A furnace is an important element for homeowners, especially those who live in cold places. Even for people living in warm areas, a furnace is critical during the winter season. While most homeowners know a few things about the parts of a furnace, they may be unfamiliar with the control board and its importance in a furnace. A furnace control board is among the critical parts that help a furnace function properly since it acts as the brain of the whole unit. This article will help you understand a furnace control board, its roles, faults, and when to repair it.
Furnace Control Board
A furnace control board is a small but critical part of a furnace located inside the furnace. It is the system control unit that commands all the furnace’s operations. It is connected to different switches and sensors to help it monitor and control all processes to ensure they function as required. It helps the furnace keep heating safely and efficiently.
Roles of a Control Board
A control board has many roles in the furnace and air unit, the main ones being to receive input from sensors and thermostats, decide based on data received, and send those messages to other components throughout the system. For example, the igniter cannot function without the help of a control board since it receives instructions from it. It also monitors sensors and identifies signs of trouble to ensure that the furnace functions safely. For instance, it uses information from the flame sensor to prevent the gas valve from staying open when the igniter has failed. It makes sure your home’s thermostat is powered. It also stores error codes when a particular sensor reports a potential problem.
Common Control Board Faults
A faulty control board can significantly affect the functions of a furnace. Failure to receive power or output power prevents the furnace from working. Most control board faults originate from power problems. Transformer failure can prevent proper power output from interrupting the functions of the furnace. A control board can fail due to the aging of some parts, including the relay and transistor. These components wear out after years of heating and cooling.
Repairing Faulty Control Board
A furnace control board has a vital role in furnace operations, and any malfunction can lead to major issues. To avoid major problems and the need to replace the whole board, control board furnace repairs should be done as soon as the fault is recognized. If your furnace cannot turn on or respond when the thermostat requires heat, this means it is not sending messages and needs to be repaired. In case the blower fan fails to shut off when the furnace is not producing heat, the control board is not sending a signal to turn off. Delayed ignition may also be a sign of a control board fault. Have a professional check and repair your heating and cooling system if you notice any of the above signs.
In conclusion, furnace replacement might be expensive, and that is why you need to understand its components, how they work, and the common faults to repair it before it is too late. Being the brain of the furnace, the control board is vital, and any fault should be dealt with immediately. Talk to a professional in HVAC systems to guide you on when to repair or replace your furnace.