High Efficiency Furnace Troubleshooting
High efficiency furnaces are measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, which determines the amount of fuel that's converted into heat by the furnace. In 1992, the United States Department of Energy instituted new standards that required furnaces to meet an AFUE rating of 78 percent or more. Most high efficiency furnaces offer an AFUE rating of 90 percent or more and should operate well with standard maintenance. If problems occur with the furnace, troubleshooting methods may be useful in determining a solution. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Verify that the furnace is connected to a grounded power supply if it's not functioning. Check the fuse or circuit breaker and replace or reset as needed.
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Check the thermostat to ensure the thermostat is set to "Heat" and the temperature is placed at a temperature higher than the current room temperature if the furnace has power but isn't heating as anticipated.
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Turn off and unplug the furnace if the unit is not operating well. Open the main access panel and remove the air filter. If the filter is disposable, replace the filter with a new one, available at most hardware stores. If the filter is permanent, wash the filter with cold water and dish washing liquid and rinse until the water runs clear. Set the filter in a dry place to air dry completely before returning the filter to its position in the furnace.
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Examine the blower wheel if the furnace is running poorly and use a soft brush or cloth to remove excess dirt from the area. Clean the pilot assembly area and flame sensor as well.
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Ensure the thermocouple bracket surrounds the pilot light evenly if the furnace seems to heat unevenly. Check the condensate pump and empty the reservoir if it's full with water. Clean the condensate drain trap to remove sediment.
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Contact a service technician if the above methods don't fix the situation.
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References
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