Consulting with American Home Water and Air (AHWA), a reputed HVAC service provider, we examined some of the common problems with an electric furnace that a homeowner might experience. You can read on to go over our findings, or visit AHWA to read about the differences in gas and electric furnaces.
Here are the 5 most common problems with an electric furnace:
1. Thermostat Issues
If the thermostat is not working properly, the furnace may not turn on, may not reach the desired temperature, or may cycle on and off too frequently. This can be caused by a dead battery, a loose wire, a dirty or damaged thermostat, or a malfunctioning thermostat control.
To correct this issue, the thermostat should be checked and cleaned, connections should be tightened, and the battery should be replaced, if necessary. In the event of a failed thermostat, it may need to be replaced. This might be a great time to upgrade to a smart thermostat for added heating efficiency options.
2. Blown Fuse or Tripped Circuit Breaker
A blown fuse or tripped breaker is a common reason for why your furnace may not turn on. This can be caused by a power surge, an electrical problem with the furnace, or overloading the circuit. To correct this issue, the fuse should be replaced, or the circuit breaker should be reset.
3. Malfunctioning Heating Elements
If the heating elements are not working properly, the furnace may not produce enough heat, may not turn on, or may produce heat unevenly. This can be caused by a broken heating element, a damaged control board, or a problem with the electrical supply. To correct this issue, the heating elements may need to be replaced or the control board should be inspected and repaired, if necessary.
4. Fan Problems
If the fan is not working properly, the furnace may not circulate air effectively, causing uneven heating or reduced efficiency. This can be caused by a dirty or damaged fan, a faulty fan motor, or a problem with the fan control. To correct this issue, the fan should be cleaned. The fan motor and fan control should also be inspected and replaced if issues are found.
5. Dirty Air Filter
If the air filter is dirty, it can cause obstructions to any air flowing into the furnace, causing it to work harder and less efficiently. This can be caused by not changing the air filter often enough, or by not using the correct type of filter for the furnace.
To correct this issue, the air filter should be replaced, and the correct type of filter should be used. This can be prevented by changing the air filter regularly and using the correct type of filter for the furnace.
Different Types of Air Filters
There are different types of filters that may work better for your home, depending on your needs. Here are the most common ones used:
- Fiberglass filters: These are the most basic type of air filter and are made of a thin layer of fiberglass fibers. They are cheap and readily available but do not offer much filtration, so they need to be changed frequently.
- Pleated filters: These filters have a deeper and wider filter media, which increases the amount of dirt, dust, and other contaminants they can trap. They are more efficient than fiberglass filters, but still need to be changed every three months.
- Washable filters: These filters can be cleaned and reused, which makes them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. However, they are not as efficient as pleated filters and may not trap all types of contaminants.
- HEPA filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters are the most efficient type of air filter and can trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including allergens, bacteria, and viruses. They are more expensive than other types of filters but are ideal for people with allergies or other respiratory problems.
Which Air Filter is Best?
The best type of air filter will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you have allergies or other respiratory problems, a HEPA filter is the best option. If you want a filter that is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, a washable filter is a good choice. And if you want a filter that is efficient but still needs to be changed regularly, a pleated filter is a good option.
Air Filter Sizes
To determine the size of the air filter your electric furnace uses, you can check the following:
- Owner’s manual: The owner’s manual for your furnace should include the size of the air filter it uses.
- Furnace label: The label on the furnace itself may include the size of the air filter it uses.
- Manufacturer’s website: If you can’t find the information in the owner’s manual or on the furnace label, you can check the manufacturer’s website for the specifications of your furnace.
- Measure the filter slot: If you don’t have access to the information from the above sources, you can measure the size of the filter slot in the furnace. Measure the height, width, and thickness of the slot, and use those measurements to purchase the correct size air filter.
It’s important to use the correct size air filter for your furnace, as using the wrong size can reduce the efficiency of the furnace or even cause it to overheat.
How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?
The frequency at which you should change the air filter in your electric furnace depends on several factors, including:
- Use: The more you use your furnace, the more often you will need to change the air filter. If you run your furnace frequently, you may need to change the filter every month. If you use your furnace less frequently, you can change the filter quarterly.
- Air quality: If you have pets or live in an area with high levels of pollution or allergens, you may need to change the air filter more frequently to maintain good indoor air quality.
- Filter type: Different types of filters have different lifespans, with basic fiberglass filters needing to be changed more frequently and more efficient filters lasting longer.
It’s important to change the air filter in your electric furnace regularly to maintain good indoor air quality and to ensure that the furnace is operating efficiently. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to work harder, which can increase your energy bills and reduce the lifespan of the furnace.
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