due to the spinning of the inducer motor. If there is no vacuum present, the pressure switch is open and remains still. If there is a vacuum, the diaphragm of the power switch pulls out, closing the switch.
Causes for a Malfunctioning Pressure Switch
There are several reasons why your furnace’s pressure switch may stop working. If you feel comfortable working with gas or electric equipment, you may be able to address some of these issues on your own. However, many people prefer asking a professional HVAC technician to perform maintenance on their furnaces.
If the tube running from the draft inducer to the pressure switch fills with water, it can cause the pressure switch to cease operating. You can carefully detach the tube from the two components, drain the water, and then reattach the hose.
An obstruction in the vent that removes toxic gases from burned gas can affect the furnace pressure switch. If the obstruction is an accumulation of dust or dirt, an HVAC professional can carefully clean the vent to remove the clogging material. If it is a nest of insects, such as hornets or wasps, you may want to also contact a pest control service to remove the nest. A pest control business can also remove other animals which may take up residence in the vent, including mice.
A water blockage in your furnace’s water drain line may also affect the functioning of the tube in the pressure switch. When this situation occurs, it usually affects high-efficiency condensing furnace models. You may wish to contact an HVAC professional to clear the blockage because it is easy to cause damage to the pressure switch to remove the water, since a wet vacuum is often needed for this process.
Your furnace’s pressure switch stops your furnace from running if the switch detects that the inducer motor isn’t working. This is beneficial to residents’ safety because it can prevent toxic gas from harming them. There are several issues that can cause the pressure switch to stop functioning, and getting speedy help with maintenance allows you to enjoy continued use of your furnace in the cold winter months.
Keeping your furnace in good working condition is important when you want reliable heating as temperatures drop. An HVAC technician can check all components of your unit to ensure that your gas furnace is safe to use, and the experienced HVAC professionals of First Class HVAC have been providing thorough maintenance on furnaces for residents in Delaware and Maryland’s Delmarva area for over 40 years. Contact us today for gas or electric furnace servicing and troubleshooting that can get your unit up and running to its optimum level.