{"id":699,"date":"2011-12-05T08:00:39","date_gmt":"2011-12-05T13:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boehmerheating.com\/blog\/?p=699"},"modified":"2011-11-30T08:52:10","modified_gmt":"2011-11-30T13:52:10","slug":"a-question-from-allison-park-hampton-how-do-i-check-a-gas-furnace-draft-pressure-switch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boehmerheating.com\/blog\/heating\/a-question-from-allison-park-hampton-how-do-i-check-a-gas-furnace-draft-pressure-switch\/","title":{"rendered":"A Question from Allison Park-Hampton: How Do I Check a Gas Furnace Draft Pressure Switch?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are many reasons why a furnace<\/a> stops working and in many cases, an Allison Park-Hampton\u00a0homeowner can perform some simple diagnostics to pinpoint the problem. Finding the problem is one thing \u2013 fixing it is another. When in doubt, don\u2019t try it yourself. Call a qualified heating contractor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But let\u2019s look at one possible problem and solution you may be able to perform yourself \u2013 testing the draft pressure switch. The draft pressure switch on a gas furnace allows an electrical current to pass through to ignite the furnace. The pressure switch monitors the draft conditions and won\u2019t allow the furnace\u2019s gas valve to open unless draft is correct.<\/p>\n

If the switch is malfunctioning, so too will (or will not) the furnace.<\/p>\n

The best way to locate the switch is by consulting with your owner\u2019s manual or by going online and simply typing in the words \u201cgas furnace draft switch.\u201d It is identifiable by its round size and is bolted to the outside of the furnace. It should be nearby the draft inducer motor because the two are connected by a metal tube. The tube may sometimes be the culprit, too. A tube that is blocked with condensation may cause the switch to go bad.<\/p>\n

To check for proper function, first turn off power to the furnace, either by shutting down the \u2018on\u2019 switch at the furnace or shutting off the circuit breaker.<\/p>\n

Use a volt ohm meter to check if the switch is opening and closing properly. Start by zeroing out the meter\u2019s probes by touching the tips together. Using the dial (could be analog or digital), set the meter to 24 volts. Ground the black probe by attaching it to any metal part of the furnace. Then place the end of the red probe on the metal tube connecting the draft pressure switch to the draft inducer motor.<\/p>\n

If the switch is working properly the meter should read at least 24 volts, or very near that. If the reading is short of 24 volts, the switch is not working correctly. At that point you may decide to replace it or call a professional to do the task (recommended).<\/p>\n

Always remember that there are many sources which will help you diagnose and repair a problem, especially those available through the Internet. If you search YouTube.com you will find many videos advising you on how to repair certain components. Use all of the resources available to you and keep the phone number of a qualified and professional heating and cooling contractor nearby.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are many reasons why a furnace stops working and in many cases, an Allison Park-Hampton homeowner can perform some simple diagnostics to pinpoint the problem. Finding the problem is one thing \u2013 fixing it is another.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[110,178,152,177,80,273,74],"class_list":["post-699","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-heating","tag-allegheny-county","tag-allison-park-hampton","tag-furnaces","tag-gas-furnaces","tag-green-tree-scott","tag-heating","tag-south-hills"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t