How Do I Get My Furnace Outs of Lockout Mode?
A perfect way to relax during the cold weather is to have a hot coffee and enjoy the warmth inside your home. Suddenly, your furnace stops working and ruins your relaxation time. Thankfully, we at BAP Heating & Cooling are here to help…
Understanding Furnace Lockout Mode
If your furnace has stopped suddenly, try switching it on to check its efficiency. Generally, it will start working, but when the sensor in the furnace detects any burnout or unsafe condition, it shuts down to protect the unit from any damage.
Furnaces observe the entire heating cycle to keep you protected from any hazards or ensure safe operating conditions.
The sensors present in furnaces also check the ventilation system and blower door state. If a sensor senses something unusual other than the normal condition of the system, it completely shuts down the entire HVAC system. This state is known as the furnace ignition lockout.
Why is My Furnace in Lockout Mode?
Furnaces observe the entire heating cycle to keep you protected from any hazards or ensure safe operating conditions. The sensors present in furnaces also check the ventilation system and blower door state.
There are only a few conditions that can cause the shutdown of the complete system.
- Defective Flame Sensor: One of the most common causes of lockouts. When your furnace begins to start, the sensor checks for the presence of fire. If the sensor is faulty or dirty, it won’t detect the flame, and the controller will stop the ignition sequence. Most modern furnaces allow two more attempts before going into lockout.
- Faulty Igniter: Another common cause is the igniter not activating. If the igniter does not activate within a couple of seconds, the flame sensor won’t detect the flame, and the controller will stop the furnace from starting. After the third attempt, the furnace will go into lockout.
- Limit Switch Response: The limit switch monitors heat exchanger temperatures and fuel pressure. If the temperature is too high or the pressure too low, the limit switch will close, instructing the furnace to shut down and enter lockout mode. A dirty filter can also cause the limit switch to trip by reducing airflow.
What Can Be Done To Get Your Furnace Outs of Lockout Mode?
- Check for the replacement of faulty flame sensors.
- Cleaning the air filter will help avoid clogging.
- Always check for ducts if they are damaged or working efficiently.
- If you are sure that none of the other factors are, so Reset The Furnace.
A Pre-Checklist To Consider Before A Lockout Reset
Lockout Reset requires special skills and tools. Before going for a reset, you must fulfill the below conditions:
- Treat the issue that led to the furnace lockout.
- Ensure that the furnace is shut and is in lockout mode only and not due to any other fault in the system.
- If the problem is not solved yet, you need to contact an HVAC specialist.
Contact our skilled technicians for furnace repair in Cambridge, Ontario.
How To Reset The Furnace?
When a furnace is locked out, it stays that way until someone resets it. No matter the cause, you need to perform a reset procedure to get out of the lockout.
Modern Gas Furnaces Can Be Reset By Following These Three Steps:
- Turn Off, wait for 20 seconds, and Turn on.
- While it depends on the model, a few furnaces take 1-2 hours to come out of the lockout mode.
- If your furnace has a pilot light, make sure you light it following the manufacturer’s instructions.
You can Manually Reset a Furnace with These Four Steps:
- Turn off the power to the furnace.
- Wait for about 20 seconds.
- Turn the power back on.
- Follow any specific manufacturer instructions for relighting the pilot light or resetting the system.
Preventing Furnace Lockout
To avoid furnace lockouts in the future, consider these maintenance tips:
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure all sensors and components are functioning correctly.
- Clean or Replace Filters: Dirty filters can reduce airflow and cause the limit switch to trip. Regularly clean or replace filters to maintain efficient operation.
- Inspect Vent Pipes: Check vent pipes for debris and obstructions and clear any blockages.
Contact B.A.P. Heating & Cooling Services
There are multiple issues where you may require help from skilled HVAC technicians. We are known for our top quality, great customer service and timely services. Send your request to us online, or call us immediately, if you want to receive a quick quote.
