Most Boise, ID, residents don’t give much thought to their home’s furnace unless there is a problem, let alone their furnace pressure switch. If this sounds like you, there is a good chance you are not alone. But this humble machine keeps your home warm and comfortable during those cold Boise winters and learning more about it can keep your system in good condition.
At Express Plumbing, Heating and Air, we take pride in helping our customers understand their HVAC, from individual components to complete systems. Read on to learn more about furnace pressure switch replacement, and whether it’s time for an entirely new furnace. Let’s take a look.
Understanding Your Furnace’s Pressure Switch and Its Role in Heating
Before we can get into the details of pressure switch furnace troubleshooting, let’s learn more about how a pressure switch works in a furnace.
What is a furnace pressure switch?
Your furnace’s pressure switch is a safety component. You can find it near the furnace motor. The switch’s purpose is to sense negative pressure created by your draft inducer motor. If it detects negative pressure, the switch will shut down the furnace, preventing hazardous exhaust fumes from feeding back into the system, known as backdrafting.
The pressure switch keeps you safe by protecting against dangerous gas leaks and carbon monoxide exposure, and it will also stop your furnace from continuing to cycle in the event of a mechanical failure.
Signs of a failing pressure switch
What are the signs of a failing pressure switch? There are a few common furnace pressure switch issues you can look out for. If your furnace isn’t turning on, it’s probably a pressure switch issue. The same goes for furnaces which continuously cycle on and off. If you notice that the furnace blower is running, but the furnace isn’t producing heat, it could be another sign of a failing pressure switch.
Another common symptom is if your furnace pressure switch is stuck open, or if the furnace starts normally, but shuts off after just a few minutes of operation. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to contact a furnace repair pro.
Why Replacing a Faulty Pressure Switch Can Prevent a Heating Emergency
We all know how chilly the supposedly ‘mild’ winters of Boise can really be. And when it’s in the low 30s outside, the last thing you need is your furnace shutting down. Replacing a faulty pressure switch can help you avoid winter emergency furnace repair.
What happens if you ignore a faulty pressure switch?
If you don’t address a bad pressure switch, you run the risk of a heating system failure during the cold days of winter. There are safety concerns, such as the risk of carbon monoxide buildup in your home due to improper ventilation. Continuing to use a furnace with a faulty pressure switch also puts excess strain on the other furnace components. This can ultimately lead to a much higher cost to repair your furnace, or even force you to install a new heating system.
How a timely pressure switch replacement saves you money
When you replace a bad pressure switch promptly, you’ll save money. It prevents further damage to the rest of your furnace assembly, saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars in potential damage. It also extends the service life of the heating system, meaning you can go longer before replacing it. Plus, a properly functioning pressure switch reduces energy bills by ensuring energy-efficient furnace operation.
Should You Replace the Pressure Switch or the Entire Furnace?
One question our team receives all the time is whether a customer can simply replace their faulty pressure switch, or if they need to replace the entire furnace. The answer? It depends.
When a pressure switch replacement is enough
Understanding when to replace a pressure switch instead of the whole furnace will save you money. Generally, a pressure switch replacement is enough when:
- The furnace is less than 10-15 years old.
- No other major heating issues are present.
- The system has been regularly maintained.
When you should consider a full furnace replacement
Unfortunately, a pressure switch replacement doesn’t always address the root cause of furnace issues. You may need to make the investment in a full furnace replacement if the pressure switch is faulty and:
- The furnace is over 15-20 years old.
- You’re having frequent furnace breakdowns and paying for costly repairs.
- The furnace is inefficient and struggling to heat the home effectively.
DIY vs. Professional Pressure Switch Replacement
How do you replace a pressure switch? Is it a DIY-friendly task? Let’s find out.
Can you replace a pressure switch yourself?
As furnace repair jobs go, replacing a pressure switch is fairly straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Cut the power to your furnace.
Step 2: Disconnect the wiring and the hose from your existing pressure switch.
Step 3: Remove the old pressure switch from its mounting bracket (or remove the entire bracket and switch together) with a screwdriver.
Step 4: Install and secure the new switch to the assembly, using either the old bracket or the one attached to your new switch.
Step 5: Reconnect the hose and wires to the new switch.
Step 6: Restore power to your furnace and test the system to see if it works normally.
As you can see, it’s a fairly simple process — but it’s not without risk. Replacing a pressure switch yourself can be dangerous for people who don’t have experience working on furnaces. You run the risk of electric shock, and an incorrect installation can cause severe damage to your furnace, or even cause gas leaks and backdrafts in your heating system. For this reason, we recommend leaving this job to the professionals.
Why hiring an HVAC professional is the best choice
By hiring a certified HVAC technician to replace your faulty pressure switch, you guarantee an accurate diagnosis of the issue and proper installation of the new part. Your technician will also take the time to inspect the furnace’s other components and make necessary repairs, such as replacing a faulty limit switch, if needed.
Service Area – Expert Furnace Repair and Replacement Near You
If you’re looking for expert furnace repair near you, Express Plumbing, Heating and Air is here to help.
Areas we serve
Our team is proud to serve Boise, Idaho, as well as the surrounding areas, assisting customers across the region with all of their furnace repair, plumbing, and HVAC needs.
Contact Express Plumbing for Furnace Repairs
If you’re in need of furnace repairs in the Boise area, Express Plumbing, Heating and Air is here to help. Our team is made up of skilled and experienced certified HVAC technicians who pride themselves on quick work, transparent pricing, and quality workmanship. So whether you need emergency furnace repairs, routine part replacement, or a simple home heating tune-up, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
