Is My Furnace Limiting?

 Any gas, oil, or electric furnace has the potential to limit or become too hot to operate safely. As a homeowner, you need to take precautions to lower the risk of a unit going into a limit condition. You should also be aware of the associated symptoms so you know when to take action.

Remember, if your system gets too hot, this is a problem, and you should not wait to get your furnace checked.

We want to keep our customers informed about furnaces going into a limit condition and why this is happening. Our team here at Wm Price Heating Co. has compiled the following information for you.

How Do I Prevent My Furnace From Limiting?

The primary way to keep your furnace from limiting is by ensuring correct airflow. Hindered airflow causes the system’s heat exchanger to become abnormally hot, causing them to overheat.

Here’s how to keep your appliance in check:

•          Get a correctly sized filter with the proper MERV Rating.

Not every filter is created equal. Some filters create a resistance your system isn’t designed to handle. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations on correct filters. and consult a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) expert if you’re unsure.

•          Change/clean your filter routinely.

If you leave the filter in too long, your filter can become clogged. This clogging significantly compromises airflow, which causes the system’s heat exchanger to become too hot and eventually fail. Along with the heat exchanger, restricted airflow causes stress on other parts of the furnace, including the blower motor, which could lead to a total failure and costly repair.  Check the manufacturer’s manual to see how frequently you need to change your filter. We, as well as ENERGY STAR®, typically recommend at least every one to every six months, depending on your filter.

•          Be sure your vents/ducts aren’t blocked.

Blockages of the vents could cause damage to your furnace, causing the equipment to work too hard or short cycle. Be sure to clear away any obstructions near and/or on them, including rugs, furniture, and curtains. Never block return grilles or close the dampers on supply vents without consulting an HVAC technician that is familiar with your system.

•          Have a technician perform routine maintenance.

Routine maintenance is a necessary step in protecting your system and ensuring safe, reliable operation. One of our Wm Price Heating Co. technicians will perform the necessary maintenance tasks required to keep your system performing safely and efficiently. This will significantly lower the risk of a malfunction and prolong the system’s life expectancy.

How Do I Know My Furnace Is Limiting?

When your furnace limits, it short cycles or runs the blower for long periods of time in between heating. Therefore, it probably won’t go unnoticed. Here are some giveaway signs:

•          Your furnace shuts down before completing a cycle.

This is the most common sign of overheating. It actually shuts down to try and protect the components of the furnace. When your heat exchanger gets to an unsafe temperature, the high-limit switch detects this and automatically turns the burner(s) off and runs the blower until the heat exchanger cools to a safe temperature.

•          Your thermostat will not maintain the desired temperature.

If you’ve noticed the house feels cool and your thermostat is not reading within a degree of set point, your furnace could be limiting. When your furnace cannot run a full cycle, your house may not be able to maintain the set point temperature. Give our company a call for one of our professional technicians to come and check the system.

•          You notice your thermostat is going blank.

A blank thermostat is an indication to a homeowner that the furnace is going into a limit condition. Some manufacturers do this to alert a homeowner that their system needs immediate attention. After the furnace cools to a safe temperature, the thermostat will turn back on, and the system will attempt to start another heating cycle. As a homeowner, if you are experiencing this, call our company to schedule one of our expert technicians immediately.

Call Us if Your Furnace Seems to be Limiting

If your furnace seems to be limiting, it’s in your best interest to have it checked and repaired right away. Delaying could end up costing you more in the future with pricy parts or whole-system replacements.

If you suspect your furnace is limiting, call our professionals at 330-545-3722 or request service online today. We’re proud to provide efficient and long-lasting furnace repairs to our neighbors in Warren, OH, and surrounding regions.