Several important heating and air components in your home rely on electricity as part of their power sources, even those that sometimes use gas as their actual fuel. A great example here is your furnace, which needs electricity for basic operations even if it’s a gas-burning model – and no matter which fuel type your furnace uses, there are a few electrical issues that may interrupt operations occasionally. 

At Lee’s Heating and Air, we’re happy to provide quality heating and air conditioning repair and installation services across Salt Lake City, Provo, American Fork and nearby areas, including furnace repair for any issue that you’re dealing with this winter. Here are some examples of electrical issues that can sometimes arise with furnaces, including gas-powered models, plus how to handle them – either on your own or with the help of our HVAC professionals wherever needed. 

Electrical Shorts

Because your home’s electrical system is responsible for providing basic power to your furnace, finding out that there’s an issue with this system is likely the first thing you’ll do if your furnace stops working. One common cause of such issues is an electrical short, which could be caused by any number of things – from faulty wiring to loose connections in the breaker box or elsewhere.

To start troubleshooting this issue on your own, begin by inspecting your furnace’s wiring to see if there are any obvious signs of damage that could be causing the electrical short. Check for exposed wires, frayed ends or scorch marks around connections – all potential causes of a short. If you don’t notice anything obvious here, it may be time to contact an HVAC professional.

If you do identify such types of issues, however, make sure to turn off your furnace’s power before attempting any repairs – you don’t want to get electrocuted. Once the power is shut off, try repairing or replacing the damaged wiring and then restore power to see if this fixed the issue.

Power Supply Issues

Another common cause of electrical problems with furnaces is a problem with their main power supply. If your furnace isn’t receiving enough power or is getting too much, this will likely result in some kind of malfunction – and while it’s possible to fix certain types of electric supply issues on your own, others may require professional assistance.

For example, you could start by checking the furnace’s power cord for any signs of wear or damage. If there are none, check the circuit breaker box to see if the furnace’s circuit has been tripped. If it has, try resetting it and see if this fixes the problem.

If neither of these steps helps, however, you may need to contact a professional HVAC technician who can further troubleshoot your furnace’s power supply issues and fix them accordingly.

Airflow Trouble

If there isn’t enough airflow within your furnace, this will strain the component as it looks to bring more air into the system. The end result could be an electrical issue – for example, the furnace’s motor may overheat and shut off as a safety measure.

To troubleshoot this problem, begin by checking your furnace’s air filters – they may simply need to be cleaned or replaced. If this doesn’t help, it could be due to an issue with the blower fan or other internal components that require professional repair.

Thermostat Connections

Another important electrical connection that could impact your furnace’s performance? The thermostat. If there are issues with the wiring connecting the furnace to your thermostat, this could result in unreliable temperature control or other problems.

To check for this problem, remove the cover from your thermostat and inspect its internal wiring – be sure to turn off power before doing so. Look for any loose or damaged connections and try fixing them if possible, or contact a professional for assistance.

Overall, there are several electrical issues that can potentially impact your furnace’s performance, but many of them can be resolved with proper troubleshooting and maintenance. Remember to always prioritize safety when dealing with any type of electrical problem and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. By taking care of these issues promptly and effectively, you’ll ensure that your furnace keeps running smoothly and efficiently throughout the winter season. 

So don’t hesitate to reach out to Lee’s Heating and Air for all your heating and air conditioning needs – we’re always here to help, whether you’re in SLC, Provo, American Fork or any nearby area.