If your electric furnace is blowing a fuse repeatedly when turning on, your first step should be to call in an experienced HVAC repair professional. It is possible that the problem could stem from your electrical system rather than the furnace itself, but your HVAC system is the best place to start.
Electric furnace problems can be tricky to fix because there are so many possible causes. And because your furnace turns on and off, and it might not happen every time, it can require time to get to the bottom of the issue that’s causing the fuse to blow. Pay attention to the details; they can aid in helping a technician discover the problem.
The top causes of electric furnace problems include:
Clogged filter
If your furnace’s air filter hasn’t been changed in a while, it may be clogged with dust and debris. Eventually the dirt backs up enough to cause problems with the blower motor, making it overheat. As this happens, the fuse will burn out and possibly catch fire.
Loose wire
Every time your furnace turns on and off, it shakes and rattles from the movement. Over time, internal wires can loosen to the point it causes a short. Fixing the problem is as simple as finding the loose wire. A regular inspection and tune up can help alleviate this problem.
Wrong fuse
Have you had this problem even after a checkup by another HVAC technician? It may be that technician did less than stellar work. They may have installed a fuse that was too small to handle the capacity of your system.
Dirty fuse
If you haven’t had your system maintained in a few year, parts could be dirty. When a fuse is covered in dirt and grime, it can no longer operate as required.
Faulty starting capacitor
If the starting capacitor is failing, it can cause problems with your system. Replacing the capacitor is an inexpensive fix to solve the problem.
Bad blower motor
A blower motor that is failing can also blow a fuse. It cause strain against the motor and draw too much power, which causes the system to short.
Thermostat control wire
DIYers often try and handle things on their own. If someone pokes around your furnace and isn’t careful, they may loosen wires from the furnace’s wire frame, causing them to short and blow a fuse on the control board.
Electric furnace problems can be frustrating, especially when they come at the worst time. There are many different causes that can be difficult to diagnose and solve. But with a little TLC and regular maintenance, the problem can be solved quickly.
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