Installation accessories are required when installing or repairing an existing RheemKeep your high-efficiency gas furnace running with these 3 easy furnace repairs (Bonus: 2 repairs that you should never attempt on your own). Keep your high-efficiency gas furnace running with these 3 easy furnace repairs (Bonus: 2 repairs that you should never attempt on your own). By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine Save $200 in 15 minutes High-efficiency (92 percent and higher) condensing gas furnaces sensors and safety systems, all runSome of the components are complex in themselves equipment to diagnose and repair. But other parts are pretty straightforward and easy to replace. We talked to the experts at Superior Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric in Anoka, MN, to get the lowdown on which furnace problems generate the most service calls, which of those repairs can be performed by a DIYer and which

ones are “pro only.” that most of the problems are caused by a clogged furnace filter or any of three easy-to-fix parts—the igniter, the flame sensor and If you’re willing to risk $120 and buy all three parts ahead of time, you may be able to fix your own furnace in less than an hour and save a $125 service call. don’t fix the problem, at least you’ve replaced the most likely suspects before calling the pros. We’ll show you what the parts look like and where they’re installed on a typical furnace. every furnace brand is different. your best bet is to find a service manual for your particular furnaceWe think these repairs are relatively easy for a DIYer, but if you feel uncomfortable with any of the steps we show here, call a pro. Figure A: Where The Parts Are High-efficiency furnaces are jam-packed with valves, sensors, motors andWe’ve removed many of those larger components from this furnace

so you can see what the parts look like and where they’re located. won’t be as easy to see in your furnace. Here are some tips to help you find the igniter, flame sensor, high-limit switch and pressure switch tubing. The igniter and flame sensor are located inside a sealed combustion chamber and aren’t usually visible. But they can be replaced without removing the combustion chamber cover. If you don’t have a service manual showing their location, consult the furnace-wiring diagram to identify the wire colors for the igniter and flame sensor. To locate the sealed combustion chamber, follow the gas piping from the gas valve to a box with a cover andThen look for the wires going to the igniter and flameThe high-limit switch is usually located below the sealed combustionThe pressure switch will always have flexible tubing running to it. The igniter and the flame sensor are like tires on your car—they wear out every four to five years.

it makes sense to keep spares on hand. flame sensors cost about $50 each at appliance parts stores and furnace dealers. Or you can find them for less online. But first you’ll need the make, model number and serial number of your furnace. Find all that information on the manufacturer’s10 ton ac rooftop unit Then contact an authorized furnace dealer orlg ductless portable air conditioner visit a local appliance parts store and buy the parts.how to install a ac unit in a pop up camper Some furnace dealers won’t give out parts numbers or sell parts to DIYers. And appliance parts stores don’t always stock parts for every brand. case, search the Internet for “furnace parts” and

enter your furnace brand and model number to find Shut Off The Power! All furnaces have a power cutoff switch inside the blower compartment that disconnects power to the furnace controls when the front panel isBut there’s still power coming into the furnace, so always turn off the furnace power at the switch on the side of the furnace and at the circuit breaker panel before disconnecting any wires, or testing/replacingAnd never run the furnace with the front panel off. Check the power, then the filter Repair experts tell us that they often show up at a residence only to find that the unit isn’t getting power because of a tripped breaker or a flipped switch. So check that first. switch on the side of your furnace, and flip the breaker off and on again before you even think about replacing any parts. Next, check the filter. A clogged air filter restricts airflow through the heat exchanger, causing the furnace to overheat.

The high-limit switch detects the dangerous overheating and signals the computer to shut off the burners and run the blower fan to cool off the heat exchanger. cools, the computer tries to fire up again. But if the filter remains clogged and the furnace overheats four or more times (the actual number varies by manufacturer), the computer will shut down the furnace until it’s repaired. If the filter is filthy, you’ve most likely discovered the causeReplace it with a new one. Then reset the furnaceIf the furnace won’t restart, the repeated overheating may have damaged the high-limit switch. wiring diagram on the furnace door or your service manual toThen test it (Photo 3). If the switch is bad, remove the retaining screws and pull it out of the heat exchanger, noting the position of the sensor. switch with the sensor facing as it was. Leave These Repairs to the Pros Replacing an inducer fan motor looks like a simple job.

But the fan requires special sealants and procedures to ensure it doesn’t leak any carbon monoxide into your home. Screw this up and you could kill somebody. Leave this one to the pros. Replacing a gas valve isn’t difficult—it just screws into place. But you can’t install a new one without calibrating it to your home’s gas pressure and your furnace specifications. And that’s going to require a service call from a trained expert with the proper equipment. Don’t think you’ll save money by slapping one in yourself and skipping the calibration, because improper calibration can burn up your heat exchanger, fill it with soot, run up your gas bill or all of the above. Video: 6 Tips for Furnace Troubleshooting Replacing the igniter and flame sensor Most high-efficiency furnaces use a “hot surface” igniter that heats up to 1,800 degrees F to light the burners. the burners then heat a flame sensor. The furnace’s computer uses the signal

from the flame sensor to confirm a successful ignition and turn off the igniter. However, over time, the constant heat/cool cycles cause the igniter to crack andAnd the flame sensor can develop surface corrosion, causing it to send an incorrect signal to the computer. can simply wear out. The igniter can be held in place either by screws or by a snap-clip arrangement. Use a lighted flexible mirror to discover the method used on your furnace. remove the screws or unsnap the retainer and remove the old igniter. care when you install the new igniter—it’s brittle and can crack or shatter easily Next, remove the flame sensor. sensor element is covered with corrosion and you don’t mind replacing the sensor later, you can try cleaning it (Photo 5). Otherwise, just replace it. One last preventive measure Condensing gas furnaces attain their efficiency by extracting water from the from that exhaust can form in the pressure