Why does my furnace limit switch keep tripping?

If the air inside your furnace gets too hot, the limit switch trips to prevent overheating. If the furnace high limit switch trips due to overheating, there is likely an airflow issue that is preventing proper air movement through the system. Check your air filter, and replace it if dirty.

What causes draft inducer motor failure?





Most inducer motors failures are simply attributed to the older age of the furnace. In most cases, the internal bearings wear out and since the unit is a sealed unit, there is no way to repair the original motor. Instead the unit is simply replaced with a new one.

What does limit switch on inducer motor do?

Safety: As a safety device, the role of a limit switch is to shut off the gas supply to the furnace burners, to prevent furnace and heat exchanger overheating. The limit switch shuts down the furnace burners if the heat exchanger gets too hot, which can crack heat exchanger pipes and ruin the furnace.

Why am I not getting power to my inducer motor?

Bad furnace control board



If the inducer motor isn’t getting power, then it could be an issue with the furnace control board. The control board is responsible for turning on and providing power to the inducer motor.

How do you know if a limit switch is bad?

The most common sign of a malfunctioning limit switch is the continuous operation of your furnace’s blower. Just as the limit switch won’t allow the fan to turn on until the warm air has reached the right temperature, the limit switch also shuts down when the air cools to a certain temperature.

How much does it cost to replace a limit switch on a furnace?





You’ll need to get a limit switch from the same company that makes your furnace. This component could cost anywhere from $4 to $25, depending on your original equipment manufacturer.

How do I know if my draft inducer motor is bad?

Tapping noises are one of the most common signs of a bad inducer motor. These noises may be the result of dirt or soot collecting around the fan shaft. They might also come from the bearing in the motor clicking together. Vibrating noises are another sign of a bad inducer motor.

How much does it cost to replace a draft inducer motor?

Your furnace’s draft inducer motor removes toxic gases like carbon monoxide from the heat exchanger. The average cost to repair or replace a draft inducer motor is $200–$1,500.

How long should a draft inducer motor last?

A: On average, you can expect a well-built inducer motor to last around 20 years.

How do you test a furnace draft inducer?



The Easy Guide to Diagnosing a Bad Furnace Inducer Motor

  1. Power to the furnace control board.
  2. Thermostat signals the call for heat.
  3. Inducer motor kicks on.
  4. Pressure switch proves the inducer operates correctly.
  5. Ignitor activates.
  6. Gas valve energizes.
  7. Flame pours across burners.
  8. Flame sensor proves all burners are lit.

How do you jump an inducer motor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So by having a jumper from R to W I'm basically bypassing the thermostat. And if I turn my furnace power switch back on. That will start my heating.

What happens when inducer motor fails?

One of the first indications of a bad draft inducer motor is likely to be the sound it makes. A failing inducer motor may create a noise shortly after a heating cycle begins. This could be a tapping noise, or a humming or whirring sound.

What conditions can cause the limit switch to open during furnace operation?



Airflow issues usually cause a high limit switch to trip out. With less airflow going through your furnace, the heat exchanger excessively heats up and causes the limit switch to trip. Airflow issues can be caused by many different things such as: Dirty air filter.

How do you fix an open limit switch on a furnace?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Install the new limit switch and secure it into place. Next connect the wires. Now replace the upper. Cover. Next open the gas valve. Now turn on the power to your furnace.

What causes high limit switch?

The limit switch has two main components: a long temperature sensor located inside the furnace, and a switch mounting plate located on the outside of the furnace. One of the most common causes of high temperature limit switch failure is improper furnace maintenance, especially dirty air filters.

How do you test a limit switch on a furnace?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Set your volt meter on ohms. Take your two probes and touch these two contacts. And if it's good it will say zero. Any other reading then it means this upper limit switch is bad.

Can a furnace limit switch go bad?



Like any other part in your HVAC system, the high limit switch can wear out over time. One of the most common issues that happens when a high limit switch goes bad is that it fails to signal the blower fan to turn off.

How much does a limit switch cost?

Average Cost of a New Furnace Limit Switch



You will need to buy a high limit switch that is produced by the same manufacturer as your furnace unit. Depending on who your OEM is, this component could roughly cost you anywhere from $4 to $25.

What does it mean when a furnace is short cycling?

Short cycling is when the furnace turns on for a short period of time but then turns off. This start-and-stop cycle can keep your home from properly warming up and may also damage your furnace itself.

How do I fix my short cycling furnace?

A dirty air filter is the most common cause of short-cycling. If your air filter is clogged with dirt, it won’t allow proper air flow to the heat exchanger. That can cause the furnace to overheat and forces the high limit switch to ride to the rescue by shutting the furnace off.

Can a bad thermostat cause short cycling?



Your thermostat could also cause the HVAC system to cycle on and off rapidly, a process known as short cycling. Your furnace or central air conditioner spends a good amount of energy simply turning on and off, which is why you want yours to run for at least 15 minutes at a time before shutting off.

How do you fix short cycling?

How To Stop and Prevent Short-Cycling

  1. Check your air filter. Believe it or not, a clogged air filter can cause a wide variety of air conditioning issues. …
  2. Check your thermostat placement. …
  3. Check your air conditioner’s refrigerant levels. …
  4. Replace the low-pressure control switch. …
  5. Check the compressor.


Can low Freon cause short cycling?

Freon is gone.



Another common cause of short cycling is low levels of refrigerant. Like a clogged air filter, low refrigerant can produce excess stress on your AC system and make it work harder. And it also causes overheating, which could lead to the frequent turning on and off.

How do I know if my heat pump is short cycling?

Short cycling occurs when your heat pump automatically shuts off before completing its full heating (or cooling) cycle. This means your system constantly runs in its start-up phase, rather than at its optimal efficiency level.