Most furnaces last anywhere from 10 to 15 years before they need a full upgrade. But throughout the years, it’s not uncommon for certain parts to need a replacement. Staying on top of necessary updates is crucial to saving money on heating costs. Discover which parts of a furnace may need repair or replacement.
Blower Motor
This is the part of the furnace that moves heated air through the ducts into each room. It has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Dust buildup and a lack of lubrication can speed up its wear and tear. Clogged filters can do the same since they restrict airflow by forcing the motor to work harder.
Some blower motor problems are fixable with lubrication or a new capacitor. But when the motor itself is burnt out, we’ll have to upgrade the whole part. To do the replacement, we’ll remove the blower assembly, wiring and mounting brackets. Once installed, we’ll balance the fan to ensure smoother operation.
Flame Sensor
If you’re using a gas furnace, it has a flame sensor. This part lasts about 5 to 10 years. Carbon buildup and corrosion are the biggest factors that influence its overall lifespan. Once it quits working correctly, the furnace won’t stay lit or may shut down shortly after ignition.
Most flame sensor problems aren’t fixable with a repair. Replacing the sensor involves disconnecting the old sensor and installing a new one in the burner assembly.
Igniter
The igniter lights the burners by producing a spark. It should last about three to seven years before it needs an upgrade. Frequent short cycling and power surges may wear the part out sooner.
Some igniter problems are repairable with cleaning or wire replacement. If we have to replace the igniter, we’ll do it with one that matches your furnace’s specifications. Signs that this part is going bad include your furnace taking longer to start, shutting off too soon or not blowing warm air.
Thermocouple
The thermocouple senses heat and makes sure the gas valve stays open at the right time. Heavy use and soot buildup can hasten its deterioration, but it usually lasts about 10 years.
We can clean or tighten the thermocouple to fix poor connections or weak flame signals. But for problems that stem from corrosion or a broken sensor, a replacement is the best move. We’ll unscrew the old thermocouple from the pilot assembly. Next, we’ll position the new one correctly and test it for proper voltage response.
Control Board
The control board is what most people refer to as the “brains” of the furnace. It has the job of managing all electrical functions. With proper care, this part should last the full life of the furnace. However, voltage spikes, dust and moisture issues can all cause an early failure. Depending on the furnace’s age and overall condition, it’s often more cost-effective to replace the entire unit instead of just the board.
Blower Wheel
The blower wheel works in sync with the motor to push air into each room. Vibration and normal wear can cause its fasteners to become loose. Dust buildup can throw off its balance by hurting the motor bearings and leading to reduced airflow.
Loose fasteners, dirt buildup and minor imbalance are blower wheel problems that we can repair. When the wheel is bent or doesn’t spin freely, it’ll need a complete upgrade. Replacement of this part requires removing the blower assembly, cleaning the housing and other careful adjustments.
Limit Switch
This part is vital to the heater’s overall safety because it automatically turns the system off when it detects any form of overheating. Clogged filters and restricted airflow are huge contributors to its failure.
Loose or oxidized wiring connections on a limit switch can cause it to send false signals. We can fix these issues by tightening the terminals or cleaning the contacts. To replace a limit switch, we’ll start by removing the access panel and disconnecting the faulty part. Next, we’ll install a new one and make sure all wiring has a secure connection.
Pressure Switch
The pressure switch is in charge of ensuring safe venting. It monitors airflow through the exhaust to confirm proper combustion and prevent dangerous gas buildup. Blocked flue pipes or a faulty inducer motor can both cause it to malfunction.
We might be able to clean the connected tubing to fix problems with this part. Issues that are the result of a damaged diaphragm or failed electrical contacts will require a full upgrade of the component. During the replacement, we have to conduct several tests, like checking suction levels and verifying continuity.
Draft Inducer Motor
This motor sucks in combustion gases through the heat exchanger and into the vent pipe. If it doesn’t work correctly, it will cause ignition, ventilation and heating performance issues. It should last about 10 to 12 years before it needs a replacement.
Rattling noises, slow startup and weak airflow are warning signs that the draft inducer motor needs repair. We can lubricate the bearings to fix noise problems and tighten connections to repair startup issues. However, if we find burnt windings or a seized motor, we’ll have to replace the whole part. The upgrade process entails disconnecting wiring, unbolting the old motor and installing the new one.
Furnace Repairs vs. Furnace Emergencies
There are many things that can go wrong with your furnace that don’t require immediate heater repair. Weak but consistent airflow, slight rattling or humming noises and minor soot buildup can all wait a couple of days for help. However, for problems that affect ignition and ventilation, taking fast action is paramount to your safety. IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. offers emergency service support so that you never have to delay getting professional assistance.
Furnace emergency situations include:
- Strong gas or burning smell
- No heat in freezing temps
- Visible smoke or sparks
- Carbon monoxide alarm sounding
- Visible scorch marks inside unit
- Pilot light won’t stay lit
- Flames around burner area
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Breakdowns and Safety Concerns
Check the furnace filter once a month to see whether it’s dirty. If it is, clean or replace it. Do a walkthrough of the home every couple of weeks to make sure all vents are open and clear of furniture and drapes. Filter and vent checks ensure the system can operate with optimal airflow at all times.
Here are some other tips you can use to ensure the furnace runs safely all winter:
- Inspect thermostat for accuracy
- Clean around the furnace area
- Vacuum burner and flame sensor
- Test carbon monoxide detectors
- Check safety shutoff switches
- Inspect condensate drain line
- Monitor furnace flame color
- Listen for unusual noises
- Maintain proper humidity levels
- Keep flammable items away
- Schedule annual professional tune-up
IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. works on gas and electric furnaces. Annual heater maintenance is a great way to figure out which parts need repair or replacement. When a repair doesn’t make the most sense, we can do a full heater upgrade. Call IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. today to book an expert furnace repair in Arlington Heights, IL.
